How to get to Jinju

Jinju is a historic city in the southern part of the Republic of Korea, renowned for its ancient fortress and the famous lantern festival on the Namgang River. You can reach Jinju in various ways: from a quick flight to a scenic journey by train or car through the Gyeongsangnam-do province. This destination attracts tourists wishing to immerse themselves in authentic culture and the peaceful atmosphere of the Land of the Morning Calm.

The fastest way to reach the region is by air. The city is served by Sacheon Airport (HIN), located in close proximity, which accepts domestic flights from Seoul and Jeju Island. This compact aviation hub provides convenient connections to key points in the country, allowing tourists to save significant travel time.

Travelling by rail is one of the most comfortable options, as the city is served by the modern Jinju Station. High-speed KTX trains arrive here, connecting the region with Seoul, Busan, and other major transport hubs of the Republic of Korea.

A train journey allows you to enjoy scenic views of Korean nature and reach your destination quickly without traffic jams. It is recommended to book tickets in advance, especially on weekends and public holidays.

Intercity buses provide excellent connections to neighbouring regions thanks to a developed network of expressways. A trip from the city of Changwon (about 59 km) usually takes around 1 hour, while the route from Yeosu, which is 91 km long, will require approximately 1.5 hours. It is also convenient to travel from the transport hub of Daegu: the bus covers the distance of 103 km in roughly 1.5–2 hours.

Travelling by car offers freedom of movement and the opportunity to explore the picturesque corners of Gyeongsangnam-do province. The city is conveniently located near the major Namhae Expressway, allowing you to arrive from Busan in about 1.5–2 hours, and from Seoul in 4 hours. Roads in the Republic of Korea are distinguished by high-quality surfaces, but for navigation, it is recommended to use local apps, as international maps may not function correctly.

Preparing for your trip to Jinju will help make your journey as comfortable as possible and avoid any inconvenience.

1. Clothing and Footwear: For walking around the fortress and parks, choose comfortable flat shoes, as well as modest clothing suitable for the season: summers here are humid and hot, while winters are cool.
2. Transport: To pay for bus and taxi fares, it is most convenient to use T-money or Cashbee transport cards, which are sold in 24-hour convenience stores.
3. Finances: The official currency is the Korean Won (KRW); cards are accepted almost everywhere, but it is better to carry cash for traditional markets and street stalls.
4. Health and Safety: The city is very safe for tourists, and pharmacies (marked with the sign "약") are easy to find in any district; drinking tap water is not recommended.
5. Communication: English is not understood everywhere, so download a translation app (such as Papago) and learn a few greeting phrases in Korean.
6. Local Etiquette: When entering residential homes and some traditional restaurants, be sure to remove your shoes, and always pass money or items using both hands as a sign of respect.
7. What to Avoid: Do not speak loudly on public transport or occupy seats reserved for the elderly and pregnant women, even if they are empty.
8. Additional Tip: If you are travelling in October, be sure to visit the Namgang Yudeung Festival (Lantern Festival) — it is one of the most spectacular events in the country.

Following these simple recommendations will allow you to feel confident and focus on the beauty and cultural richness of this amazing Korean city.