The fifth in our series on Photography Spots in Korea, we will experience the magnificient yet humble, Yudeung Lantern Festival on the banks of Namgang river through the lenses of James Manuel from Kerala, India.
Jinju Namgang Yudeung Lantern Festival
The Jinju Namgang Yudeung Festival is one of the most beloved festivals that take place annually in Korea. The rainbow of lanterns at the festival attracts thousands of onlookers from across the world. Magnificent yet humble, the Yudeung lanterns are not only a masterpiece of light; their shapes also carry great significance. Each lantern represents the nation’s traditions and symbols such as white tiger, musical instruments, Korean traditional dance and many more including famous events and legends from the Korean history. Recently, the festival was honored at the 2011 Pinnacle Awards of the International Festival & Event Association (IFEA) held in Fort Worth, Texas.
History of Jinju Namgang Lantern Festival
In October, 1592 when the Japanese invaded Jinjuseong with its 20,000 soldiers, General Kimsimin defeated them with his 3,800 soldiers. This battle is recorded in the history as “Jinju Daecheop (great victory)”, in which General Kimsimin used floating lanterns as a military strategy to keep Japanese from crossing the river and soldiers floated the lanterns to give a message to their families of their safety.
In June, 1593, when the Japanese invaded again with its 120,000 soldiers, 70,000 Korean soldiers, officials and civilians fought to death to keep the country, which is called “Gyesa Suneui”. Since then, Jinju Namgang Yudeung is celebrated to honor and transmit their spirits together with Gaecheon Art Festival.
The highlights of the festival are the floating of lanterns carrying personal wishes of the citizens along the Namgang River, and the parade of lanterns created by the students themselves. Over 26,000 wish lanterns bob and sway in the wind, each bearing an earnest plea from a festival visitor. As you stroll through the illuminated tunnel of dreams and hopes, it’s not hard to believe that each dream truly can come true. In addition, the festival features gaejesik (lighting of lanterns in remembrance of the Jinjuseong Fortress Battle veterans), an exhibition of the world’s traditional lanterns, and many more participatory cultural programs along with Fireworks Show, Floating Bridge of Love and local traditional foods.
The festival is conducted early October to Mid October at Namgang & Jinjuseong, Jinju-si, Gyeongnam. You can visit their website for details: http://www.yudeung.com
About the author
James Manuel born and grown up in Kerala, India is currently doing PDF in Gyeongsang National University where he has completed his PhD in chemical engineering. Photography is his passion, his hobby and from the last 3 years he has been following his passion – photography. He has recently created his page on Facebook so you can be one of his early followers. To like his work visit his page – James Manuel Photography on Facebook.
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