Gyeongju Hyeongsan River Lantern Festival Opens May 14 With 2,000-Person Parade

The 2026 Hyeongsan River Lantern Culture Festival, which continues the tradition of Silla’s Yeondeunghoe lantern ceremony, will be held on May 14 near Geumjangdae along the Hyeongsan River in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province. Colorful lanterns will light the night sky of the ancient capital and the riverside, creating waves of light along the Hyeongsan River. A lantern parade with 2,000 participants is also scheduled to brighten downtown Gyeongju. The festival is presented as an event that links the region’s historic tradition with a modern festival format. Source: mk.co.kr