The Korean Cultural Center in Hungary, in cooperation with the Jinju Culture and Tourism Foundation, will present the special exhibition Light of Korea: Jinju Silk Lanterns from 19 June to 4 September 2026.

The exhibition is a flagship overseas program of KOFICE (Korea Foundation for International Cultural Exchange), organized as part of the Touring K-Arts project. Following a highly successful presentation in Germany earlier this year, the exhibition arrives in Hungary to reinterpret, through the language of contemporary art, the traditions of silk and floating lanterns—two cultural treasures that embody the history and exceptional craftsmanship of the city of Jinju.

Jinju, a millennium-old city and former capital of South Korea, has forged a unique urban identity rooted in its long history, the silk industry centered around the Nam River, and the collective memory of its community. The tradition of floating lanterns (Yudeung), which were launched onto the Nam River during the Imjin War in 1592 for military communication and to convey messages and well-wishes to family members, together with the silk industry that has flourished for more than a century thanks to the river’s pristine waters, are cultural assets that reflect Jinju’s distinctive geographical character and rich craftsmanship.

The exhibition Light of Korea: Jinju Silk Lanterns offers a contemporary reinterpretation of these local traditions—silk and floating lanterns—through the artistic medium of light. By combining tradition with a contemporary sensibility, Jinju has successfully transformed its silk industry into a cultural asset, creating a regional brand woven from silk and light.

In connection with the exhibition, visitors will have the opportunity to make and decorate Korean lanterns during craft workshops. The date and time of the workshops will be announced on the Korean Cultural Center’s website.

Admission to the exhibition is free during the opening hours of the Korean Cultural Center.