About
The tradition of yudeung, or floating lanterns, dates back to the Battle of Jinjuseong Fortress, one of the three major victories of the Imjin War (Japanese invasions of Korea, 1592–1598). During the battle, lanterns were floated on the Namgang River as military signals to communicate with Righteous Army forces outside the fortress and as a means for families to exchange messages and check on one another. Jinju has carried on this tradition by organizing the Yudeung event as part of the Gaecheon Art Festival, first held in 1949 and regarded as Korea's first comprehensive regional arts festival. Since 2000, the festival has been held independently as the Jinju Namgang Yudeung Festival. Over the years, the floating lanterns have come to represent hopes for peace, love, happiness, and the fulfillment of wishes. Today, the festival has grown into an international event that brings people from around the world together to share the value of peace. Every fall, lanterns light up the Namgang River and Jinjuseong Fortress, creating a spectacular nighttime scene in Jinju, the “City of Light and Peace.” Along with creating a beautiful landscape, the lanterns invite reflection on the historical significance embedded in this long-standing tradition.
Program
Floating Lantern Exhibition, Land Lantern Exhibition, Drone Light Show, Water Fireworks Show
Jinju Namgang Yudeung Festival (진주 남강유등축제)
Sat, Oct 3 – Sun, Oct 18
16 days
Areas around Jinjuseong Fortress and the Namgang River
626, Namgang-ro, Jinju-si, Gyeongsangnam-do
13:00-23:00
Free
Organizer Jinju-si, Jinju Culture and Arts Foundation, Jinju Culture and Tourism Foundation
Contact +82-55-761-9111, 755-9111
About
The tradition of yudeung, or floating lanterns, dates back to the Battle of Jinjuseong Fortress, one of the three major victories of the Imjin War (Japanese invasions of Korea, 1592–1598). During the battle, lanterns were floated on the Namgang River as military signals to communicate with Righteous Army forces outside the fortress and as a means for families to exchange messages and check on one another. Jinju has carried on this tradition by organizing the Yudeung event as part of the Gaecheon Art Festival, first held in 1949 and regarded as Korea's first comprehensive regional arts festival. Since 2000, the festival has been held independently as the Jinju Namgang Yudeung Festival. Over the years, the floating lanterns have come to represent hopes for peace, love, happiness, and the fulfillment of wishes. Today, the festival has grown into an international event that brings people from around the world together to share the value of peace. Every fall, lanterns light up the Namgang River and Jinjuseong Fortress, creating a spectacular nighttime scene in Jinju, the “City of Light and Peace.” Along with creating a beautiful landscape, the lanterns invite reflection on the historical significance embedded in this long-standing tradition.
Program
Floating Lantern Exhibition, Land Lantern Exhibition, Drone Light Show, Water Fireworks Show
More festivals to see
Tripitaka Koreana Cultural Festival (대장경기록문화축제)
Hwangmaesan Silver Grass Festival (황매산 억새축제)
Uiryeong Gigang Rich Flower Festival (의령기강리치꽃축제)
Gyeongnam Goseong Dinosaur World Expo (경남고성공룡세계엑스포)
MAMF Cultural Diversity Festival (문화다양성축제 MAMF(맘프))
Masan Gagopa Chrysanthemum Festival (마산가고파국화축제)
Miryang Spicy Food Festival (밀양 매운맛 축제)
Gimhae Buncheong Ceramics Festival (김해분청도자기 축제)
Gimhae Buncheong Ceramics Festival (김해분청도자기축제)
Fishermen’s Market × Port Village Tongyeong (어부장터X포트빌리지 통영)
Guides
Festivals in Gyeongnam this weekend (Oct 17–18)›Festivals and events ending this week in Gyeongnam›Source: Korea Tourism Organization
Data as of 10.17. Dates and prices can change, so check the official site before you go.