To celebrate Buddha's birthday on May 14, colourful lotus lanterns have been put up in Seoul, South Korea.

The annual lotus lantern festival is set to take place at the Jogyesa and Bongeunsa temples and along Jongno Street on May 6-8.

The Yeon Deung Hoe celebration dates back to the Unified Silla era, more than 1,300 years ago, when it was connected to the lunar calendar.

During the Goryeo dynasty (918-1392), it was turned into a festival marking Buddha's birthday. The lighting of a giant pagoda-shaped lantern in Gwanghwamun Square will launch the festival this year.