Jinju Namgang Yudeung Festival: A Shining Autumn Festival
Contains everything about the 2025 Jinju Namgang Yudeung Festival. Festival origins, duration, detailed parking information, free shuttle bus routes, traffic-control sections, and theme-based recommended courses—complete guide.
2025 Jinju Namgang Yudeung Festival: A Mastery of Autumn Nights
Every autumn, Jinju's nights are colored by beautiful lights as Korea's iconic festival, the Jinju Namgang Yudeung Festival, returns in 2025 as usual. Recalling the Imjin War's historical meaning and honoring the souls of the martyrs, this festival has become a global festival enjoyed by people around the world.
This article compiles detailed information about the 2025 Jinju Namgang Yudeung Festival, especially the parking and shuttle bus information that visitors are most curious about, and a 200% guide to theme-based recommended courses to enjoy the festival to the fullest.
1. Origins of the Festival: Not Just Light but the Lantern of History
The Jinju Namgang Yudeung Festival traces its origins to the Jinju Battle, one of the three great battles of the Imjin War.
Military tactics and communications: In October 1592, during the First Jinju Fortress Battle, the defending forces floated lanterns on the Nam River at night to deter the invading Japanese forces from crossing the river, and it served as a means of military tactic and communication to send regards to families outside the fortress.
Lanterns to console the souls of the fallen patriots: In June 1593, after the Second Jinju Fortress Battle, 70,000 civilians, officials, and soldiers died; in later years Jinju people floated lanterns on the Nam River to console their souls. This tradition has continued and evolved into today’s global festival of Korea.
2. 2025 Jinju Namgang Yudeung Festival Core Information
Festival period: 2025.10.04. (Sat) - 2025.10.19. (Sun)
Location: Jinju Fortress and Jinju Namgang area
Theme: The River of History, Embracing Peace “POWER OF KOREA”
Admission: Free (however some体验 programs are paid)
Hosted/Organized by: Jinju City, Jinju Cultural Arts Foundation / Jinju Namgang Yudeung Festival Preparatory Committee
Inquiries: 055-755-9111, 761-9111
Instagram: @yudeung_festival
3. Major Programs and Paid Experiences
Main program: Lantern display
Auxiliary programs: Namgaram Community Stage, Busking performances
Paid participant programs:
Crossing the Love Bridge: One-way 2,000 won, all-day pass 6,000 won
Lighting a Wish Lantern: 10,000 won
Lantern Launching: 3,000 won
Boat Cruise Ride
Other: Stamp & Treasure Tour, Lantern Docents, Jinju Food Festival, Local Specialty Sales
4. The Most Important! Parking and Shuttle Bus Guide
To avoid traffic congestion during the festival, temporary parking lots and free shuttle buses are highly recommended.
Festival Temporary Parking Lots
Entry Direction | No. | Parking Lot Name (Search Address) | Parking Capacity | Operation Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Jinju IC | 1 | Innovative City (in front of Wing Tower) temporary parking lot (Chungmu-dong 87-12 etc.) | 1,336 | 10/4-12, 10/17-19 |
Munsan IC | 2 | Innovative City (KNN Se Kyung Broadcasting site) temporary parking lot (Chungmu-dong 15-1 etc.) | 850 | 10/4-12, 10/17-19 |
3 | Jinju General Stadium Parking Lot (Chungmu-dong 8) | 774 | 10/4-12, 10/17-19 | |
Uiryeong/Hapcheon | 4 | Agricultural Products Wholesale Market Parking Lot (Chojeon-dong 260) | 719 | 10/4-12, 10/17-19 |
5 | Chojeon Park Parking Lot (Chojeon-dong 1583-14) | 189 | 10/4-12, 10/17-19 | |
6 | Jinju Indoor Gym Parking Lot (Chojeon-dong 1583-14) | 133 | 10/4-12, 10/17-19 | |
Jinju IC/Sachon | 7 | Jinju Station Temporary Parking Lot (Gajwa-dong 2069-1 etc.) | 1,416 | 10/4-12, 10/17-19 |
Seo Jinju IC/Sancheong | 8 | Jinju Public Stadium 1 Parking Lot (Shinan-dong 1-1) | 700 | Always |
9 | Jinju Public Stadium 2 Parking Lot (Shinan-dong 1-5) | 800 | Always | |
10 | Public Stadium West-side Open Parking (Shinan-dong 37) | 40 | 10/5-6, 9, 11-13, 18-20 | |
11 | Public Stadium East-side Open Parking (Shinan-dong 39) | 100 | 10/5-6, 9, 11-13, 18-20 | |
12 | Namgaram Sports Park Parking Lot (Ihyeon-dong 69) | 80 | Always | |
Seo Jinju IC/Hadong | 13 | Panmuncheon Riverside Park Front Temporary Parking Lot (Pyeonggeo-dong 805) | 600 | 10/4-12, 10/17-19 |
14 | Pyeonggeo-dong Superior Retention Public Parking Lot (Pyeonggeo-dong 1060) | 80 | 10/4-12, 10/17-19 | |
15 | Pyeonggeo Riverside Roadside Parking (Pyeonggeo-dong 1058 area) | 250 | 10/4-12, 10/17-19 | |
Jinju IC/Sachon | 16 | Jeongchon-myeon (Nam Jinju Hyundai Service) Temporary Parking Lot (Jeongchon-myeon Yehari 1364-5 etc.) | 1,075 | 10/4-12, 10/17-19 |
Free Shuttle Buses (Operating hours: 4 PM - 11 PM)
Shuttle No | Route |
|---|---|
Shuttle 1 | Innovative City (near Wing Tower) ↔ Gyeongnam Culture and Arts Center front |
Shuttle 2 | Innovative City (KNN, Se Kyung Broadcasting Site) ↔ Gyeongnam Culture and Arts Center front |
Shuttle 3 | Agricultural Products Wholesale Market ↔ Gyeongnam Culture and Arts Center front |
Shuttle 4 | Jinju Station ↔ Gyeongnam Culture and Arts Center front |
Shuttle 5 | Jinju Public Stadium ↔ Nahbulcheon Boggae Road |
Shuttle 6 | Shinan Pyeonggeo Riverside Road (Pyeonggeo-dong 1058) ↔ The House opposite Gap-eu |
Shuttle 7 | Jeongchon-myeon Namjinju Hyundai ↔ Nahbulcheon Boggae Road |
Car-Free Street Closure
Closure times: 4 PM - 11 PM (Fridays from 7 PM)
Main closure areas: Jinju Fortress Three-way Intersection ↔ Chokseom Gate ↔ Good Morning Motel
**Seojangdae Entrance ↔ Gongbukmun Entrance ↔ Jinju Bridge Intersection
**Cheonsu Bridge Three-way Intersection ↔ Jinju Bridge Intersection ↔ Jinyang Bridge Intersection
5. Don’t Miss It! Theme-Based Detailed Course Guide
All courses operate from 18:00 to 24:00 every evening.
Mangyeongdong History Street: Creative lanterns crafted by elementary to college students, and symbol lamps representing the 30 districts of Jinju City are on display.
General Gim Si-min Lawn (Joy Hangul Day Zone): A lantern rendition of the theme 'Beyond what is seen, what is read' by typographer Park Ji-hoo to express the beauty of Hangul in light.
Jinju Fortress Well Restoration Site (Power of Korea Zone): This year’s theme 'Power of Korea' is reflected as a top lantern, with a wishing-tree experience and a large pine tree displaying the weather.
Jinju Fortress Gongbuk Gate Front Jung-Young (A Soldier’s Day: Vlog): A space inspired by Seonjo 15-year, March 17 / Diary of Jinju Fortress soldier Kim Chun-bok to follow a soldier’s day.
Jinju Fortress Yeongnam Pojeongsa Hill (Land of Fantasy: On/Off): A fantasy space where Minecraft, Star Wars, and other characters summoned into the real world stimulate children’s curiosity.
Cheonsu Bridge Music Fountain (K-MZ Zone): A space where K-Culture content is realized as lanterns, creating a trendy space for the MZ generation.
Jinju Battle History Park (Newspace Zone): A space travel-themed setting with Harmo, Aya astronauts and a large 'Byeori' character in a historical space.
Lantern Theme Park (Kids Park Zone): A space where peace benches and a dinosaur colony welcome you, a cozy exhibition space for the whole family.
Railway Culture Park (Theme Zone): A photo zone decorated with lucky lanterns to capture special moments.
Namgang River (Theme Zone): 10 themes including Jinju Sword Dance Zone and King Sejong Zone; many moving lanterns unfold against Namgang River’s scenic nature and Jinju Fortress.
In Closing
The Jinju Namgang Yudeung Festival is more than just a spectacle; it’s a precious opportunity to experience our history and culture through light. With the detailed information provided, plan a fruitful trip and create unforgettable memories beneath thousands of lanterns lining Namgang River, as the cool autumn breeze surrounds you.