Jinjuseong Fortress (진주성)

Jinjuseong Fortress, initially erected in ancient times, was expanded in 1379 to fend off pirate invasions. It saw two battles during the Imjin War (1592-1598). Inside, there are structures like Chokseongnu Pavilion, Jinju National Museum, a victory monument, an outdoor stage, and cafés. The castle overlooks the scenic Namgang River. Visitors can also enjoy hanbok experiences and take a ferry on the Namgang River.

– Address : 626 Namgang-ro, Jinju-si, Gyeongsangnam-do

※ Presentation Information
– Information and Guides
+82-55-749-5171

– Parking
Available

– Day Off
N/A (Open all year round)

– Operating Hours
March-October 05:00-23:00 / November-February 05:00-22:00

– Admission Fees
Adults 2,000 won / Teenagers 1,000 won / Children 600 won

– Restrooms
Available

– Available Facilities
Jinju National Museum, Chokseongnu Pavilion, tourist information center

◎ Nearby Tourism Infobox

⊙ Chokseongnu Pavilion (촉석루)

– Homepage
www.jinju.go.kr

– Tel
+82-55-749-5171

Standing grandly above the rocky cliffs of Namgang River is Chokseongnu Pavilion, arguably one of the most beautiful nugak buildings (multi-storied structure without walls) in the Yeongnam region. Chokseongnu (historically known as ‘Jangwollu’) has undergone eight renovations since its establishment in the 28th year of King Gojong (1241, Goryeo dynasty) and was once used as a commanding post for defending Jinju Palace in times of war. During times of peace, it was used for holding state examinations.

Although the structure was burnt down during the Korean War, it was restored in 1960 through the efforts of the Jinju Historical Site Preservation Society. The roof design features a mix of hipped and gabled styles and the stone pillars were built with rocks collected from Chokseoksan Mountain, located in Changwon-si. The wood used for the structure was brought from Odaesan Mountain, situated in Gangwon-do. Noticeable features of Chokseongnu are the four engraved signboards and a board that holds the works of renowned poets and calligraphers. Jinju Namgang Yudeung (Lantern) Festival is held every fall at the Jinjuseong Fortress.

⊙ Jinju National Museum (국립진주박물관)

– Homepage
jinju.museum.go.kr

– Tel
+82-55-740-0698

Jinju National Museum opened on November 2, 1984 within Jinjuseong Fortress to promote the culture of ancient Gaya and act as the main archeological research center for the western Gyeongsangnam-do. In 1998, the museum also began specializing in research and collection of materials related to the Imjin War (1592-1598). The museum continues to exhibit and educate the public about the Imjin War and overall history of eastern Asia.

⊙ E-Mart – Jinju Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (이마트 진주)

– Homepage
Store.emart.com

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⊙ Jinju Namgang Yudeung Festival (진주 남강유등축제)

– Homepage
yudeung.com

– Tel
+82-55-761-9111

The Jinju Namgang Yudeung Festival is an event that continues the practice of making wishes by floating colorful lanterns down the Namgang River. This practice of over 400 years originated from the Siege of Jinju in 1592. The festival begins at sunset when lanterns of various shapes and sizes are lit on the Namgang River. World Pungmul lanterns, wish lanterns, traditional lanterns, religious lanterns, and customized lanterns embroider the night with colorful lights. Fireworks and lighting shows are held against the backdrop of this beautiful night view, along with various cultural shows. The festival operates food trucks where visitors can enjoy delicious foods from around the world.

◎ The Siege of Jinju and Yudeung
During the Japanese invasion of Korea in 1592, yudeung (oil lanterns) were lit in the battle at Jinjuseong Fortress to stop the Japanese army from crossing the Namgang River. The lanterns were also used as a means of contacting families outside the fortress.

⊙ Artbox – Jinju Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (아트박스 진주)

– Homepage
www.artdoxmall.com

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⊙ Golden Tulip Jinju Hotel Namgang (골든튤립 호텔 남강)

– Homepage
http://hotelnamgang.com

Overlooking the old town of Jinju, Gyeongsangnam-do Golden Tulip Hotel Namgang is the largest hotel in Jinju with 128 rooms, clean facilities, and reasonable accommodation rates. Each room has a balcony, giving it a sense of openness. The Namgang View room offers a stunning view of the city at night. From the room, you can see the Jinju Yudeung Festival. There is a restaurant on the third floor where breakfast is served. The intercity bus terminal is within walking distance, KTX Jinju Station is fifteen minutes away by car, and Jinjuseong and Jinyangho Lake are nearby tourist attractions.

⊙ Jinju Jungang Market (진주중앙시장)

– Homepage
www.jinju.go.kr

– Tel
+82-55-741-2151

Jinju Jungang Market is a long-standing traditional market that traces its origins to the Jinju Sangmusa (now the Chamber of Commerce) established in 1884. Designated as a cultural tourism market in 2011, it is located in the heart of Jinju. Nestled between underground shopping malls, financial institutions, medical facilities, and youth-oriented streets, the area boasts heavy foot traffic and serves as a main hub for the city’s logistics, economy, and culture. Originally a five-day-interval market opened every 5 days from the 2nd of each month, it now operates year-round. The market features a 980-meter-long retractable arcade and is divided into three sections of Hanbok and fabric shops, food alleys, and general goods areas. Starting at 2:00 AM, a dawn market is also held here, with vegetable and fish auctions for retailers. Trading of agricultural and fishery products continues until around 10:00 AM, after which the regular stores open. Located at a key commercial point where abundant agricultural products from Jirisan Mountain and fresh seafood from the southern coast are distributed, the market offers a wide array of local specialties, such as dried seafood, agricultural and fishery products, as well as Hanbok. It also participates in regional events like the Jinju Namgang Yudeung Festival, showcasing items such as Jinju bibimbap. Once known as Jinju Jungang Yudeung Market, it was officially renamed Jinju Jungang Market in 2015.

⊙ Somangjinsan Lantern Theme Park (소망진산 유등테마공원)

View detailed guide on Korea Trip Guide →

– Homepage
www.jinju.go.kr

Somangjinsan Lantern Theme Park was created to display the history and culture of the Namgang River and Jinjuseong Fortress through lanterns, the focal point of the Jinju Namgang Yudeung Festival. The rooftop rest area offers amazing views of the Namgang River, as well as a variety of Rose of Sharon species, the national flower of Korea.

⊙ Galleria – Jinju Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (갤러리아 진주점)

– Homepage
www.galleria.co.kr

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Jinjuseong Fortress (진주성)