A large parade and a variety of events are marking the national holiday Buddha's Birthday.

Foreigners making lotus lanterns, a Buddhist service and other colorful activities were held from noon to seven in the evening in Seoul, including the main temple of Korea's largest Buddhist order Jogye and the the country's leading Buddhist institution of higher learning Dongguk University.

In a lantern parade beginning 7 p.m., Buddhists will hold a parade from Dongguk to the temple carrying colorful lotus lanterns.

Police closed traffic from the Bosingak belfry to Anguk-dong in downtown Seoul from nine a.m.

Traffic in the area for the parade will also be closed from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.