A tech-infused, K‑content–driven run draws domestic and international visitors, cementing Jinju as Korea’s autumn festival capital

Jinju, South Gyeongsang Province, announced that its 16-day autumn festival season—kicked off by the Jinju Namgang Yut Festival on Oct. 4 and 이어지는 the Gaecheon Arts Festival and the Korea Drama Festival—has come to a successful close. This year’s program blended cutting-edge technology, contemporary art, and Hallyu content to attract visitors from home and abroad, reaffirming Jinju as “the capital of Korea’s autumn festivals.”

Light and art converge at Jinju Namgang Yut Festival
This year’s lantern festival integrated advanced technology with traditional illumination, offering a diverse on-water and on-land display. 3D holographic lanterns, citizen-participation lanterns, and Harmo and Ayo character lanterns created a “stage of light” where heritage and modernity met.

In particular, the newly redesigned No. 1 Bridge and prize-winning lantern works by global artists elevated both artistry and spectacle. Generationally themed lanterns, including Minecraft- and Darth Vader-inspired pieces, drew broad appeal across attendees. Experiential programs—such as wishing lanterns, lantern launches, and an outdoor escape game—drew long queues and lively citizen participation every day.

The festival’s highlights also included the Silk Lantern Tunnel at Jinju Fortress History Park and a fireworks-and-drone light show, which became top SNS photo spots this year. Environmentally conscious operations were emphasized, including expanded use of reusable containers to keep the festival grounds comfortable.

A festival that blends tradition with youth
The 74th Gaecheon Arts Festival has evolved into a comprehensive cultural festival that harmonizes traditional arts with young artists. By expanding preliminary rounds to venues beyond Jinju, including national calligraphy and singing competitions, the event broadened artistic exchange and linked with the city’s merchants through a dynamic, cross-genre program featuring young performers and folk culture showcases.

Korean drama in the spotlight
The Korea Drama Festival (KDF) showcased the allure of K-dramas through studio-set experiences, OST performances, and a Drama History Hall. The 16th Korea Drama Awards saw SBS’s “Our Film” win Best Production, while Yook Seong-jae (for “Gwi-gung”) and Park Bo-young (for “The Unknown Seoul”) earned Best Acting honors. The Grand Prize (Daesang) went to Ahn Jae-wook for the drama “Please Look After the Eagle Five Brothers,” and veteran actor Kim Yong-rim received a Merit Award for her contributions to the industry.

International reach and city improvements
Jinju City, selected for a Korea Tourism Organization program, introduced a smart map service that provides real-time crowd density and event information to enhance visitor convenience. Some 16,000 personnel—including police, firefighters, and volunteers—were mobilized to strengthen safety management, and rapid field maintenance kept operations smooth even in wet weather. Foreign delegations from Brazil, Thailand, France, and Germany participated this year, helping to amplify Jinju’s cultural value on the world stage.

Jinju Mayor Jo Gyu-il commented, “Jinju’s festivals have now become a global experience that everyone can enjoy. Like the light of the lanterns spreading peace, Jinju will continue to grow as a city where culture connects with the world.”