Travel
Fun in Korea: Jinju City kicks off full-scale spring tourism with festivals, freebies, and cultural experiences
Haps Magazine Korea
March 31, 2025
(Photo by Jinju City. Courtesy of Haps Magazine Korea)
As spring arrives, Jinju City is going all out to welcome both citizens and tourists with a packed lineup of seasonal events, cultural programs, and tourism perks designed to encourage longer visits.
From free souvenirs to month-long stay opportunities and river cruises, Jinju is positioning itself as a prime spring destination.
To align with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism’s “Travel Spring Campaign,” Jinju is currently hosting a “Tourism Certification Event” through May 31.
Out-of-town visitors who travel to Jinju, visit key attractions such as Jinjuseong Fortress, Jinyangho Park, or the Jinju K-Entrepreneurship Center, and submit proof of spending over 40,000 won locally, can receive limited-edition “Hamo Goods” at designated tourism centers. An additional gift is available for those who upload a review on social media.
Jinju is also participating in the “Travel for a Month in Gyeongnam” project under the title “Finding Rest and Fortune in Jinju.”
From April to September, travelers aged 19 and older living outside Gyeongnam Province can apply to stay in Jinju for 4 to 29 nights, complete social media-based promotional tasks, and explore hidden gems in the area.
Participants will receive financial support for lodging up to 70,000 won/day, personal experience costs up to 100,000 won, and insurance. Applications open April 14 via Gyeongnam Baro Service, email, or mail.
In addition, Jinju’s beloved Namgang Cruise Ship, Kim Si-min-ho, is back in operation for the spring season.
With air-conditioned and heated interiors, Cruise No. 2 has already resumed, and Cruise No. 1 joins the route by late March. The scenic ride features historic sites like Jinjuseong Fortress and Uiam, complete with storytelling guides and illuminated fountain performances in the evening.
Complementing the cruise is the return of the Jinju Namgang Music Fountain, which will run until October 31.
Fountain shows take place twice daily from Tuesday to Thursday at 8 p.m. and 9 p.m. and three times daily on weekends.
The schedule expands during signature events like the Nongae Festival in May and the Namgang Yudeung Festival in October, creating a vibrant festival ambiance.
More details on these programs and bookings are available via the Jinju City Hall website.