Lantern Festival in South Korea (18 images)

A giant paper lantern that depicts the controversial defeat of South Korean Olympic fencer A-lam Shin floats in the Namgang River at the Jinju Namgang Yudeung Festival, or the Jinju Lantern Festival, in Jinju, South Korea on October 1, 2012. The festival, which runs Oct. 1 to 14, originated during the Japanese invasion of 1592 when Koreans lit lanterns to illuminate the Namgang River surrounding Jinjuseong Fortress to prevent Japanese troops from crossing. A tradition during the festival are the floating lanterns carrying peoples wishes. UPI/Thomas Michael Corcoran

The Shinsa-dong Musical Water Fountain dances to Korean Pop music at the Jinju Namgang Yudeung Festival, or the Jinju Lantern Festival, in Jinju, South Korea on October 1, 2012. The festival, which runs Oct. 1 to 14, originated during the Japanese invasion of 1592 when Koreans lit lanterns to illuminate the Namgang River surrounding Jinjuseong Fortress to prevent Japanese troops from crossing. A tradition during the festival are the floating lanterns carrying peoples wishes. UPI/Thomas Michael Corcoran

Tourists pose next to a paper lantern of actor Sylvester Stallone's character Rocky in a decorated bamboo grove during the first day of the Jinju Namgang Yudeung Festival, or the Jinju Lantern Festival, in Jinju, South Korea on October 1, 2012. The festival, which runs Oct. 1 to 14, originated during the Japanese invasion of 1592 when Koreans lit lanterns to illuminate the Namgang River surrounding Jinjuseong Fortress to prevent Japanese troops from crossing. A tradition during the festival are the floating lanterns carrying peoples wishes. UPI/Thomas Michael Corcoran

Fireworks burst over Jinjuseong Fortress and the floating lanterns in the Namgang River during a commencement ceremony for the first day of the Jinju Namgang Yudeung Festival, or the Jinju Lantern Festival, in Jinju, South Korea on October 1, 2012. The festival, which runs Oct. 1 to 14, originated during the Japanese invasion of 1592 when Koreans lit lanterns to illuminate the Namgang River surrounding Jinjuseong Fortress to prevent Japanese troops from crossing. A tradition during the festival are the floating lanterns carrying peoples wishes. UPI/Thomas Michael Corcoran

Fireworks burst over Jinjuseong Fortress and the floating lanterns in the Namgang River during a commencement ceremony for the first day of the Jinju Namgang Yudeung Festival, or the Jinju Lantern Festival, in Jinju, South Korea on October 1, 2012. The festival, which runs Oct. 1 to 14, originated during the Japanese invasion of 1592 when Koreans lit lanterns to illuminate the Namgang River surrounding Jinjuseong Fortress to prevent Japanese troops from crossing. A tradition during the festival are the floating lanterns carrying peoples wishes. UPI/Thomas Michael Corcoran

Fireworks burst over Jinjuseong Fortress and the floating lanterns in the Namgang River during a commencement ceremony for the first day of the Jinju Namgang Yudeung Festival, or the Jinju Lantern Festival, in Jinju, South Korea on October 1, 2012. The festival, which runs Oct. 1 to 14, originated during the Japanese invasion of 1592 when Koreans lit lanterns to illuminate the Namgang River surrounding Jinjuseong Fortress to prevent Japanese troops from crossing. A tradition during the festival are the floating lanterns carrying peoples wishes. UPI/Thomas Michael Corcoran