Reflecting on the Imjin War Along Jinju Fortress | Travel Course | K-Travel Mate

Originally called Geoyeol Fortress in the Three Kingdoms period and Chokseok Fortress in the Goryeo period, the fortress was renamed Jinjuseong during the Joseon dynasty. The stone-walled fortress has a circumference of about 1,760m and a height of about 5 to 8m. Inside the fortress, there are three wells and three springs, and it is said there was a military granary. According to Seongmungi by Haryun (1347–1416) recorded in Dongguk Yeoji Seunglam, only the old site of the fortress remained and its original construction date is unknown. Due to frequent Japanese pirate invasions, in the 5th year of King U of Goryeo (1379), Jinju magistrate Kim Jung-gwang ordered stone construction of the fortress. Jinjuseong, rebuilt as a stronghold against Japanese pirates at the end of Goryeo, served as a gateway blocking Japanese forces advancing to Honam during the 25th year of King Seonjo of Joseon (1592) during the Imjin War. One of the three major battles of the Imjin War, the First Battle of Jinjuseong saw about 3,800 soldiers defeat nearly 20,000 Japanese troops, securing the granary region of Honam. In the Second Battle of Jinjuseong in 1593, over 70,000 civilians, officials, and soldiers fought against around 100,000 Japanese for eleven days, ultimately surrendering. It is also where Nongae embraced an enemy commander and jumped into the Namgang River to protect loyalty. Inside the fortress are Chokseokru Pavilion, Kim Si-min's Jeonseong Monument, Uigisa Shrine, Seojangdae, Bukjangdae, Changyeolsa, the National Jinju Museum, Hoguksa Temple, and an outdoor performance hall.

Located opposite Cheonsugyo Bridge along the Namgang riverside road from the back gate of Chokseokru, The House Gap-eul features a well-maintained garden and a beautiful view overlooking the Namgang River. The restaurant can accommodate up to 450 people, with the first floor serving à la carte dishes mainly for individual guests, and the second floor divided into multiple rooms for group guests as a banquet hall. The signature dishes include Korean beef platter and Jinju bibimbap. For banquet guests, a special set menu with Korean traditional course meals is offered. Using Korean beef, the restaurant is praised not only for the meat quality but also for its taste.

Jinyangho Park is located at Jinyangho, the only artificial lake in western Gyeongnam, and serves as a resting place for tourists equipped with various leisure facilities. It houses the only zoo in Gyeongnam, where visitors can see wild animals such as tigers, lions, bears, eagles, and giraffes up close. It is the most popular spot for children. The modern rest observatory, with three floors, offers a wide and refreshing view of the vast lakeside, the surrounding cityscape, and mountains including Jirisan, Waryongsan, Jagulsan, and Geumosan, making it a rising tourist attraction in Jinju. It is well known as the filming location of the movie . Connected to the 1-year Staircase, it serves as a dating course for couples, a family relaxation course connected to Sangnakwon Family Shelter, and links to the zoo and Jinju Land where visitors can enjoy entertainment and experiences simultaneously. The sunset viewed from the observatory over Jinyangho is famous for its beauty. The park operates many tourist facilities such as the Jinyangho Lakeside Trail, Children's Rural Theme Experience Center, Youth Career Experience Center, Children's Water Playground, and Air Bouncing Dome.