Hindu Pilgrimage of Faith
The famous Lantern Festival in South Korea is full of vibrant, lit lanterns of various shapes, size and colours that lights up the Nam River with a stunning water display.
The Jinju Lantern Festival or Jinju Namgang Yudeung Festival is the most famous lantern festivals, one of South Korea’s biggest annual events. It is held in October for about ten days, and thousands of people flock to the city of Jinju to witness the Namgan River come to life.
The Festivals, transforms the city of Jinju-si, into a city of light, with creative, floating lanterns displays with various shapes, multi-colors and themes. Along with dozens of lit inflatable balloon displays, the Festival also sees thousands of lights placed along the city’s bridges and Jinjuseong Fortress. And of course, the festival wouldn’t be complete without visitors sending lanterns marked with wishes down the river.
To the Korean people, the festival is very meaningful, for it goes back to 1592, the year of a Japanese invasion. The people of Jinju used lanterns as a means of communication with those outside the Jinjuseong Fortress, military forces and between family members that appeared to be on different bands of the Namgang River. Today, the lanterns are lit to honor thousands of Korean warriors who sacrificed their lives for the sake of a free motherland.
The historic event has become a memorable lantern festival with entertainments, fireworks, stunning water displays, authentic food and handcrafted ornaments. It attracts locals and visitors alike, and encourages different cultures to be united together in the festival, as part of Korea’s effort in globalization.
Restrictions: None
Event Type: Culture, Ethnic, Exhibitions, Festivals
