Jinju Namgang Lantern Festival (진주 남강 유등 축제)

Every October Jinju turns into a city of light since its biggest festival takes place along the Namgang(Riv). During the festival, tens of thousand lanterns are embroidered on the river flowing across the center of the city and around the Jinju Fortress. They are all different shapes, and particularly kids can't stop hopping around the famous cartoon characters.

 

The festival is immensely popular in Korea, so more than two millions of people visit to the festival every year. It's not always good for everyone because it means a horrible traffic on the road. But it's safe to say that the festival is surely worth of visiting. You may get mesmerized by the tons of colors of lanterns, and the food at the festival will water your mouth all the time.

The best part of the festival is that it is one of the uncommon night festivals in Korea.  After school or work, people still have time to see the festival, so they can just go and have a fun time with their family and friends.                                                                                                         What you must not miss is the fireworks set off three times during the festival. Some people get to the venue even an hour earlier to get a great spot to see them.

This time around the year is also good for having a party on the riverside. You will probably see some groups of people having chimak (chicken & beer). Actually I did so with my language exchange mates a few years ago and it was really fun.

The following is a video about the festival created by Koreal Story. The video will give you a better explanation. Have a look at it. :)

P.S. From this year (2015), the festival is charged. You can find further information below.

http://www.yudeung.com

[Source]

Pic.1. https://twitter.com/jinjucityhall/status/517862516911665154

Pic.2. http://jsksoft.tistory.com/6473

Pic.3. http://ntvnews.kr/?m=201503&paged=2

Vid. https://youtu.be/44YgnlvP9KY