Tens of Thousands of Lanterns Light Up Jinju's Namgang River as the Yudeung Festival Opens October 3
As the sun sets, colorful lanterns rise above the Namgang River in Jinju. Opening on October 3, the Jinju Namgang Yudeung Festival turns the entire river into a canvas painted with light, making it one of Korea's signature autumn night festivals.
At a glance: Dates October 3-18 (16 days) · Location Namgang River and Jinjuseong Fortress area, Jinju, South Gyeongsang Province · Organizer Jinju City · Recommended nighttime viewing hours dusk to around 10 p.m. · Official website yudeung.com
"Yudeung" refers to lanterns floated on water. The tradition is said to originate from the Battle of Jinjuseong Fortress during the Imjin War, Japan's 16th-century invasion of Joseon, when soldiers floated lanterns across the river to signal one another and let their families know they were safe. Today it lives on as Jinju's signature autumn festival every year. The 2026 festival is themed "A River of History, Holding Peace," and each night features tens of thousands of lanterns floating on the river, lighting that runs along the walls of Jinjuseong Fortress, and stage performances with illuminated costumes.
The festival grounds stretch broadly along the bridges connecting Jinjuseong Fortress and the Namgang River and along the riverside promenade, making it a pleasant area to explore on foot. Visitors can tour the fortress during the day and then head to the riverside after sunset to fully enjoy the night view created by lanterns and lights reflected in the water. The wish-lantern experience, where visitors write their own wishes and float them down the river, is popular every year, letting guests do more than just watch the lanterns — they can take part in the festival themselves. From Seoul, visitors can take the KTX to Jinju Station and then continue on to the festival grounds by city bus or taxi.
This is an itinerary worth recommending to visitors who want to see a side of Korea different from daytime visits to royal palaces. Street stalls and food carts shaped like lanterns line the riverbank, making it a good spot to enjoy late-night snacks while lingering over the night view. It's best to check the festival's official website in advance for exact lighting times and the daily performance schedule before heading out.