Korea gears up to celebrate Buddha's birthday

(Yonhap)

With Buddha's birthday falling on Monday this year, South Korea geared up for the celebrations on Sunday.

(Yonhap)

Lotus lanterns are hung around Jogyesa, the main temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, which is situated in central Seoul.

(Yonhap)

(Yonhap)

On Sunday, children participated in a "Buddha bathing" ritual, traditionally held on the eve of Buddha's birthday. One can pay his or her respect to Buddha and celebrate his birth by bathing a statue of baby Buddha.

(Yonhap)

Calligraphy artist Kim Dong-wook performed a ceremony to celebrate Buddha's birthday at a beach in Pohang, North Gyeongsang Province. Kim drew a swastika, a Buddhist symbol of good fortune, along with the message "by the power of Buddha."