How to See Lantern Festivals in Korea (2025)

 







💬 Introduction: Korea Glows—Here’s How to Catch It

Looking for a magical night during your Korean trip? Korea’s lantern festivals are some of the country’s most photogenic, heartwarming events—temple courtyards shimmer, rivers light up, and city streets transform into glowing parades. This 2025 guide shows you exactly how to see lantern festivals in Korea—what’s on, when to go, how to get there, and local tips so you won’t miss a thing.

🗓️ 2025 At-a-Glance: Major Lantern Festivals & Dates

  • Jinju Namgang Yudeung (Lantern) Festival, Jinju — Oct 4–19, 2025. Giant floating lanterns on the Namgang River, night markets, & wish-lantern experiences.
  • Yeon Deung Hoe (Lotus Lantern Festival), Seoul — Apr 26–27, 2025 core weekend (Buddha’s Birthday season). Lantern parade through Jongno + temple displays around Jogyesa.
  • Seoul Lantern Festival, Cheonggyecheon — Dec 12, 2025–Jan 11, 2026 (winter lights along the stream; exact daily hours vary).
  • Colorful Dalgubeol Lantern Festival, Daegu — Spring 2025 (Apr/May), dates announced seasonally; famous sky-lantern releases and cultural shows.

Tip: Dates can shift year-to-year; always re-check the official festival pages before you go.

📍 Where to Go & What You’ll See

🛶 Jinju Namgang Yudeung Festival (South Gyeongsang)

  • Why go: Thousands of illuminated lanterns floating along the river by Jinjuseong Fortress—arguably Korea’s most cinematic night festival.
  • Don’t miss: Lantern-making & wish-lantern launches, fortress-view boardwalks, nightly performances.
  • Getting there from Seoul: KTX to Jinju (about 3–3.5 hours) then local shuttle/taxi to the riverfront; intercity buses also run frequently.

🪷 Yeon Deung Hoe (Lotus Lantern Festival), Seoul

  • Why go: UNESCO-recognized tradition with a massive lantern parade, cultural booths, and temples glowing with lotus lamps.
  • Don’t miss: Evening parade through Jongno, lantern exhibitions at Jogyesa/Bongeunsa, hands-on lantern workshops.
  • Dress code: Comfortable shoes; arrive early for curbside viewing along Jongno.

🌉 Seoul Lantern Festival, Cheonggyecheon

  • Why go: Illuminated installations stretching several blocks along the stream; perfect for winter nights and family-friendly strolls.
  • Don’t miss: Themed zones, photo spots on pedestrian bridges, hot drinks from nearby stalls.
  • When: Evenings are best for reflections; go weekdays to avoid heavy crowds.

🎈 Colorful Dalgubeol Lantern Festival, Daegu

  • Why go: Springtime lantern releases and cultural performances across central Daegu.
  • Plan ahead: Exact dates post late winter; some release events require pre-registration and sell out quickly.

🧭 Step-by-Step: How to Plan Your Lantern-Festival Day

  1. Pick your festival & date: If you’re in Korea now (late September), target Jinju next week or plan ahead for Seoul’s winter lights.
  2. Book transport early: Trains and buses sell out on peak nights. Consider a Korea Rail Pass if adding other cities.
  3. Choose viewing spots: For parades, secure curb space 60–90 minutes early; for river festivals, pick a bridge or boardwalk section with wind cover.
  4. Arrive fed, bring layers: Nights by the water can be chilly; grab snacks and a hot drink before you settle in.
  5. Mind the flow: After big finales, walk to a farther subway station to beat the crush.

🚆 Getting There: Quick Transport Cheat Sheet

  • Seoul festivals (Yeon Deung Hoe & Seoul Lantern): Jongno 3-ga/Jonggak/Euljiro/City Hall stations put you steps from the action.
  • Jinju: KTX from Seoul Station to Jinju Station (~3–3.5h), then shuttle/taxi to Namgang riverside.
  • Daegu: KTX from Seoul to Dongdaegu (~2h), subway to downtown parade areas.

Click to explore Korea Rail Pass options · Purchase T-money card for smooth subway/bus transfers.

👜 What to Pack (Tiny List, Big Difference)

  • Thin down/heat-tech layer (river winds!) 🧥
  • Portable seat mat or foldable cushion 🧻
  • Power bank + phone strap for crowd safety 🔋
  • Reusable tumbler for hot tea/cocoa ☕
  • Hand warmers (late fall/winter) ♨️

📸 Photo & Etiquette Tips

  • Reflections rule: Shoot from low angles near water for mirror-like shots.
  • Mind the moment: Don’t block parade routes or temple rituals; avoid flash during ceremonies.
  • Hands-on: If there’s a wish-lantern program, read safety notes and follow staff instructions.

🍜 Pre/Post-Festival Food Ideas

  • Seoul (Jongno): Late-night tteokbokki, mandu, and hotteok near Gwangjang/Ikseon-dong.
  • Jinju: Local bibimbap, knife-cut kalguksu, and riverfront stalls.
  • Daegu: Spicy jjim galbi (braised ribs) and night-market skewers.

💡 Pro Traveler Tips (Save Time & Money)

  • Weeknights win: Go Monday–Thursday for smaller crowds and easier photos.
  • Center-left vantage: For parades on Jongno, stand slightly before big intersections to catch floats arriving.
  • Portable Wi-Fi or SIM: Rent WiFi Korea or buy KT&G SIM card to coordinate meetups.
  • Stay nearby: Book hotel in Seoul (Jongno/Myeongdong) or near Jinju riverside to skip late-night commutes.
  • Warm up & wind down: Pack lip balm/hand cream; order Korean cosmetics if you forget.

🏨 Sample Overnight Plans

  • Jinju 1N: Afternoon train → check-in → sunset riverside walk → night festival → late snack → morning fortress stroll → return.
  • Seoul weekend: Sat parade (Yeon Deung Hoe) → Sunday temple visit & lantern workshop → evening tea in Insadong.
  • Seoul winter lights: Cheonggyecheon stroll → Gwanghwamun photos → hot chocolate café hop.

🌟 Conclusion: Let There Be Light

From lotus lantern parades to river-long light displays, seeing lantern festivals in Korea is a must for travelers who love culture and night photography. Check your dates, book transport early, and pick a smart viewing spot—then just enjoy the glow. ✨

Which festival are you eyeing—Jinju’s river magic, Seoul’s lotus parade, or winter lights on Cheonggyecheon? Tell me in the comments and I’ll help you fine-tune your plan!

🏷️ Labels

#Korealanternfestivals #JinjuYudeung #YeonDeungHoe #SeoulLanternFestival #Seoultravelguide #Koreatravel #bookhotelinSeoul #buyKTGSIMcard #purchaseTmoneycard #rentWiFiKorea #orderKoreancosmetics

ℹ️ About

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⚖️ Disclaimer

The information provided on this blog is based on personal experience and publicly available sources. Actual experiences may differ.

Information may vary slightly depending on environment and region, so please use it as a reference only.






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