Jinju lantern festival: 16 nights of lights on the river

Thousands of lanterns float on the Namgang River in Jinju every October.

Date: Saturday 3 to Sunday 18 October 2026. Lanterns are lit 18:00 to midnight. Bridges and booths open 13:00 to 23:00.
Place: Jinjuseong Fortress and the Namgang riverside, Jinju, South Gyeongsang Province
Price: The organiser does not publish an entry price this year. Activities are paid, see below.
Booking: Not needed to walk around. Bridge passes can be bought online in advance.
Good for: Couples, friends and families

Prices the organiser does publish:

• Crossing a floating bridge: 2,000 won one way, 6,000 won all day
• Float your own lantern: 5,000 won. Hang a wish lantern: 10,000 won
• History mission tour inside the fortress: 5,000 won
• Making a lantern as a group activity is free

Free shows to plan around: a drone light show on 3 and 17 October at 19:50, and on 10 October at 20:00. Fireworks on 3, 9 and 17 October at 20:00.

Getting there: Free shuttle buses run 16:00 to 23:00, and 17 temporary car parks open, including one at Jinju Station. Roads around the fortress close to cars from 16:00.

One warning. Parts of the festival site still show 2025 leaflets, and the organiser says they will be replaced. Check the price board at the gate before you pay for anything.

See the event

Next step: go on 3 or 17 October if you want the drone show and the fireworks on the same night.

Sources: Festival overview; activities and prices. Checked 18 September 2026.