Lights, water and History

(FT. LEE, NJ) AUGUST 29, 2004 – The Korea National Tourism Organization and the Jinju Namgang Lantern Festival organizers, Jinu City’s Department of Tourism, Culture, invite you to experience a tradition dating back to 1592.

The tradition of floating lanterns on Namgang River in Jinju dates back to the 1592 Japanese invasion of Korea. In October 1592, during a battle between Japanese and Korean soldiers around Jinjuseong Fortress, Jinju people flew lanterns high up in the sky as a military signal and communications tools with soldiers outside the fortress, while floating lanterns and torches along Namgang River. The Jinu Namgang Lantern Festival has been held since 2000 by expanding and further developing the custom of floating lanterns that had been held annually since 1949.

Main Events:
World lantern exhibition, hanging of wishing lanterns, lantern floating, lantern-making, fireworks at the w3aterside, and flying of lanterns.
Date:
October 1 – 12, 2004

Venue:
Jinju Namgang River
Jinju Fortress in Gyeongsangnam-do

From Seoul, Jinju is approximately 4 hours by bus.

Nearby sites of interest include:

Jinjuseong Fortress Chokseongnu Pavilion, Jinju National Museum, Gajin-ri Bird footprint Fossils, Yusu-ri Dinosaur Fossils.

For further information, please contact the Korea National Tourism Organization at telephone: (800) 868-7567, fax: (201) 585-9041 or E-mail: gregory_m_kelly@kntoamerica.com
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