Jinju Namgang Lantern Festival named a global festival — now courting Japanese travelers

The Jinju Namgang Lantern Festival, where tens of thousands of lanterns float on the Namgang River, has been designated a global festival. The city of Jinju is using the momentum to court the Japanese travel market.

It is widely considered the most photogenic of Korea's autumn festivals. Jinju is about three and a half hours from Seoul by express bus — far enough that tourist density stays low and the local texture stays intact.

The best night-photo spots and hands-on lantern reservations are things locals know best. During the festival, asking a Jinju buddy is the fastest way in.