The Jinju Namgang Yudeung Festival at night illuminates the southern city of Jinju, Gyeongsangnam-do Province, with lights on the Namgang River and Jinjuseong Fortress. The event marks the First Siege of Jinju in 1592, one of the three major battles that ended in victory for the Joseon Dynasty during the Imjin War (1592-98), which broke out due to Japan's invasion of the Korean Peninsula.

Soldiers protecting Jinjuseong Fortress put lanterns on the river as part of a military strategy to deter Japanese forces from crossing as well as sending greetings to their families outside the fortress.