By Honorary Reporter Pascal Pewesdorf from Germany

Photos = Pascal Pewesdorf

Lanterns on the evening of Oct. 17 float on the Namgang River at the Jinju Namgang Yudeung Festival held in and around Jinjuseong Fortress and the Namgang River in Jinju, Gyeongsangnam-do Province.

The Jinju Namgang Yudeung Festival from Oct. 3-18 was held in and around Jinjuseong Fortress and the Namgang River in Jinju, Gyeongsangnam-do Province.

The event dates back to 1592, when forces led by Gen. Kim Si-min used lanterns on the river to communicate during a Japanese siege. Later, they commemorated those killed in the battles of the Imjin Waeran, the Japanese invasion of the Korean Peninsula in the late 16th century.

The festival featured spectacular lights and traditional games like ddakji (paper tile flipping), geune ttwigi (swing), gulleongsoe, or rolling a metal hoop with a stick, and jegichagi (shuttlecock kicking).

In addition to traditional hands-on activities and lantern displays, live music and a variety of delicious food were on offer.

Traditional games featured on Oct. 17 include ddakji (paper tile flipping) and jegichagi (shuttlecock kicking) while wearing Hanbok (traditional attire).

From the tower at the northwestern end of the historical fortress was a sweeping view of the east. From here, the extensive compound was seen with its traditional buildings, ancient walls and surrounding trees.

This elevated viewpoint offered a beautiful perspective of the site and gave a sense of the size and unique location of the fortress.

Lanterns depicted the 12 animals of the East Asian zodiac in their traditional order: the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog and pig.

Lanterns shaped like the 12 animals of the East Asian zodiac in their traditional order are displayed on Oct. 17 at the Jinju Namgang Yudeung Festival in Jinju, Gyeongsangnam-do Province.

The drone show and fireworks also illuminated the night sky over Jinju. Hundreds of the devices displayed a variety of themes, ranging from the fortress to high-tech gizmos like drones and rockets and even an astronaut in space.

The colorful explosions that illuminated the night sky brought the evening to an impressive close.

ljyhwa@korea.kr

*This article was written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.