The Korean Cultural Centre Canada has announced a new exhibition titled 'Lights of Korea: Jinju Silk Lanterns' opening December 23, 2025, at its Ottawa location. The show will run through February 27, 2026, offering Canadian audiences a rare opportunity to experience one of Korea's most beautiful traditional art forms. The exhibition results from a partnership between the cultural center and the City of Jinju, which has produced these lanterns for centuries. Visitors will see examples of the delicate silk lanterns that illuminate the famous Jinju Namgang Yudeung Festival each autumn. The display aims to deepen cultural understanding between Korea and Canada through artistic exchange.
Jinju silk lanterns originate from the city of Jinju in South Gyeongsang Province, with a history dating back over 400 years to the Imjin War of 1592-1598. According to tradition, lanterns were first floated on the Namgang River to honor soldiers and civilians who died defending Jinjuseong Fortress against Japanese invaders. General Kim Si-min, who led the defense, and the courageous kisaeng Nongae became legendary figures associated with this tradition. What began as a memorial ritual evolved into Korea's premier lantern festival, recognized as a national cultural heritage event. The festival now draws millions of visitors annually who come to see tens of thousands of illuminated silk creations.
Creating these lanterns requires exceptional craftsmanship and artistic skill. Artisans stretch fine silk over bamboo frames, then hand-paint intricate designs using traditional pigments. Motifs often include flowers, birds, mythical creatures, and historical scenes that reflect Korean aesthetics and storytelling traditions. The process demands precision, as the silk must remain taut while absorbing paint without tearing. Each lantern represents weeks of meticulous work by trained craftspeople who have inherited techniques passed down through generations. The combination of architectural structure and delicate painting creates an ethereal effect when lit from within.
The Ottawa exhibition will feature approximately thirty lanterns of various sizes and designs, ranging from small handheld pieces to large-scale installations. The display will recreate the magical atmosphere of the Namgang River floating ceremony through strategic lighting and reflective surfaces. Information panels in both English and French will explain the historical significance and technical processes. The cultural center will also screen documentary footage of the annual festival and offer hands-on workshops where visitors can try basic lantern-making techniques. Special guided tours will be available for school groups and cultural organizations.
This exhibition represents an important moment in Korea-Canada cultural relations, coinciding with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two nations. The Korean Cultural Centre Canada has been actively promoting Korean heritage through diverse programming since its establishment. By bringing the Jinju lanterns to Ottawa, the center provides a tangible connection to Korean traditions for the approximately 200,000 Korean-Canadians. The show also supports Canada's multiculturalism policy by introducing one of Asia's most visually stunning cultural practices to a broader audience.
'Lights of Korea: Jinju Silk Lanterns' offers more than just visual beauty—it provides insight into how art, history, and community memory intertwine in Korean culture. The exhibition invites visitors to reflect on themes of remembrance, resilience, and artistic continuity across centuries. As winter darkness settles over Ottawa, these luminous silk creations will bring warmth and color to the Canadian capital. The cultural centre hopes this show will inspire greater interest in Korean arts and lead to future collaborative projects between the two countries.
