Jinju, Gyeongsangnam-do · Night festival
Jinju Namgang Yudeung Festival
October 3–18, 2026
- Dates
- October 3–18, 2026
- Lanterns
- 6 p.m.–midnight
- Bridges & booths
- 1–11 p.m.
- Admission
- Free; some activities cost extra
- Venue
- Jinjuseong Fortress and Namgang riverfront
- Address
- 626 Namgang-ro, Jinju-si, Gyeongsangnam-do
Love Bridge Pass
Cross any of the festival’s four pontoon bridges. A one-way pass costs KRW 2,000; a day pass costs KRW 6,000.
The official booking page is in Korean.Plan a few nearby stops
Hotels near the festival
Near Jinjuseong Fortress and the Namgang River
View staysMake the evening easier
Suggested itinerary
Spend the late afternoon at Jinjuseong Fortress and Jinju National Museum. Have dinner nearby, then reach the riverfront before the lanterns are lit at 6 p.m.
Getting there
The official 2026 transport guide lists 25 parking areas and seven shuttle routes. Check the route that fits your arrival point before you leave.
What to bring
Expect plenty of walking. Bring comfortable shoes, a light jacket, and a portable charger.
Lanterns on the Namgang River
At a glance
Each October, lantern installations fill the Namgang River and Jinjuseong Fortress with light. The 2026 festival runs October 3–18 along the riverfront and inside the fortress.
Why lanterns
The tradition dates to the 1592 Siege of Jinju. Defenders floated lanterns on the Namgang River to stop enemy troops from crossing and to send word to families outside the fortress walls.
People in Jinju later floated lanterns in memory of those who died in the battles of 1592 and 1593. That custom grew into the festival held today.
Before you go
Lanterns are lit from 6 p.m. to midnight. Pontoon bridges and festival booths operate from 1 to 11 p.m. Paid activities have separate fees, so check the official English website for the latest schedule and program details.