The 2026 Jinju Namgang Yudeung Festival runs for 16 days from October 3 to October 18 along the Namgang River and around Jinjuseong Fortress. Welcoming visitors this year under the theme "River of History, Embracing Peace," the event marks its first step as a globally recognized festival designated by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. Admission to the festival grounds is free, and along with illuminated lanterns adorning the waters of the Namgang River, an exciting lineup featuring fireworks and drone shows awaits. Here is everything you need to know before you go.
For more events happening in October, check out our autumn festival calendar.
The festival's signature fireworks and drone shows take place only on specific dates, so be sure to check the timetable in advance.
| Program | Dates | Time | Location | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lantern Lighting | Daily throughout festival | 18:00 – 24:00 | Across festival grounds | Free |
| Water Fireworks | Oct 3 (Sat), Oct 9 (Fri), Oct 17 (Sat) | TBD | Over the Namgang River | Free |
| Drone Light Show | Oct 3 (Sat), Oct 10 (Sat), Oct 17 (Sat) | TBD | Over the Namgang River | Free |
| Pontoon Bridge Crossing | Daily throughout festival | 13:00 – 23:00 | Pontoon Bridges 1–4 over Namgang | Paid |
| Wish Lantern Hanging | Daily throughout festival | Ongoing | Wish Lantern Tunnel | Paid |
| River Cruise | Daily throughout festival | Check on-site | On the Namgang River | Paid |
Here are the top vantage points to enjoy the spectacular water fireworks and the 1,300-drone light show. No advance booking is required, but arriving early is highly recommended to secure prime viewing spots.
Beyond the visual spectacle, the Jinju Namgang Yudeung Festival features a variety of paid hands-on activities visitors can participate in.
Traffic in downtown Jinju becomes heavily congested during the festival, so taking public transit or the free shuttle buses is strongly recommended. Located in Gyeongsangnam-do, Jinju is also easily accessible from nearby major hubs like Busan.
Q. How much is admission to the festival? A. Admission to the Jinju Namgang Yudeung Festival grounds is completely free. You can view the lanterns across the Namgang River and Jinjuseong Fortress, as well as watch the fireworks and drone shows, at no cost. However, certain activities—such as crossing the pontoon bridges, hanging wish lanterns, and taking the river cruise—require a separate fee.
Q. Does the festival still take place if it rains? A. The festival usually continues as scheduled during light rain. However, in the event of severe weather such as heavy downpours or strong winds, select outdoor events like the water fireworks or drone shows may be canceled or rescheduled for safety. Check the official festival website or social media channels before visiting for real-time announcements.
Q. Are pets allowed? A. Due to dense crowds and loud noises from fireworks, bringing pets is not recommended for their safety and the comfort of fellow visitors. If you must bring a pet, restrictions such as keeping them inside a carrier may apply, so we advise contacting the organizers before your visit.
Q. Can I use local currency cards or the Munhwa Nuri Card? A. Some food stalls and activity booths at the festival accept local currencies such as the Jinju Sarang Gift Certificate. Accepted payment methods vary by vendor, so ask at individual booths. You can also explore our guide on autumn festival local currency discounts for more details.