Table of Contents
A wonderful day trip travel adventure to the beautiful Jinjuseong Jinju Fortress, South Korea. The Fortress or Castle is located in the city of Jinju approximately one hour northwest of Geoje Island, South Korea. To the south lies the Namgang River with the town surrounding the fortress walls. Take a visit to the Jinju fortress to this important historical site that I find enjoyable to visit multiple times. Make sure to take your trusty Lonely Planet Korea Travel Book with you.
History of the Jinju Fortress
The Fortress was constructed to protect the region from the foreign invaders during the Three Kingdoms era. It was first built in 1379 of mud for a defense against the Japanese. Then in 1592 the mud was replaced with stone and General Kim had three great victories against the Japanese but by the next year was defeated. The fortress was captured leaving thousands of soldiers and civilians dead. Sections of fortress were restored at different times from 1972-2002.
The fortress wall has a size of 1,760 meters in length with a height of 5-8 meters. Inside the fortress make sure to visit these key locations.
Jinju Fortress Highlights
Chokseongnu Pavilion
Multiply story building without walls and was once used as a strong hold for defending the Jinju Fortress. At times of peace was used for holding state examinations. Beautiful site to see with all its colors. Remember to remove your shoes.
Uigisa Shrine
Hoguksa Temple
The Temple was used to train Buddhist Monks against the Japanese invaders.
Seojangdae Watchtower
Gyeonsa Seunidan
Jinju National Museum
The exhibits of the museum are based on Imjin Waeran (Japanese Invasion in 1594). On the 1st floor of the Museum you can see paintings, literature, and listen to music about the war. On the 2nd floor you can actually see the progression of the war. Also check out the video which explains about the fortress and war.
Self Guided Tour
The ticket office located by the gate that charges a minimal fee for admittance. Pick up a tourist guide and start your walk. Once inside the fortress I start my self guided tour to the right and make my way around the fortress. There are signs and historical information in Korean and English along the path and with your tourist guide you will have an enjoyable day. Pack a lunch and sometime during your visit sit under one of the large shady trees and enjoy.
When visiting the Jinju National Museum inside the fortress and start your tour at the 3D Movie Theater. The educational animated movie gives the expat an adventure into the history of the fortress. The movie can be heard in English or with headsets that has English. There are four halls located in the museum that showcases exhibits that are worth a look.
Wear comfortable shoes; bring your hat, lunch, snacks and water. There are a few places inside and outside along the fortress where you can find some Korean food if you’re interested. Variety of food available is limited.
Allow time to visit the Insa-dong Antique Street where shops line the street opposite the fortress. Locate the Antique Street by walking out the entrance where I mentioned to park your car. Turn left and walk along the fortress wall pass the Jinju Social-Welfare Center and their parking lot. Keep walking around then cross the street when you see large statues carved out of stone. Lots of tiny antique shops with interesting items but know the shops can be very dusty and not all items seem to be what the owners claim.
Anytime is great to visit the fortress but especially in autumn when the leaves change and during the Lantern Festival with its large lighted lantern boats that float down the river. There are also large lanterns shaped as men fighting to depict the scenes of battle on the lawn in the fortress.
Location Jinju Fortress
Driving to the Fortress, I set my GPS to the museum address and please note the driving route will include toll charges. 169-17, Namseong-dong, Jinju-si, Gyeongsangnam-do 660-030. Park at the Gongbungmun Parking Lot and you will see clean restrooms at the end of the lot.
Hours
Jinjuseong Fortress: admission hrs 0500-2300 and winter hours November – February 0500-2200. Ticket office hours 0900-1800. Admission fee W2, 000 but verify the price.
Jinju National Museum: is open weekdays from 0900-1800, weekends (Sat and Sun) from 0900-1900 and Closed Jan 1 and Mondays. Admission into the museum is free. Tel. 82-55-742-5951-2.
Other
Allow 1 ½ driving time from Okpo to Jinju fortress, then approximately 3 hours or more inside not including time for lunch depending on your walking pace.
This is just one of many day trips from Geoje. Keep checking back for more fun and exciting expat adventures at 1Adventure Traveler Blog. See weekend trips to Seoul, Japan, Hong Kong and more exciting places.
[Please note: the Laterns are only during a specific festival in the fall. Also information is subject to change and may be different when this blog was written.]
Trackbacks/Pingbacks