Jinju Namgang Yudeung Festival (진주 남강유등축제)

Jinju Namgang Yudeung Festival (진주 남강유등축제)

– Homepage
yudeung.com/: Visit site

– Tel
+82-55-761-9111, 755-9111

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.

– Address : 626, Namgang-ro, Jinju-si, Gyeongsangnam-do

※ Presentation Information
– Event Date
20261003 ~ 20261018

– Schedule
13:00-23:00

– Location
Areas around Jinjuseong Fortress and the Namgang River

– Program
Floating Lantern Exhibition, Land Lantern Exhibition, Drone Light Show, Water Fireworks Show

– Sponsor
Jinju-si, Jinju Culture and Arts Foundation, Jinju Culture and Tourism Foundation

– Sponsor Phone
+82-55-761-9111, 755-9111

– Fees
Free

◎ Nearby Tourism Infobox

⊙ Jinjuseong Fortress (진주성)

View detailed guide on Korea Trip Guide →

– Homepage
www.jinju.go.kr: Visit site

Jinjuseong Fortress, initially erected in ancient times, was expanded in 1379 to fend off pirate invasions. It saw two battles during the Imjin War (1592-1598). Inside, there are structures like Chokseongnu Pavilion, Jinju National Museum, a victory monument, an outdoor stage, and cafés. The castle overlooks the scenic Namgang River. Visitors can also enjoy hanbok experiences and take a ferry on the Namgang River.

⊙ Jinju Jungang Market (진주중앙시장)

View detailed guide on Korea Trip Guide →

– Homepage
www.jinju.go.kr: Visit site

Jinju Jungang Market is a long-standing traditional market that traces its origins to the Jinju Sangmusa (now the Chamber of Commerce) established in 1884. Designated as a cultural tourism market in 2011, it is located in the heart of Jinju. Nestled between underground shopping malls, financial institutions, medical facilities, and youth-oriented streets, the area boasts heavy foot traffic and serves as a main hub for the city’s logistics, economy, and culture. Originally a five-day-interval market opened every 5 days from the 2nd of each month, it now operates year-round. The market features a 980-meter-long retractable arcade and is divided into three sections of Hanbok and fabric shops, food alleys, and general goods areas. Starting at 2:00 AM, a dawn market is also held here, with vegetable and fish auctions for retailers. Trading of agricultural and fishery products continues until around 10:00 AM, after which the regular stores open. Located at a key commercial point where abundant agricultural products from Jirisan Mountain and fresh seafood from the southern coast are distributed, the market offers a wide array of local specialties, such as dried seafood, agricultural and fishery products, as well as Hanbok. It also participates in regional events like the Jinju Namgang Yudeung Festival, showcasing items such as Jinju bibimbap. Once known as Jinju Jungang Yudeung Market, it was officially renamed Jinju Jungang Market in 2015.

⊙ Somangjinsan Lantern Theme Park (소망진산 유등테마공원)

View detailed guide on Korea Trip Guide →

– Homepage
www.jinju.go.kr: Visit site

Somangjinsan Lantern Theme Park was created to display the history and culture of the Namgang River and Jinjuseong Fortress through lanterns, the focal point of the Jinju Namgang Yudeung Festival. The rooftop rest area offers amazing views of the Namgang River, as well as a variety of Rose of Sharon species, the national flower of Korea.

⊙ Dongbang Hotel (동방관광호텔)

View detailed guide on Korea Trip Guide →

– Homepage
Visit site

Dongbang Hotel stands along the banks of the Namgang River, a major symbol of Jinju. The hotel exterior features the unique combination of a Western-style building with a Korean-style tiled roof. Dongbang Hotel offers guests a comfortable and elegant experience from the minute they step into the lobby. Staff members stand ready to provide assistance and the guestrooms offer unobstructed views of the river. Hotel amenties include a banquet hall, seminar room, exercise facilities, a sauna, restaurant, cafe, and more.

⊙ Jinju Traditional Crafts Biennale (2025 진주전통공예비엔날레)

View detailed guide on Korea Trip Guide →

– Homepage
craftjinju.kr: Visit site

– Tel
+82-55-749-8707

Jinju Traditional Crafts Biennale explores the relationship between nature and humankind. The materials used in the craft—wood, earth, and metal—are drawn from nature and reborn through human hands and senses. By reflecting on this relationship, it reconnects the memories of tradition and modernity, time and place.