Experience a part of Korea’s Jinju Namgang Yudeung Festival through a stunning exhibition of 900 silk lanterns at the Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines (KCC).
In 1592—over 400 years ago—during what was known as the Siege of Jinju, the people of the Korean city (a part of Gyeongsangnam-do province) sent yudeung (oil lanterns) down the Namgang River as a way of both preventing Japanese forces from crossing during the Imjin Wars and sending messages to their loved ones. This tradition has since evolved, transforming into the Jinju Namgang Yudeung Festival, where hundreds of glowing lanterns and floats drift across the iconic river, now symbolizing the hopes and wishes of those who send them out.
Throughout the month of July, The Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines (KCC) and the Jinju City Government have brought a piece of this festival to Manila through a breathtaking sea of 900 handcrafted lanterns. Titled Lights of Korea: Jinju Silk Lanterns, the installation makes its solo debut in the Philippines, running until July 31, 2025, at the KCC,.
The display is part of a touring exhibition under the “2025 Touring K-Arts Program” conducted by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST) and the Korea Foundation for International Cultural Exchange.
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900 Silk Lanterns And Long-held Traditions
Entering the exhibition, one is greeted by a small Wishing Tree covered in papers containing the well-wishes of guests who’ve come to visit. It’s as much a part of the exhibit as the lanterns, which cover more than half of the space: colorful pieces that emit a hazy, yellow glow, transporting you elsewhere.
Of course, the entire area is picturesque and Instagram-worthy, perhaps the next best thing to going to Jinju yourself to see the light show. The KCC also holds “Hanbok Fridays” during the exhibition run, special days that allow guests to take photos dressed in traditional Korean attire or hanbok.
But more than just a beautiful display, the exhibition is a memorable albeit fleeting showcase of culture and heritage.
Jinju has always been famed for its centuries-old sericulture (silk farming), and these lanterns—newly handcrafted by Jinju artisans and shipped to Manila for the exhibition—are symbols of Korean craftsmanship, brought closer to Filipino audiences. Each lantern is made from colorful pieces of fine Korean silk, no two exactly alike, but all of them working to create a space that swallows you into a vibrant spectrum of light.
“In a way, they remind us that even in darkness, there is beauty to be found and shared,” expresses H.E. Lee Sang-hwa, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to the Philippines, in his remarks during the exhibition’s opening. “Jinju City deserves our warmest congratulations for its continued dedication to preserving this legacy, which is now recognized as a UNESCO Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art.”
Visitors can also try a Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Lantern Making Kit during their visit to the exhibition, which lets them take home a paper lantern as a souvenir. Guided tours are also available to those who wish to learn more about Korean culture and explore the entirety of the KCC’s facilities and exhibits.
Following its Manila run, The Light of Korea: Jinju Silk Lanterns will continue its journey across Southeast Asia, including stops in Indonesia and Vietnam, welcoming new audiences to immerse themselves in a tradition that celebrates hope, resilience, creativity, and identity.
The Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines (KCC) is located at 59 Bayani Rd, Taguig, Metro Manila. Opening hours are 9 AM to 4 PM from Monday to Friday, and 10 AM to 4 PM on Saturday.
Photos courtesy of the Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines (unless specified).
