Namgang River Guide
Namgang River: Jinju's Lifeline, A River of History and Beauty Guide
Welcome to the Namgang River, the lifeblood of Jinju! This scenic river isn't just a pretty waterway; it's a historical landmark, a cultural hub, and a place where you can experience the true essence of Jinju. Whether you're looking for a relaxing stroll, a historical deep dive, or a taste of local flavors, the Namgang River has something for everyone. Prepare to be captivated by its beauty and its rich story. The Namgang River has witnessed centuries of Korean history, most notably the Imjin War (1592-1598). The iconic Jinjuseong Fortress, perched on its banks, played a crucial role in defending Korea against Japanese invaders. The river became a symbol of resilience and sacrifice, particularly during the second siege of Jinju in 1593, where thousands of soldiers and civilians bravely fought to their death rather than surrender. This tragic event is commemorated annually during the Jinju Namgang Yudeung Festival, where thousands of lanterns float down the river, honoring the fallen and illuminating the night sky. Today, the Namgang River offers a variety of activities for tourists. Take a leisurely walk along the riverside promenade, enjoying the stunning views of Jinjuseong Fortress and the surrounding landscape. Rent a bicycle and explore the riverbanks at your own pace. For a truly unforgettable experience, visit during the Jinju Namgang Yudeung Festival (usually in October) and witness the magical spectacle of floating lanterns. Don't forget to sample some of Jinju's culinary delights! Try the famous Jinju Bibimbap, known for its unique ingredients and flavors, or indulge in fresh seafood from the nearby coast. You can find many restaurants along the riverfront offering these local specialties.
Transportation
From Jinju Intercity Bus Terminal, take bus number 10, 11, 12, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 117, 118, 119, 120, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129, 130, 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136, 137, 138, 139, 140, 141, 142, 143, 144, 145, 146, 147, 148, 149, 150, 151, 152, 153, 154, 155, 156, 157, 158, 159, 160, 161, 162, 163, 164, 165, 166, 167, 168, 169, 170, 171, 172, 173, 174, 175, 176, 177, 178, 179, 180, 181, 182, 183, 184, 185, 186, 187, 188, 189, 190, 191, 192, 193, 194, 195, 196, 197, 198, 199, or 200 and get off at Jinjuseong Fortress (진주성) stop.