A Buddhist ceremony was held at Gwanghwamun Plaza on Tuesday ahead of the Buddha's Birthday on May 17th.

The nation’s Buddhist leaders, including Jogye Order head, Venerable Jaseung, took part in the ceremony during which a lantern in the shape of the Seokga Pagoda was lit. He also prayed for peace on the Korean Peninsula.

In lighting the lantern, Venerable Jaseung said the light of the mind was being lit to create a just and fair society, to restore human nature and dignity of life, and to lessen the heavy burden on peace on the Korean Peninsula.

The ceremony comes as the Lotus Lantern Festival will open on May tenth for a two-day run.

Some 50-thousand smaller lanterns were also be lit up along streets across Jongno and Cheonggye Stream to mark the national holiday next month.