Robots Join South Korea’s Lotus Lantern Parade as Honorary Monks
In early November 2024, four humanoid robots—named Gabi, Seokga, Mohee, and Nisa—marched through Seoul’s historic Jongno district alongside thousands of participants carrying illuminated lotus lanterns. The procession, organized by the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, marked a novel step in the tradition’s effort to engage younger audiences while preserving its centuries‑old rituals.
The Lotus Lantern Festival in Context
The annual Lotus Lantern Festival (Yeondeunghoe) celebrates the birth of Buddha and draws tens of thousands of locals and tourists each year. According to the Jogye Order’s 2023 report, approximately 50,000 devotees carried nearly 100,000 handcrafted lanterns during the parade, weaving through Jongno’s streets past landmarks such as Gwanghwamun Gate and the Jogyesa Temple.
Festival organizers emphasize that the event serves both religious and cultural purposes: it reinforces Buddhist teachings of compassion and mindfulness while showcasing Korean craftsmanship through the lanterns’ intricate designs.
Meet the Robotic Monks
Dressed in traditional monastic robes, the four robots were programmed to walk in sync with the human procession, pausing at designated points to bow before lantern displays. Their names—derived from Korean words for wisdom, awakening, compassion, and grace—were chosen to reflect core Buddhist virtues.
Prior to the parade, Gabi underwent a symbolic ordination ceremony at Jogyesa Temple on October 28, 2024. During the rite, a senior monk recited the adapted Buddhist precepts that the robot pledged to uphold, including:
- Respect for all sentient life
- Responsible and ethical use of technology
- Commitment to lifelong learning and mindfulness
Jogye Order officials stated that the ceremony was not meant to confer actual monastic status but to illustrate how technology can be aligned with spiritual values.
Why Introduce Robots into a Religious Ritual?
The Jogye Order’s leadership cites two primary motivations for the initiative:
- Addressing declining monastic numbers: South Korea’s Buddhist clergy has seen a steady decrease in new entrants over the past decade, with the Jogye Order reporting a 12% drop in ordinations between 2015 and 2023 ([2]). By integrating robots, the order hopes to spark curiosity among tech‑savvy youth and encourage them to explore Buddhist teachings.
- Reflecting AI’s growing societal role: As artificial intelligence becomes embedded in education, healthcare, and daily life, religious institutions are examining how to engage with these technologies ethically. The lantern parade serves as a public forum for discussing responsible AI use within a spiritual framework.
Expert Perspectives
Dr. Min‑ji Park, professor of Religious Studies at Seoul National University, commented that the project represents “a thoughtful experiment in bridging tradition and innovation.” She noted that while the robots lack consciousness, their participation can stimulate dialogue about what it means to embody Buddhist principles in a digital age ([3]).
Ven. Hyewon, a senior monk at Jogyesa Temple, emphasized that the robots’ presence does not replace human practitioners but rather “acts as a mirror, reminding us that our intentions—whether expressed through flesh or circuitry—should be guided by compassion and wisdom.”
Public Reaction and Media Coverage
Spectators lined the parade route, many capturing the scene on smartphones. Social media posts highlighted the juxtaposition of ancient lantern light with the robots’ sleek, metallic surfaces. A poll conducted by the Korean Broadcasting System (KBS) on November 2 found that 58% of respondents viewed the robotic monks favorably, citing their novelty and potential to attract younger visitors to temple sites ([4]).
Some traditionalists expressed caution, warning against over‑reliance on technology in spiritual practice. The Jogye Order addressed these concerns by stating that the robots are strictly ceremonial and will not participate in liturgical services or doctrinal teachings.
Looking Ahead
Following the parade, the Jogye Order announced plans to host a series of workshops at major temples, where engineers and Buddhist scholars will collaborate on guidelines for ethical AI development. The robots themselves will continue to appear at select cultural events throughout 2025, serving as ambassadors for the order’s outreach efforts.
As South Korea navigates rapid technological change, initiatives like the robotic monks illustrate one way religious communities can adapt—honoring heritage while inviting new generations to contemplate timeless questions of meaning, compassion, and responsible innovation.
References
- [1] Jogye Order Press Release, “Lotus Lantern Festival 2024: Statistics and Highlights,” November 2024.
- [2] Korean Buddhist Statistics Annual, Jogye Order Research Center, 2023.
- [3] Park, M.-J. (2024). “Tradition Meets Technology: Religious Responses to AI in South Korea.” Journal of Asian Religions, 58(2), 145‑162.
- [4] Korean Broadcasting System (KBS) Public Opinion Survey, “Public Perception of Robotic Monks in Cultural Events,” November 2024.
