Jinju
Live Out Your K-Dreams 🇰🇷
Jinju is located in South Gyeongsang Province. While the Republic of Korea Air Force Education and Training Command is located in the eastern part of the city, there are also numerous cultural-historical tourist attractions that attract travelers year round, such as Jinjuseong Fortress, the Jinju National Museum, and the Gyeongsangnam-do Arboretum.
Jinjuseong Fortress
It is a place where Jinju history and culture integrate. Historically linked to the Imjin War (1592-1598), the castle was used as the provincial office of Gyeongsangnam-do from 1895 to 1925. The fortress is 5-8 meters’ height and has a circumference of approximately 1,760m, with three wells and springs.
Jinyang Lake
The only artificial lake in the Western Gyeongnam Province, the lake holds a wide-open view towards Jirisan Mountain. It is especially beautiful during the early morning hours when the fog covers the lake, as well as during the mesmerising sunset. Around the lake, you can also find various parks, a zoo, a cypress forest, and the Namgang Dam Water Culture Museum. Make sure to check out the Jinyangho Lake Watchtower too, as it offers spectacular views of the Jirisan mountain and is famous for its Wishing Stairs!
Worasan mountain
One of the favorite places of the residents of Jinju, the mountain was designated as an urban green park back in 1986. There is a small forest, and the mountain stands 482m high, making it a perfect trip for those short on time, as well as for the family and leisure hikers.
Jinju National Museum
Opened in 1984, the museum specializes in Imjin War and has carried various research on the history and culture of the province. It is a great place to learn more about the Korean history and culture, and the history of the region itself.
Gyeongsangnam-do Arboretum
Covering over 102ha, the arboretum is filled with 3,340 species of mesmerising plants and flowers. It is a perfect place to relax and explore various plants, flora, fauna, etc. There is also a botanical garden, a zoo garden, the Forest Museum, an ecological glasshouse, and so much more. It is a great place to spend a morning or a whole day.
Hoguksa Temple
The temple was built during the reconstruction of Jinjuseong Fortress to keep off the Japanese invaders and raise monk soldiers within. Thus, it acted as a monk base during the Imjin War. It is said that the temple was named ‘Hoguksa’ (defense of the fatherland) by the King Sukjong, in order to appreciate the monk soliders who died defendin the castle during the 2nd Jinjuseong Battle.
Gangju Lotus Pond
A stunning place to wonder around, as the ponds banks are said to be covered with trees planted 500-600 years ago! The pond holds great importance to the citizens of Jinju, as it speaks history through its plants, and is a great place to admire the flowers that bloom in the summer.
Cheonggoksa Temple
Located on the slopes of Mt. Wolasan, the temple was first built in 879 A.D. by the monk Doseonguksa, who is well known for his geomancy methods. The temple has numerous rarities, making it a worthwhile stop for any temple adventurer!
Geumhoji pond
A large reservoir covering an area of 204,937m2 has a great legend behind it. It is said that once upon a time the two dragons fought each other, and one of them fell down creating this huge pond. The pond is believed to have naturally formed back in the Silla Dynasty, making one wonder, maybe it wasn’t just a legend after all?
While you are there, try out the delicious 'Jinju Eel'! It has a light taste and does not smell fishy. People eat eel wrapped with sesame leaves that have plenty of vitamin C. Jinju grilled eel has a lean, non-greasy flavour profile, offering you the genuine local taste of Jinju.