Yeondeunghoe Robot Monks: Practical Viewing Tips From the 2026 Lantern Parade

The 2026 Yeondeunghoe lantern parade drew extra attention because four humanoid “robot monks” joined the procession through central Seoul. For readers looking for Yeondeunghoe Viewing Tips, the robot monks are a useful lens for understanding where the main action happened, how the parade moved, and what visitors needed to plan around.

The main lantern parade took place on May 16, 2026, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., running from Heunginjimun through Jongno to Jogyesa, as listed by the Yeondeunghoe Preservation Committee’s official schedule page.¹ Because that date has now passed, the details below are best read as a practical record of how the 2026 robot monk parade unfolded and as planning context for future Yeondeunghoe visits.

What Made the 2026 Robot Monks Notable

The robot monks were not a side display separated from the parade. They were reported as part of the Yeondeunghoe procession itself, appearing alongside ordinary citizens, foreign visitors, and Buddhist groups in the Jongno area. MBC reported that about 50,000 participants marched with 100,000 lanterns, following a route of about 4.5 km from Heunginjimun, past Tapgol Park, and toward Jogyesa.²

The robot presence had several layers. Newsis reported that four robot monks, two autonomous robots called “Newbie,” and Dongguk University’s AI robot “Hyean Seunim” took part in the 2026 lantern procession.³ MBC identified four robot monks as Gabi, Seokga, Mohui, and Nisa, while Edaily later reported the names as Gabi, Seokja, Mohui, and Nisa in its coverage of the technical support behind the parade.²⁴ The shared point across reports is clear: four humanoid robot monks marched with lanterns, supported by autonomous robots.

The most publicized figure was Gabi. ChosunBiz reported that on May 6, 2026, at Jogyesa in Seoul, a humanoid robot G1 received the Dharma name “Gabi” during a Buddhist precepts ceremony. Instead of holding incense, a Yeondeunghoe sticker was attached to the robot’s arm, and the ritual included placing a 108-bead prayer necklace on it.⁵ The Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism described the symbolism as showing that “technology also should be used upon the values of compassion, wisdom, and responsibility.”⁵

Best Viewing Logic: Route, Stations, and Movement

For visitors, the most important planning point was the route. The official guidance placed the 2026 parade on the Heunginjimun-Jongno-Jogyesa corridor and recommended viewing near Dongdaemun Station, Jongno 5-ga Station, Jongno 3-ga Station, and Jonggak Station.¹ Those stations matter because the parade stretched across a long central Seoul route rather than gathering in one fixed plaza.

The official site also advised subway use because bus travel was difficult during traffic controls on the event day.¹ Newsis carried a similar public-transport message, quoting a Yeondeunghoe Preservation Committee official asking visitors to “avoid using private cars as much as possible and use public transportation.”³ For foreign visitors, this meant the simplest approach was not to chase the procession by road. Picking one subway-accessible viewing area along Jongno would have been the clearest strategy.

If the goal was specifically to see the robot monks, the most reliable general tactic would have been to stand somewhere along the official procession route rather than only near a side event. Reports placed the robot monks inside the procession, with Dong-A Ilbo saying the four humanoid robot monks, including Gabi, marched in front of the organizing committee delegation.⁶ MBC also reported that the four robot monks and two autonomous robots moved with lanterns in the parade.²

Because the sources do not provide a minute-by-minute position for the robots, no exact best corner or timestamp can be confirmed. What can be said is that the robot monks were connected to the main May 16 evening parade, not just the May 17 cultural booths. Visitors trying to identify them would have needed patience, a clear view of the procession lane, and enough time to watch multiple groups pass.

What Else Happened Around the Robot Monk Theme

The robot monks were part of a larger 2026 Yeondeunghoe program held in central Seoul on May 16 and 17. Newsis reported that about 100,000 people, including children, teenagers, and foreign participants, were expected to take part across the festival.³ Dong-A Ilbo described Yeondeunghoe as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage event and reported that on May 17, about 70 groups operated 129 booths on Ujeongguk-ro in front of Jogyesa. Activities included Seon meditation, temple food tasting, and a lantern-making contest for foreigners.⁶

The autonomous robots added another visitor-facing element. Dong-A Ilbo reported that two autonomous robots carried messages of “healing” and “hope” and sent blessing messages to citizens.⁶ Edaily later reported that ROAS, a subsidiary of Clobot, supplied the four robot monks and supported on-site operations with staff, real-time status monitoring, and remote control for the long urban parade segment.⁴ ROAS CEO Joo Yong described the participation as “a positive example” of robots helping daily life and expanding cultural experience.⁴

Safety planning was also part of the event. Newsis reported that organizers prepared safety fences, safety staff, a comprehensive situation room, and medical and emergency support.³ For a crowded night parade involving tens of thousands of participants and moving lantern formations, those details were practical, not decorative.

작성자 소개

Patrick Choi

Administrator

모든 글 보기