Top ten things to do when visiting Jinju, South Korea

Jinju is located at the far south of the Korean peninsula, near cities like Busan, Suncheon and Yeosu. It takes around 3 hours 30 mins from Seoul and about 2 hours from Jeonju by bus. It is most famous for the battles that took place here during the Imjin War. There is also a number of local delicacies for tourists to try. SO read on and find out the best things to do while visiting this city.

10. Eat broiled eel

Broiled eel is one of Jinju’s local delicacies that tourists should try. It is generally eaten with some red pepper paste and wrapped in a lettuce leaf. There are a number of restaurants that serve this dish however one of the more famous ones is Yujeongjangeo.

9. Jinju Namgang Lantern Festival

Held during October, this is one of the most famous festivals in all of South Korea. Many people travel here to to view the lantern’s floating along the river. It can get a bit busy but the show can be well worth it. The festival is held to commemorate the 70,000 soldiers and militia that died defending the city during the Imjin war.

8. Eat Jinju cold noodles

Jinju also has its own famous version of Korean cold noodles (naengmyeon). What is unique about these local cold noodles is that they are top with a beef egg pancake. If you haven’t tried cold noodles in Korea yet then this is a great way to get introduced. Especially if it is summer time! You should be able to find this dish at most Korean BBQ restaurants.

7. Visit Jinju castle

Jinju castle or Jinjuseong is the place where some big battles in the Imjin war occurred. Particularly two big clashes where many Korean soldiers and militia perished. The fortress is well preserved with many gates and structures still standing. The entrance fee is only 1,000 won and is well worth it.

6. Jinju National Museum

The National Museum is located within Jinjuseong and admission is included with the fortress ticket. It is a fantastic museum showcasing the Imjin war which isn’t prominently featured in other museums around South Korea. So this is a good opportunity to learn about that era. The museum also has some other rotating exhibits for some variety.

5. Cheokseongnu Pavilion

Also conveniently located within Jinjuseong’s fortress walls is the famous Cheokseongnu pavilion. It is a beautifully built pavilion and has been preserved and restored will. It gives commanding views over the river and the southern parts of the city. At night it is a beautiful sight when it is all lit up.

4. Walk along Nam river (Namgang)

The Nam river runs right through Jinju and there are wonderful walking trails beside the river. It is a peaceful, beautiful walk that gives a different view of Jinju city. This is an even better walk when the lantern festival is being held during October.

3. Musical fountain

Jinju also has its own musical fountain. Located just outside Jinju castle and visible from the Western battlements. The musical fountain provides and light and music show for locals and tourists alike at regular intervals after dark. It is best to check the start times before visiting as they change depending on the season.

2. Eat Jinju bibimbap

Not to be confused with the Jeonju bibimbap, which is also famous. Jinju bibimbap consists of cooked rice topped with yukhoe (raw, tartare) beef and seasonal vegetables with some red pepper sauce. It is a delicious meal however some people may not like raw beef so they will have to give this one a miss. The most famous restaurant that serves this bibimbap is Cheonhwang, found in the Jungang district.

1. Hike Jiri Mountain (Jirisan)

Jinju is also very close to Jiri mountain, the tallest mountain in mainland South Korea. Halla mountain found on Jeju island is slightly taller than Jiri mountain. There are many trails covering Jirisan and most of them are no easy hikes like some found around Seoul. You can go on day trips or multi day treks across the ridges. For those wanting to do a day trip to the highest peak, it possible to do so from Jinju. You can catch a bus from Jinju to the mountain and back. See the bus timetable below to plan the trip, it has also been translated into English. You will need to buy tickets from the intercity bus terminal in Jinju.

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Jangsanri to Jinju	Jinju to Jangsanri
6:10	6:00
7:10	6:50
8:30	8:00
9:35	9:20
11:05	10:30
12:20	11:50
13:40	13:10
15:00	14:20
16:55	15:50
17:45	17:10
19:00	17:50
19:40	19:20
N/A	20:50

It is a tough and strenuous hike however the accomplishment and views are worth it.

Hopefully this helps you plan your trip to Jinju and gives some ideas of what to do. Have you tried out any of these activities or food? Let us know about your experience below, we look forward to hearing about it.