Events
Jinju Namgang Yudeung Festival Lights Up Southern Korea Through October 18
· Reviewed by the editor
The 2026 Jinju Namgang Yudeung (Lantern) Festival has officially opened along the Namgang River in Jinju, Gyeongsangnam-do, running through October 18. Rooted in the 1592 Jinjuseong fortress battle during the Imjin War, the festival commemorates lanterns historically floated downriver as military signals and messages to family members. Hundreds of massive illuminated sculptures float on the river water and line the grounds of Jinjuseong Castle, alongside nighttime cultural performances and food stalls. Visitors can participate by crafting and floating their own wish lanterns from designated water platforms.
So what
If you are touring southern Korea or traveling between Busan and Jeonju, stop in Jinju after sunset to experience one of the country's most renowned lantern festivals.