A year in Buddhist time.
Some Korean Buddhist observances follow lunar dates. This overview explains selected occasions; it does not convert them into this year’s Gregorian dates or promise a program at every temple.
- 01Second lunar month · day 8
출가재일Renunciation Day
Commemorates the Buddha’s leaving palace life to follow a spiritual path. The Jogye Order describes it as a day for a commemorative Dharma gathering and renewed vows.
Jogye Order · Renunciation Day ↗ - 02Second lunar month · full moon (day 15)
열반재일Parinirvana Day
Marks the Buddha’s parinirvana. The Jogye Order’s introduction connects the day with reflection on impermanence; observances and teaching formats vary.
Jogye Order · Parinirvana Day ↗ - 03Fourth lunar month · day 8
부처님오신날Buddha’s Birthday
A major Korean Buddhist holiday. Bathing a baby-Buddha image is one documented observance; Yeondeunghoe, the lantern festival, takes place around this date and includes both religious and wider community participation.
UNESCO · Yeondeunghoe, the Lantern Lighting Festival ↗ - 04Seventh lunar month · day 15
백중 · 우란분절Baekjung · Ullambana
Listed by the Jogye Order among seasonal Dharma assemblies. A Jogye-affiliated temple account documents a joint memorial service on Ullambana; that example should not be treated as a universal temple script.
Jogye Order · Temple assemblies and holidays ↗ - 05Twelfth lunar month · day 8
성도재일Bodhi Day
Commemorates the Buddha’s awakening. The Jogye Order describes commemorative Dharma gatherings and practice, while the exact program is specific to each community.
Jogye Order · Bodhi Day ↗
A closer look at lantern culture
Yeondeunghoe is connected with Buddha’s Birthday, but it is not simply a permanent temple decoration or a fixed itinerary. UNESCO describes a living festival shaped by temples and communities.
Read about lanterns and Yeondeunghoe ↗Scope: selected observances named by the Jogye Order and UNESCO. This is not a complete calendar of every Buddhist school, temple or local community.