Travel
Experience fun spring getaway in Jinju, Korea this March
Haps Magazine Korea
March 5, 2025
(Photo by Jinju City. Courtesy of Haps Magazine Korea)
As spring blossoms in March, Jinju is fully prepared to welcome visitors with an array of captivating attractions and activities.
From the reopening of the ‘Kim Si-min’ cruise on the Namgang River to the night operations of the Jinju Namgang Lantern Exhibition Hall and forest healing programs at Wolasan Forest of Jinju, the city offers a one-of-a-kind spring travel experience.
(Photo by Jinju City. Courtesy of Haps Magazine Korea)
Kim Si-min Cruise Resumed Operations on February 28
The Namgang River cruise, ‘Kim Si-min,’ has completed its winter maintenance and has resumed operations on February 28.
The ‘Kim Si-min 2’ will operate first, featuring enclosed spaces and heating systems for a comfortable experience, while the ‘Kim Si-min 1’ will reopen in late March. The cruise runs nine times from Tuesday to Thursday (1 p.m.–9 p.m.) and eleven times from Friday to Sunday (10 a.m.–9 p.m.), with Monday as a non-operational day.
Passengers can enjoy breathtaking views of Jinju Fortress, Chokseokru Pavilion, and Eoam Rock while cruising along the Namgang River. Onboard tour guides will also share insights into Jinju’s rich history and cultural landmarks. Additionally, visitors can take memorable photos with ‘Hamo’ public art installations, featuring one of Korea’s most beloved tourism mascots.
(Photo by Jinju City. Courtesy of Haps Magazine Korea)
Jinju Namgang Lantern Exhibition Hall Now Open Until 9 p.m.
Starting in March, the Jinju Namgang Lantern Exhibition Hall will extend its hours until 9 p.m., allowing visitors to experience its illuminated beauty at night.
The exhibition features a vibrant silk lantern tunnel, award-winning lantern art pieces, multimedia displays depicting Jinju’s cultural heritage, and animations showcasing the origins of traditional lanterns. The rooftop garden, adorned with dazzling lanterns, offers a mesmerizing nightscape year-round.
Visitors can participate in hands-on experiences such as crafting traditional ‘Hamo’ lanterns and mood lamps.
Starting in March, the exhibition hall will introduce glow-in-the-dark wish lantern-making sessions.
The venue operates from Tuesday to Sunday and remains closed on Mondays.
(Photo by Jinju City. Courtesy of Haps Magazine Korea)
Wolasan Forest Healing Program Begins in March
The ‘Wolasan Forest of Jinju,’ a premier forest healing destination, will introduce the ‘Barefoot Forest Healing Program’ as a regular weekday offering. Conducted along a 1.2 km ocher trail, this 90-minute program, guided by forest therapy instructors, provides a revitalizing experience using natural elements.
Participants begin with ‘Hinoki Cypress Ball Exercises’ to relax their muscles, followed by a lesson in proper walking techniques, allowing them to reconnect with nature. The program is free and can be reserved via Naver or accessed through on-site registration.
The forest also offers thrilling activities, including a zipline that soars through the treetops at 40 km/h, a curved zip wire, and the Eco Rider, an aerial bicycle journey through the woods.
Additionally, the ‘2025 Weekend Special Experience Program,’ running until May 25, features Nordic walking, custom perfume-making with essential oils, and personalized stamp design workshops. Reservations can be made via Naver or on-site.
(Photo by Jinju City. Courtesy of Haps Magazine Korea)
Jinju Namgang Music Fountain Returns on March 14
The Jinju Namgang Music Fountain, a beloved nighttime spectacle, will resume operations on March 14. Located beneath the Seojangdae Pavilion at Jinju Fortress, the fountain presents dazzling water and light displays synchronized to a diverse playlist of 120 songs, including pop, trot, and traditional Korean music.
Performances occur twice on weekdays (8 p.m., 9 p.m.) and three times on weekends (7 p.m., 8 p.m., 9 p.m.), lasting approximately 30 minutes each.
Visitors who board the nighttime Kim Si-min cruise during show hours can enjoy a unique perspective of the illuminated fortress and vibrant fountain displays, creating an unforgettable experience exclusive to Jinju.
(Photo by Jinju City. Courtesy of Haps Magazine Korea)
Jinju Bronze Age Culture Museum Hosts ‘Okbong’ Exhibition
From March 14, the Jinju Bronze Age Culture Museum will present ‘Okbong,’ the second installment in the ‘Our Neighborhood Museum’ exhibition series, exploring the historical significance of Jinju’s Okbong-dong district.
The exhibition features engaging storytelling based on local legends, along with historical photographs and visual panels, offering visitors an immersive experience. Okbong-dong, home to cultural landmarks such as Okbong Cathedral, Yeonhwasa Temple, Jinju Hyanggyo Confucian School, and Jinju Sangmusa Shrine, holds great historical and cultural value. This exhibition sheds light on the district’s rich heritage and invites visitors to appreciate its preserved traditions.
(Photo by Jinju City. Courtesy of Haps Magazine Korea)
Traditional Jinju Bullfighting Tournament Kicks Off on March 16
The Jinju Traditional Bullfighting Tournament, a cultural spectacle with deep historical roots, will take place every Saturday from March 16 to September 20 at the Jinju Folk Bullfighting Arena in Panmun-dong.
Each event will feature exciting matches, lively commentary by expert narrators, live music performances by local artists, and prize giveaways. Admission to the tournament is free.
Historically held along the Namgang River’s sandy banks, Jinju’s bullfighting tradition has long been a cherished folk pastime. The city continues to uphold and promote this unique heritage by hosting the weekly tournament as a distinctive local tourism attraction.