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City in South Gyeongsang, South Korea
Photo: (WT-en) Jpatokal at English Wikivoyage, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Jinju (진주, 晋州), formerly Chinju, is in South Gyeongsang province, South Korea.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
진주성 Jinjuseong
Originally, the castle was made of clay, but later the stone was turned into material. Most sights in Jinju are located on the grounds here, at the west end of the north bank. General Kim Si-min fought here when the Imjin War broke out. Jinju's moment of glory came in 1592 during the Imjin War, when a force of just 3,800 Koreans held off an invading army of 20,000 Japanese. The Japanese came back the next year with an army of 70,000 — Jinju was finally crushed and all defenders were killed or committed suicide. The night scenery of the fortress is also a breathtaking sight and a must-see. Also called Jinju Castle.
촉석루
Chokseongnu is in Jinju-seong. CNN ranked one of the 50 best places to hear if you visit Korea. The command base during the battles of Jinju, this beautiful pavilion is next to the cliff with commanding views across the river. During days of peace, civil service exams were held here.
국립진주박물관
At the west end of the fortress. A small but well-presented branch of the National Museum specializing in the Imjin War. The museum also has a large collection of materials on exchanges between South Korea and Japan. Labeling in English is a little spotty but mostly sufficient. An interesting (if rather propagandistic) 3D film on the First Battle of Jinju is shown hourly for free.
Commemorates the gisaeng (courtesan) Nongae, who seduced a Japanese general after their victory in the second battle, and with her arms wrapped around him plunged from the cliff to her — and his — death. The yearly Nongae Festival commemorates the event.
This fountain is a must-see for any visitor to Jinju. An impressive water and light show is put on by the fountain in time to a selection of songs ranging from classical to popular music. Shows are at regular intervals beginning after dark (exact times depend on the season). This is a popular gathering place for couples and families in the summer.
The birthplace of Confucian scholar Gang Mincheom, the shrine is small but picture-perfect.
Jinyang Lake is an artificial lake and a lake where the Gyeong-ho River flowing from Sancheong-gun, Gyeong-sang namdo and Deokcheon River flowing from Jinju-si, Gyeong-sangnamdo meet. In spring, many cherry trees bloom near lakes and zoos, attracting many tourists from both families and lovers.
경상남도 수목원
진주 청동기 문화 박물관
You can see the prosperous Daepyeong Village during the Bronze Age.
토지 주택 박물관
The Land and Housing Museum is a specialized museum with the theme of Korean residential architecture culture and civil engineering construction technology. It first opened in Bundang, Gyeonggi-do in 1997, and was relocated to Jinju in 2015 and renovated.
진주 어린이 박물관
It is a museum where children can touch and experience what is on display.
The Nongae Festival commemorates and celebrates the sacrifice of the beautiful and patriotic gisaeng (professional Korean entertainer) Nongae's suicide-assassination of a Japanese general together with the 70,000 Koreans who lost their lives in the battle of Jinju Castle during the Imjin War. The festival features an emotional reenactment of Nongae's suicidal drowning of a Japanese general from ‘uiam bawi’ (righteous rock) below Chokseongnu (Jinju castle pavilion) on the banks of the Nam River.
The Jinju National Bullfighting Contest is recognized as Korea's oldest bullfighting event and spectators can witness a test of strength at this bullfighting contest.
The entire city turns to the streets for celebration at Korea's first provincial culture art festival, which awakens the artistic spirit of the Korean people. The festival falls around Gaecheonjeol (National Foundation Day) and is widely regarded as one of Korea's finest.
This nationally designated cultural tourism festival, found only in Jinju, features a spectacle of lanterns floating on the Nam River to commemorate the patriotic spirit of the 70,000 militia corps and government troops who died for their country defending Jinju from the Japanese forces during the Imjin War (1592–1598).
Coffee, drinks and pretty decent bibimbap sets (₩5000). There's a bizarre collection of totem poles outside to stare at while you wait for your order.
유정장어
Specializes in amazing grilled eel. No English sign but easily spotted (it's the ornate traditional house). ₩22,000 for a saltwater Anguilla eel and the works, ₩27,000 for freshwater Conger eel, each set is designed to serves two if you order rice on the side (an extra ₩1,000). They'll halve the eel you get if you go in alone, but don't expect a discount. Open late which is good for festival goers.
They sell yukhoe and lime bulgogi.
수복빵집
Subok Bread Restaurant is a traditional bakery located in Jinju Central Market in Gyeongsangnam-do, and steamed buns, honey bread, and patbingsu are popular. Steamed buns are soft with a lot of red bean paste, and honey bread is a combination of crispy outside and sweet inside. We recommend you to visit Open Run because waiting can occur on weekends.
하연옥 하대동점
When you order a meal, you'll get a fresh salad and hot seonjiguk. Jinju Mulnaengmyeon is served with cucumbers, egg garnish, beef jeon, and threaded red pepper. Dolpan beef chamgalbi is a premium grilled rib served with good ribs and delicious seasoning and grilled on charcoal.
료시
It is a restaurant where various Japanese menus are popular. Okonomiyaki and jirashisushi are especially popular. There are also a variety of sushi and rice bowls on the menu. It's perfect for dates or small gatherings, and we recommend you visit in time for opening on weekends because there may be waiting.
송화한정식
It is a place where you can taste Jinju's unique Korean food. Private dining is possible because it consists of individual rooms, and special dishes such as deep-fried mushrooms with sweet and sour sauce, royal tteokbokki, and vegetable pancakes are especially impressive. Parking is available in the public parking lot in front of the store, and it is convenient to provide free parking when paying.
천황식당
The Emperor's Restaurant is a Nopo restaurant with a tradition of more than 100 years located in the Jinju Central Market. The popular menu, beef tartare bibimbap, is a harmonious combination of fresh raw beef, sesame oil, herbs, and secret sauce. Also, grilled bulgogi and Korean beef jeon are popular menus, with group seats and seating areas, making them suitable for family gatherings and get-togethers.
There is a quiet cafe located in front of the university, a cafe mascot dog.
There are a lot of fun board games. After you give cookies and caramel and drink all the drinks, you can get a refill of iced Americano for ₩1,000.
히얼
Seasonal-varying granita and signature matcha latte are popular menus. Inside the cafe, warm lighting and neat interior make it a good place to visit alone or heal with friends. There are various seats, including group seats and sofa seats, so you can stay comfortably.
센트럴베이크샵
Meat pies (tomato/cream/bulgogi) and kitsch are popular menus, serving a wide variety of cakes and bread. With a large space with group seats, bar tables, and seating for 1 to 4 people, they are also perfect for gatherings or honkas. There are baby chairs and parking in front of the store.
카페드펄
You can enjoy a special coffee menu such as de Perlatte along with a variety of dessert menus such as salt bread and sculpture cake. It is popular with visitors because it is convenient to move by car due to its wide parking lot, and you can enjoy the beautiful natural scenery of Jinyang Lake together.
마켓진양호
Market Jinyangho is a large cafe located in Jinju, with plenty of parking space and a picnic-like atmosphere with outdoor tables and plants. Various imported organic drinks and unique menus such as Dutch coffee and almond lattes are popular. It also sells organic snacks and imported snacks, making it good to visit with children, and you can accompany your dog.
아시아 강변호텔
A business style hotel with marvellous views over a reservoir — the downside is the location 20 minutes from the city center by taxi.
동방관광호텔
East end of north bank. Jinju's premier city centre hotel, getting older but still in good shape. Spa/sauna complex and a number of rooftop restaurants and bars. English spoken.
By bus
Bus is the easiest way of reaching Jinju.
By train
There are daily 5 services to Seoul (6½ hr) and 4 to Busan (3 hr). Jinju is served by passenger service with KTX at Jinju Station along the Gyeongjeon Line. Jinju has two train stations.
By bicycle or on foot
Highly recommended. Jinju is a small city, so if you have a detailed street map, you can simply get around on foot.
By taxi
The basic fare for regular taxis is ₩3300 (as of 2025), with a surcharge of ₩100 applied according to time and distance.
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