Major city · South Korea
Jinju진주
Give Jinju one full day and one night: the fortress and Namgang lanterns are the point, and the city is small enough to walk.
Jinju is a mid-sized city in South Gyeongsang split by the Nam River, known for the Imjin War fortress, the October lantern festival and its own raw-beef bibimbap. Most travellers pass through on the way between Busan and the west, or stop for one night during the festival. Two nights covers the fortress, the museum and a river walk without rushing.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- KRW
- Best months
- Apr–May, Oct (lantern festival)
- avoid Jul–Aug (heavy rain, 300 mm+ in July), mid-winter cold snaps
- Airports
- HIN · PUS
- Nights
- 1–2
Rules in force · 5
- East Asia ↗Every border in East Asia is a full international border, Hong Kong and Macau included: an entry permission for one never covers the next.
- East Asia ↗Ferries between Korea, Japan and China cancel in rough seas and typhoons; keep a flight or a spare day behind every sea leg.
- South Korea ↗Check K-ETA and visa status on the official sites before you fly; the list of nationalities exempted from registering online changes year by year.
- South Korea ↗Google Maps gives poor walking and driving directions in Korea; use Naver Map or Kakao Map for routes.
- South Korea ↗Buy a T-money card (or use a phone-based transit pass) for subway and buses; it also pays at convenience stores and many taxis.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Jinju112 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Jinju, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Cards work almost everywhere, including taxis, convenience stores and many market stalls; carry ₩30,000–50,000 (≈ US$25–40) in cash for street food…South Korea-wide
- SIM or eSIMSK Telecom, KT and LG U+ sell tourist SIMs and eSIMs at airport arrivals; a passport is required, and data-only plans are cheapest.South Korea-wide
- Tap waterOfficially safe from the tap; most people drink filtered water, and restaurants serve it free.South Korea-wide
- TippingRestaurants and cafés: No tip; a service charge appears only in top hotels.South Korea-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets C/F. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 220 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.South Korea-wide
- SafetyJinju is a low-crime city and walking the centre at night is normal.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree, clean public toilets in every subway station; paper goes in the toilet in new buildings, in the bin where a sign asks.South Korea-wide
- Emergency numbers112 police · 119 fire and ambulance · 1330 Travel helpline (24 h, English) (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysPalaces close one weekday (Gyeongbokgung Tuesday, others mostly Monday); national museums open daily but close on 1 Jan, Seollal and Chuseok days.South Korea-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportHIN Sacheon Airport (About 20 km (12 mi) from the city; daily flights to Seoul Gimpo and twice-weekly to Jeju.HIN Sacheon Airport (About 12 mi (20 km) from the city; daily flights to Seoul Gimpo and twice-weekly to Jeju.
- Getting aroundThe centre is walkable and the Nam River has a riverside park with bike paths and restrooms.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee₩4,000–6,000 (≈ US$3–5)
- Beerdraught / convenience-store can₩4,000–6,000 (≈ US$3–5)₩2,000–3,500 (≈ US$2–3)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a week₩15,000–35,000 (≈ US$11–30)
- Museum or sight ticketFortress admission₩1,000 (≈ under US$1)
- Budget bedHostel or guesthouse bed, a night, per person₩15,000 (≈ US$11)
- Mid-range bedHotel double room, a night, per room₩100,000 (≈ US$75)
- High-end bedHotel double room, a night, per room₩200,000 (≈ US$150)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget ₩60,000 (≈ US$45) · Mid ₩100,000 (≈ US$75) · High ₩180,000 (≈ US$130)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- HIN Sacheon Airport (About 20 km (12 mi) from the city; daily flights to Seoul Gimpo and twice-weekly to Jeju. Bus to the centre about 25 min, ₩4,000–5,000 (check).) · PUS Gimhae International Airport (Busan) (About 1.5 h by road; the practical international gateway for Jinju.)HIN Sacheon Airport (About 12 mi (20 km) from the city; daily flights to Seoul Gimpo and twice-weekly to Jeju. Bus to the centre about 25 min, ₩4,000–5,000 (check).) · PUS Gimhae International Airport (Busan) (About 1.5 h by road; the practical international gateway for Jinju.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
not flagged
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
Feb
not flagged
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
Mar
not flagged
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
Apr
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
May
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Jun
not flagged
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Jul
Avoid
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Aug
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Sep
not flagged
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Oct
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Nov
not flagged
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Dec
not flagged
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
Best: Apr–May, Oct. Avoid: Jul–Aug. Month by month →
Warmest Aug (31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)), coolest Jan (−6°C (21°F)21°F (−6°C) low), wettest Jul (14 rain days), driest Dec (4). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Jinju: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
−6°C (21°F)21°F (−6°C)
5 rd
Feb
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
−4°C (25°F)25°F (−4°C)
5 rd
Mar
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
7 rd
Apr
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
8 rd
May
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
9 rd
Jun
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
10 rd
Jul
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
14 rd
Aug
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
13 rd
Sep
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
9 rd
Oct
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
5 rd
Nov
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
5 rd
Dec
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
−4°C (25°F)25°F (−4°C)
4 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The centre is walkable and the Nam River has a riverside park with bike paths and restrooms. City buses cost ₩1,300 (₩1,250 with a reloadable card bought at a convenience store); stops at the KTX station, the intercity bus terminal and the fortress usually carry English or romanised names, but local neighbourhood stops are Korean-only, so have your destination written in Hangul. Taxis start at ₩3,300 and most rides inside the city stay under ₩7,000. Bus routes 126, 127, 131, 132, 134 and 135 serve the KTX station.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Door to door: About 2 h
Intercity bus from Jinju's terminal, about 1.5 h
Buses leave roughly every 10 min from Busan Seobu terminal; the reverse works as a day trip but Busan deserves its own stay.
Door to door: About 1.5 h
Bus or train toward Masan, about 1 h
Gyeongsangnam-do's provincial capital: Jungang Park, Yongji Lake and a compact downtown; a solid half or full day from Jinju.
Door to door: 2–3 h
Bus toward Hapcheon, then local transport to Haeinsa
Haeinsa Temple and the Tripitaka Koreana are the draw; too far for a comfortable return day.
Door to door: 2.5–3.5 h
Bus via Tongyeong or direct, 2–3 h
Island coast and beaches; plan at least one night.
Door to door: About 2 h
Train or bus, about 1.5–2 h
Quiet riverside town; check connections before committing.
Door to door: 2.5–3.5 h
Bus or train via Changwon/Masan, 2–3 h
Industrial city with few sights for a short trip; skip unless you have a specific reason.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Downtown / north bank near the fortress
Hotels, the intercity bus terminal and the fortress all sit on the north bank; walkable and best for a short stay.
Near Jinju Station (south bank)
KTX and express bus terminals are south of the river; convenient if you arrive late or leave early, but a taxi or bus ride from the sights.
Gyeongsang National University area
Cheaper rooms and student food; the new train station is at the southern end of town.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- ₩60,000–90,000 (≈ US$45–65) excl. bed
- Mid
- ₩90,000–150,000 (≈ US$65–110) excl. bed
- High
- ₩150,000 (≈ US$110)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Hotel double room1 × 1 night × ₩100,000 | ₩100,000 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × ₩100,000 | ₩200,000 |
| City bus ride2 × ₩1,300 · check | ₩2,600 |
| Taxi across town1 × ₩7,000 · check | ₩7,000 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × ₩20,000 | ₩40,000 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | ₩35,000 |
| Trip total≈ ₩192,300 per person per day, bed included | ₩384,600≈ US$300 |
2026 estimate in won; flights and intercity travel excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | ₩4,000–6,000 (≈ US$3–5) |
| Jinju-style bibimbap set | ₩8,000–12,000 (≈ US$6–9) |
| Grilled eel set (per person; rice extra)check | ₩22,000–27,000 (≈ US$16–20) |
| Steamed buns at Subok bakery (four) | ₩4,000 (≈ US$3) |
| Beer: draught / convenience-store can | ₩4,000–6,000 (≈ US$3–5) / ₩2,000–3,500 (≈ US$2–3) |
| Fortress admission | ₩1,000 (≈ under US$1) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | ₩15,000–35,000 (≈ US$11–30) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Bus stop signs are almost entirely in Korean; have your destination written in Hangul.
- The intercity bus terminal is central, but the express bus terminal is further south across the river — check which one your ticket uses.
- July and August bring the year's heaviest rain; pack for it if you travel then.
- Fortress and museum hours are seasonal and can change; confirm before a long trip.
Emergency numbers
- Police
- 112
- Fire and ambulance
- 119
- Travel helpline (24 h, English)
- 1330
Pocket card
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Jinju진주
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
이 주소로 가 주세요To this address, please
Emergency
- Police112
- Fire and ambulance119
- Travel helpline (24 h, English)1330
Embassy
No embassies in Jinju; most are in Seoul, with consulates in Busan. Check your own country's list before travelling.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Sacheon Airport → Jinju centre, bus: about ₩3,000 (≈ US$3), about 25 min (check)
- Jinju → Busan, intercity bus: about ₩6,900 (≈ US$5), about 1.5 h (check)
- City bus ride: ₩1,300 (≈ under US$1) (₩1,250 (≈ under US$1) with card)
Say or show
- 안녕하세요 — Hello (annyeonghaseyo)
- 감사합니다 — Thank you (gamsahamnida)
- 이거 주세요 — This one, please (igeo juseyo)
- 얼마예요? — How much is it? (eolmayeyo)
- 카드 돼요? — Can I pay by card? (kadeu dwaeyo)
- 화장실이 어디예요? — Where is the toilet? (hwajangsiri eodiyeyo)
Bus and taxi fares are cash or card; tipping is not expected.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Jinju. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Apr–May, Oct (lantern festival) · avoid Jul–Aug (heavy rain, 300 mm+ in July), mid-winter cold snaps · month by month →
- 2 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 6 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for HIN and PUS: last bus times, taxi fallback, overnight rung.
- Walking clusters: fortress and Chokseongnu, Namgang riverfront and musical fountain, downtown market and shopping streets.
- Place pages with verified hours and cutoffs (fortress, National Museum, Chokseongnu) and eat pages with last orders.
- Festival fixtures for the October lantern festival and May Nongae Festival so gates can go green.