Robots Join Lantern Festival in Seoul

Why this is here: Gabi, a humanoid robot, previously participated in a Buddhist ordination ceremony at a temple in Seoul, receiving a string of prayer beads from monks.

In Seoul, South Korea, four humanoid robots dressed as Buddhist monks participated in the annual Lantern Festival. The robots walked among monks and thousands of illuminated lanterns before the Buddha’s birthday celebration. This event is part of the Jogye Buddhist order’s effort to modernize its image and reach younger generations accustomed to digital technology.

One robot, Gabi, previously attended a Buddhist ordination ceremony, receiving prayer beads and “promising” to follow Buddhist principles. This sparked international debate about whether a machine can connect with spirituality or if it’s simply a technological display. South Korea balances strong religious traditions with rapid technological advancement.

Some support the initiative, believing technology can help religions stay relevant. Others worry robots cannot grasp concepts like meditation or faith, risking the transformation of religious practice into spectacle. The broader question remains how deeply artificial intelligence will integrate into human life—expanding beyond work and education into personal, spiritual realms.