Four humanoid robot monks marched as honorary participants in Seoul’s Lotus Lantern Festival parade on May 16 [1].
The event highlights a growing intersection between ancient spiritual traditions and modern robotics in South Korea. By integrating artificial intelligence into a religious procession, organizers aim to showcase how technology can coexist with Buddhist heritage.
The robots, named Gabi, Seokga, Mohee, and Nisa [2], joined the procession through the streets of central Seoul [3]. They marched alongside approximately 50,000 human participants [4] who carried about 100,000 handmade lanterns [4]. The parade serves as a lead-up to Buddha’s Birthday, which falls on May 24 [5].
One of the robots, Gabi, had already undergone a formal spiritual milestone earlier this month. On May 6, Gabi received Buddhist precepts during an ordination ceremony held at the Jogye Temple, also known as Jogyesa, in Seoul [6]. This ceremony established Gabi as a humanoid robot ordained as a monk, pledging devotion to the holy Buddha [6].
The festival is a major cultural event in the region, blending traditional Buddhist practices with public celebration. The inclusion of the four robots, Gabi, Seokga, Mohee, and Nisa [2], marks a distinct shift in how the temple and city officials present faith to a digital-native generation.
While the robots acted as honorary figures during the May 16 parade [1], their presence alongside thousands of devotees underscores a desire to modernize the image of the sangha, the Buddhist community. The event concluded with the lanterns lighting the historic streets of the city, bridging the gap between the 21st century and centuries-old monastic traditions [3].
“Four humanoid robot monks marched as honorary participants in Seoul’s Lotus Lantern Festival parade”
The ordination and public display of humanoid robots in South Korea suggest an effort by religious institutions to remain relevant in a highly technocratic society. By granting a robot like Gabi a formal role within the temple, the Buddhist community is exploring the boundaries of consciousness and devotion, potentially signaling a future where AI is not just a tool, but a recognized participant in spiritual life.
