Jinju Namgang Yudeung Festival

The Yudeung (lanterns) originated from floating lanterns on the Namgang River during the Jinjuseong Fortress battle, one of the three great battles of the Imjin War, serving as military signals to communicate with righteous armies outside the fortress and as a means to convey the well-being of family members. Jinju citizens have inherited this tradition, operating a lantern competition as part of the Gaecheon Arts Festival, the first comprehensive local arts festival in Korea held since 1949. Since 2000, it has been held independently as the Jinju Namgang Yudeung Festival. The lanterns have been sublimated into a festival that wishes for the citizens' desire for peace, love, happiness, and the fulfillment of wishes, and have grown into a global festival that shares the value of peace with people worldwide. Every autumn, in Jinju, the city of light and peace, the spectacular sight of lanterns spread across the Namgang River and Jinjuseong Fortress allows us to reflect on the historical meaning contained within the beautiful scenery. This year's festival runs from October 3rd to 18th. On the 3rd and 17th, both drone shows and fireworks will be held. On the 9th, there will be fireworks, and on the 10th, a drone show, so please take note.