Jinju Namgang Yudeung Lantern Festival: A River of Light and History
Date: October 5th – 20th, 2024
The Jinju Namgang Yudeung Festival is a breathtaking spectacle that illuminates the Namgang River and the historic Jinjuseong Fortress in Jinju, South Korea. This vibrant festival commemorates the heroic “Jinjudaecheop” battle of 1592, where Admiral Kim Si-min valiantly defended the fortress against a much larger Japanese force. The festival’s origins lie in the strategic use of floating lanterns (風燈) during the war, both as a deterrent against enemy troops and as a poignant means of communication between separated families. Today, the festival carries on this tradition, transforming the river into a mesmerizing river of light.
Immersive Programs
The festival offers a diverse array of captivating programs, including:
- First Lighting Ceremony: Witness the magical moment when thousands of lanterns are first illuminated, marking the official start of the festival.
- Wishing Lantern Hanging: Write your hopes and dreams on a beautiful lantern and hang it alongside countless others, creating a dazzling display of wishes.
- Lantern Floating: Participate in the symbolic act of releasing a lantern onto the river, carrying your wishes downstream.
- Water Lanterns: Admire the artistry of intricately designed lanterns that float gracefully on the water’s surface.
- Creative Lanterns: Explore a captivating exhibition showcasing innovative and imaginative lantern designs.
- Jinjuseong Fortress Revived by Light: Experience the historical fortress bathed in the enchanting glow of lanterns, bringing its storied past to life.
- Land Lanterns: Stroll through pathways adorned with a myriad of colorful lanterns, creating a magical atmosphere.
Engaging Experiences and Side Events
Beyond the core programs, the festival offers a plethora of hands-on activities and entertainment:
- Drone Light Show: Be mesmerized by a spectacular aerial display of synchronized drones illuminating the night sky.
- Wishing Lantern Hanging Experience: Craft your own personalized wishing lantern and hang it among the others.
- Mini Lantern Making Experience: Learn the art of lantern making and create your own miniature masterpiece.
- Make Your Own Lantern and Float It Experience: Design and build your own unique lantern and experience the joy of releasing it onto the river.
- Citizen Participation Lantern Making Experience: Join a collaborative effort to create large-scale lanterns that will become part of the festival’s grand display.
- Stamp & Treasure Tour: Embark on a fun-filled adventure, collecting stamps and discovering hidden treasures throughout the festival grounds.
- Korea Lantern Contest Exhibition: Marvel at the creativity and craftsmanship of lantern designs submitted from across Korea.
- Busking Performances: Enjoy live music and street performances that add to the festival’s vibrant atmosphere.
Location and Contact Information
Address: 626, Namgang-ro, Jinju-si, Gyeongsangnam-do, South Korea
Admission: Free (Fees apply for certain programs and experiences)
Phone: +82-55-749-8588
Website: https://yudeung.com/
Experience the magic of the Jinju Namgang Yudeung Festival, where history, culture, and artistry converge in a radiant celebration of light.
