How to Hang a Wish Lantern and What to Write on It

A wish lantern (sowondeung) is a lantern with a wish or prayer written on it, hung in a temple courtyard; it resembles the Korean lotus lantern tradition of lighting up the darkness while holding a heartfelt wish. Write a single short, clear line, ideally a wish that cares for both yourself and others. At Hapjang (합장), the online temple Goyosa, you can hang a lantern with up to 40 characters in the Lantern Courtyard, and it starts out as a private lantern only you can see.

Length: Up to 40 characters
How often: One lantern per minute
Who can see it: Only you by default. Shared lanterns are visible to everyone (others can hide them)
Lanterns in the courtyard: Up to 360, each hangs for 24 hours
Where: Lantern Courtyard

The custom of hanging wishes on lanterns

At Korean temples, it is common to see courtyards filled with lotus lanterns in the run-up to Buddha's Birthday, each with a tag bearing a name or a wish. The idea is that, just as lamplight brightens the dark, your heart and the world will grow brighter. Lantern shapes and when they are hung differ from temple to temple.

What should you write on a wish lantern?

Keep it short, one line. Rather than writing a lot, choose the one thing you wish for most.
Instead of blaming someone, write in the language of a wish, such as "May..."
On a private lantern, it is fine to write feelings that are hard to show others, just as they are.
Don't put personal information such as your name or contact details on a shared lantern.

When your heart feels too heavy

Lanterns containing words that signal a crisis are not hung in the courtyard; instead, the writer is shown where to find help. If what you are carrying feels too hard to bear alone, please read When things feel very hard before hanging a lantern.

How to hang a wish lantern

Breathe Stand in front of the lantern rack and take a few breaths to settle your mind.
Choose one wish Of the wishes that come to mind, pick the one that stays with you most right now.
Write one line Write it as a short wish, such as "May..."
Hang the lantern Hang your written lantern on the rack.
Join your palms Look at the hanging lantern for a moment, put your palms together, and step back.

Try it in Hapjang

Go to the lantern rack in the Lantern Courtyard and a writing window opens. You can write up to 40 characters and hang one lantern per minute. Lanterns start out private, visible only to you; choose a shared lantern and other visitors can see it too. You can hide other people's lanterns you would rather not see. The courtyard holds up to 360 lanterns, and each comes down after 24 hours. Lanterns containing words that signal a crisis are not hung, and the writer is shown Korea's 109 suicide prevention line (24 hours) and the 1577-0199 mental health crisis line.

Enter the temple

Frequently asked questions

What should I write on a wish lantern?

One short wish is enough, such as "May my family be healthy" or "May today pass safely." Words that care for both yourself and others are even better.

Can other people see the wish lantern I hang in Hapjang?

By default it is a private lantern only you can see. It is visible to other visitors only if you choose to hang it as a shared lantern.

How long does a wish lantern stay up?

In Hapjang's Lantern Courtyard, a lantern stays up for 24 hours and then comes down.

Last updated 2026-11-07