Facts checked against live data · 5 Sept 2026

South Korea · Region

Jinju

Jinju is built around Jinjuseong Fortress, a riverside stronghold on the Namgang River where Korean defenders made their last stand against Japanese invaders in 1592–93, a history still honored every autumn when the river fills with thousands of floating lanterns. It's a compact, unhurried city where a 400-year-old battle site, a national museum, and a lively riverside promenade sit within easy walking distance of one another.

Getting thereJinju has no major international airport of its own, so most travellers arrive by intercity bus or train via Busan/Gimhae — buses run from Gimhae Airport's international terminal to Jinju's Intercity Bus Terminal in about 1.5 hours, and trains connect via Dongdaegu or Masan to Jinju Station. Direct long-distance buses also link Jinju with Seoul's bus terminals in roughly 3.5 hours.

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Frequently asked questions about Jinju

How do I get to Jinju?

Jinju has no major international airport of its own, so most travellers arrive by intercity bus or train via Busan/Gimhae — buses run from Gimhae Airport's international terminal to Jinju's Intercity Bus Terminal in about 1.5 hours, and trains connect via Dongdaegu or Masan to Jinju Station. Direct long-distance buses also link Jinju with Seoul's bus terminals in roughly 3.5 hours.

What is Jinju known for?

Jinju is built around Jinjuseong Fortress, a riverside stronghold on the Namgang River where Korean defenders made their last stand against Japanese invaders in 1592–93, a history still honored every autumn when the river fills with thousands of floating lanterns. It's a compact, unhurried city where a 400-year-old battle site, a national museum, and a lively riverside promenade sit within easy walking distance of one another.

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