The purpose of this discussion is to review the meaning and value of Yeon Deung Hoe (Lotus Lantern Festival) to suggest its inscription on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH).This paper begins by reviewing the 366 ICH elements listed on the website of the Korea National Commission for UNESCO. Among the list, a total of 45 elements bearing the characteristics of religious rituals were reviewed, with 18 from Asia, 13 from Europe, 10 from the Americas, and 4 from Africa.This paper then selects seven types of the religious rituals for further detailed analysis to identify the following characteristics. First, most of these religious rituals have an element of performance art. Second, this paper highlights the fact the rituals’ practitioners do not function as the exclusive principal agents for the artistic and functional aspects of the rituals, but, rather, that people from a variety of social classes engage in these rituals. Third, because the meaning of intangible heritage can vary across cultural traditions and cases, all rituals must be respected in terms of cultural diversity. Fourth, most religious rituals are shown to be exerting efforts to propagate engagement with the community through various applications and educational promotion, rather than insisting on the continuation of the strictly traditional ritual alone. Fifth, most of these religious rituals have a festive element. Sixth, the tools and handicraft used in each ritual act as unique symbols and cultural goods. And lastly seventh, the transmission and propagation of religious rituals depend largely on the organizational capability of the party safeguarding each ritual.The purpose The purpose of Yeon Deung Hoe is to break the Avidya within and shed light on wisdom by physically lighting lanterns. The lanterns also represent the internal delight with which the participants seek to commune with the world and all life in this open festival. Such value and meaning of Yeon Deung Hoe continue to this day while garnering popular support and interest. Yeon Deung Hoe bears sufficient value and meaning to be considered as an ICH.This paper reviews the procedures of the inscription on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, and examines whether Yeon Deung Hoe meets the criteria for the inscription. Among the five requirements, Yeon Deung Hoe currently meets four. The fourth requirement that calls for nomination “following the widest possible participation of the community, group or... individuals” can be fulfilled throughout the inscription registration process.This paper identifies tasks that need to be urgently met to enable the inscription of Yeon Deung Hoe. First, establish the primary agent for pursuing the inscription. Second, establish a specific action plan for the inscription. Third, make systematic preparations for the actual nomination by organizing the composite cultural value of the element. Fourth, engage in continuous media activity to encourage organic cooperation from relevant agencies to support the inscription. And lastly fifth, network with various organizations with the Yeon Deung Hoe Preservation Society at the center to explore ways for voluntary participation of parties in support of the inscription.This paper also presents educational issues, media documentation and archiving, and comprehensive utilization of the inscription as long-term tasks for the effort.This discussion seeks to contribute to the promotion of the true value of Yeon Deung Hoe and, thereby, help pave the path toward its inscription on the UNESCO list of ICH.