The Buddhist community in Seoul will light a giant lantern in Seoul Plaza outside City Hall at 7 p.m. on Monday ahead of the Buddha's Birthday on May 28th.

The celebratory lantern was designed based on the shape of a three-story stone pagoda supported by four lions at Hwaeom Temple in South Jeolla Province. The pagoda is National Treasure No. 35.

The lighting ceremony will also serve to celebrate the designation of the lantern-lighting ceremony as an important national intangible cultural property in April. The Buddhist event dating back to the Silla Dynasty is held to pray for peace and prosperity of the nation and good fortune on the occasion of the Buddha's Birthday.

Some 50-thousand smaller lanterns will also be lit up along streets across the capital city for the national holiday later this month.