Jinju Namgang Yudeung Festival
Oct 3 – Oct 18, 2026 · Gyeongsangnam-do
The 2026 edition ran Oct 3 – Oct 18, 2026. 2027 dates have not been announced yet; this page is updated automatically when the organizer publishes them. Check the official site for the latest.
Overview
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.
Why go
This festival marks the historic yudeung tradition of floating lanterns on the Namgang River, which began during the Battle of Jinjuseong Fortress in the Imjin War and later grew into Korea's first major regional arts festival. Today it lights up the fortress and riverbanks with floating and land lanterns, plus a drone light show and water fireworks, and entry is free.
Getting there from Seoul
Jinju is in Gyeongsangnam-do; take a KTX from Seoul Station or Yongsan Station to Jinju Station, or an intercity/express bus from a Seoul terminal such as Central City Terminal. From Jinju Station or the bus terminal, local buses and taxis connect to Jinjuseong Fortress and the Namgang River festival area.
Tips
- Drone show and fireworks go up right above Chokseongnu pavilion. The view most people want is from the opposite bank, which also gets the lit fortress wall; it is the busier side, but the walkway behind the riverbank sees everything without staking out a spot. Arrive about 30 minutes before the show.
- Visit in the evening, as the lanterns and drone/fireworks shows are best seen after dark within the 13:00-23:00 hours
- Wear comfortable walking shoes, since the festival spans the riverside areas around Jinjuseong Fortress
- Entry is free, so arrive a bit early to find a good spot along the river for the lantern displays
Best for: families, photographers, history enthusiasts, night scenery.
Program
Floating Lantern Exhibition, Land Lantern Exhibition, Drone Light Show, Water Fireworks Show
Photos
Photo: Korea Tourism Organization 
Photo: Korea Tourism Organization 
Photo: Korea Tourism Organization 
Photo: Korea Tourism Organization 
Photo: Korea Tourism Organization 
Photo: Korea Tourism Organization
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Dates and programs can change. Check the official site before you go. Official site