Make your wishes come true in Jinju—release lanterns and watch the fireworks over the river at the “Floating Lantern Festival”!

▲ Write your wishes on a lantern and release it onto the Nam River. (Photo/Reported by Reporter Zhang Man?)

Reported by Reporter Zhang Man? / Korea

Have you ever experienced such a moving moment? Every early October, countless lanterns filled with heartfelt wishes illuminate the Nam River. Once used to convey messages during wartime, they now carry hopes and dreams—the most famous“Namgang Yudeung Festival”of Jinju, South Gyeongsang Province. Not only can you enjoy performances and admire over 3,800 lanterns at “Jinju Fortress,” but you can also release floating lanterns on the opposite bank of the Nam River, stroll through a tunnel adorned with wish lanterns, and culminate the evening with a spectacular riverside fireworks show that takes the atmosphere to its peak.

In 1592, during the Imjin War, General Kim Si-min, who was stationed in Jinju, led 3,800 soldiers and civilians to fight against over 20,000 Japanese troops surrounding the city. Although they successfully repelled the enemy after six days, he died in battle—this is the famous “Great Victory of Jinju” in Korean history. The following year, when the Japanese invaded again, more than 70,000 Jinju soldiers and civilians swore to defend their homeland to the death, ultimately sacrificing themselves heroically. However, the people of Jinju began releasing floating lanterns on the Nam River to mourn these fallen souls, and the traditional custom of the “Lantern Floating Ceremony” has been preserved to this day.

▲ The scene of %肌傲鞯朴我铡笔窃从诮?荽蠼荩???莩悄诘幕ǖ仆暾?氏值笔闭秸?那榭觯?坏揭雇恚?庑┗ǖ贫蓟岜坏懔拎福。ㄍ迹?钦哒怕?摄）

Although the lantern lighting ceremony starts at 6 PM, don’t worry—during the day, you can first head inside Jinju Fortress to admire various lanterns themed around Korean traditional culture, as well as performances like the “Eagle Hat Dance” celebrating the harvest. There’s even a traditional games area set up for visitors to experience the unique atmosphere of Jinju Fortress.

▲ During the day, you can explore Jinju Fortress and enjoy performances before heading to the riverside in the evening. (Photo/Reported by Reporter Zhang Man? 摄）

The festival features lanterns with diverse themes such as Korean traditions, global wonders, fairy tales, Aesop’s fables, and the spirit of Jinju. At night, you can immerse yourself in the magical ambiance. (Photo/Reported by Reporter Zhang Man? 摄）

As night falls, the Nam River is illuminated by countless lanterns. These lights, themed around the beauty of Korea, world-famous paintings, fairy tales, Aesop’s fables, and the soul of Jinju, seem to come alive with radiant glow. Strolling along the riverbank, you can not only admire the red-light tunnel adorned with 35,000 wish lanterns but also purchase a lantern, write down your wishes, and let the river carry each blessed light toward the distance—as if all your dreams could come true.

▲ You can not only place your lanterns in the water but also hang them on the lantern trees provided along the riverside. (Photo/Reported by Reporter Zhang Man? 摄）

As for the highlight of the Floating Lantern Festival, the breathtaking riverside fireworks are an absolute must-see. Many visitors arrive early to secure good spots along the shore, enjoying the floating lanterns while waiting for the dazzling fireworks show. At 8 PM sharp, a stunning 10-minute fireworks display lights up the sky. Even after the fireworks end, activities like lantern displays and night markets continue until 1 AM, allowing visitors to soak in the festive atmosphere. A trip to Jinju is truly incomplete without experiencing this deeply moving “Floating Lantern Festival”!

▲ Even after the fireworks show ends, visitors can continue strolling along the riverside to enjoy the lantern displays. (Photo/Reported by Reporter Zhang Man? 摄）

Jinju Namgang Yudeung Festival (赡赛皑??瘩??)
Event Period: Early October every year
Address: 626 Namgang-ro, Jinju-si, South Gyeongsang Province (Benchung-dong)
626 Namgang-ro, Jinju-si, South Gyeongsang Province (Benchung-dong)