Departure from Busan | 10.3-10.18 Jinju Lantern Festival + Hadong Sacheon One Day Tour

Korea's premier lantern festival, just a trip away from Busan!

Step out of Busan and join our day tour to experience the lush green tea fields of Hadong, the breathtaking scenery of Sacheon, and one of Korea's most famous annual festivals – the Jinju Namgang Lantern Festival.

As night falls, thousands of lanterns float on the Namgang River, dyeing the water a spectacular golden‑red. Set against the romantic backdrop of Jinju Fortress, accompanied by a mesmerising drone light show and fireworks, this creates one of Korea's most stunning autumn night scenes.

[Itinerary Reference]

Jinju Lantern Festival & Hadong Day Tour (Departing from Busan)

11:00: Pick‑up: Board at Haeundae Station Exit 5

11:40: Pick‑up: Pick you up at Busan Station Exit 1.

14:00: Green Tea Field Visit

Enjoy panoramic views of Korea's authentic wild tea plantations, take a stroll around the pavilions, and capture photos at this scenic spot.

15:30: Choi Cham Pan House (TV Drama Filming Location)

Experience the atmosphere of a traditional Hanok overlooking the vast fields of Pyeongsari. Sit on the wooden terrace and take photos filled with nostalgic rural charm.

19:00: Jinju Namgang Lantern Festival

Enjoy the colourful lantern light show illuminating the Namgang River and night sky, the magical drone/fireworks display, and take unforgettable night scene photos.

22:30: Alight at Busan Station

23:00: Alight at Haeundae Station

Jinju Lantern Festival & Sacheon Day Tour (Departing from Busan)

11:40: Pick‑up: Pick you up at Busan Station Exit 1.

11:00: Pick‑up: Board at Haeundae Station Exit 5

14:00: Sacheon Ocean Cable Car & Aesan Observatory

Ride the crystal cable car with a transparent glass bottom, crossing over the sea and mountains.

15:30: Park Kyongni

Visit the fairytale‑like white windmill hill, towering above the blue sea.

19:00: Jinju Namgang Lantern Festival

Enjoy the colourful lantern light show illuminating the Namgang River and night sky, the magical drone/fireworks display, and take unforgettable night scene photos.

22:30: Alight at Busan Station

23:00: Alight at Haeundae Station

Day Tour Introduction

Designated as a "National Representative Festival" by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and awarded the Pinnacle Award by the International Festivals & Events Association (IFEA), this festival is renowned worldwide for its extraordinary beauty.

Depending on the day of the week, you will also explore hidden gems around Busan – the serene Hadong region or the scenic Sacheon region – offering a unique and enriching experience of Korea's regional charm.

Stroll through elegant Hanok courtyards, admire the traditional ponds, and experience centuries of Korean history and culture.

Learn about Korea's literary heritage at the statue of Park Kyongni, author of the epic novel "Toji".

Take a cable car flying over the emerald sea towards the scenic Choyang Island and the ferris wheel.

Enjoy an exciting cable car ride with your loved ones and take in the stunning aerial island views.

Admire elegant lanterns dancing in the dark river, shining beautifully in the night.

Experience the romantic evening ambience filled with traditional Korean silk lanterns.

Enjoy the spectacular drone light show and illuminated character floats along the historic riverbank.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. What are the main highlights and experiences of the Jinju Namgang Lantern Festival?

The Jinju Namgang Lantern Festival is famous for its breathtaking nighttime scenery. Visitors can enjoy thousands of intricately designed floating lanterns lighting up the Namgang River, as well as spectacular drone shows and brilliant fireworks displays. With the historic Jinju Fortress serving as a grand backdrop for this autumn event, it offers a truly immersive cultural experience.

2. When is the Jinju Namgang Lantern Festival usually held each year, and what makes its lanterns special?

The Jinju Namgang Lantern Festival is Korea's premier autumn event, typically held during the autumn season. What makes its lanterns special is that thousands of floating lanterns illuminate the Namgang River, creating a breathtaking night view. These lanterns originate from a tradition dating back to the Imjin War (1592‑1598), when lanterns were used for military communication and to prevent enemy troops from crossing the river.

3. Can visitors watch drone shows and fireworks at the Jinju Namgang Lantern Festival near Jinju Fortress?

Yes, the Jinju Namgang Lantern Festival is renowned for its stunning nighttime spectacles. Visitors can indeed enjoy captivating drone shows and brilliant fireworks displays that light up the night sky. These events are typically held against the magnificent and historic backdrop of Jinju Fortress, adding to the festival's magical atmosphere.

4. Besides the lantern festival, what other attractions similar to Choi Cham Pan House can visitors see in Jinju and the surrounding areas on this tour?

This tour offers a diverse experience that goes beyond just the lantern festival. Visitors can visit Choi Cham Pan House, a traditional Hanok village famous as a filming location for the Korean drama "Toji" (The Land), offering picturesque rural scenery. Depending on the tour date, the itinerary also includes the lush green tea fields of Hadong Jeungam Tea Plantation or sea views from the Sacheon Ocean Cable Car, showcasing diverse natural beauty.

5. What unique natural landscapes, such as Hadong Jeungam Tea Plantation or Sacheon Ocean Cable Car, are included in this journey departing from Busan?

Depending on your travel date, this itinerary offers two distinct natural landscape options. One is the Hadong Jeungam Tea Plantation, known for its rolling waves of green tea and serene beauty. The other is the Sacheon Ocean Cable Car, where you can ride across the water and enjoy stunning, expansive sea views. Both locations offer unique photo opportunities and scenic escapes from the city.

6. What can I see at Choi Cham Pan House, the Korean drama filming location?

At Choi Cham Pan House, you can immerse yourself in a beautifully preserved traditional Hanok village. This site was the filming location for the popular Korean drama "Toji" (The Land). Visitors can capture memorable photos against the authentic rural backdrop, explore traditional Hanok houses, and experience the historical atmosphere that vividly depicts life in a bygone era.

7. What convenient pick‑up locations are available for this Jinju Lantern Festival day tour from Busan?

This Jinju Lantern Festival day tour offers convenient round‑trip transportation from Busan. There are two main, easily accessible pick‑up locations to choose from: Haeundae Station and Busan Station. This ensures a smooth and comfortable journey to and from the festival and other tourist attractions, without the need to arrange your own transport.