[Jinju, Gyeognam] Chokseongnu Pavilion, one of Korea's three main pavilions in marvelous Jinju

Chokseongnu Pavilion, one of Korea's three main pavilions in marvelous Jinju

Chosun.com Media Report Team

There are many ways to reach Jinju, but for your safe and comfortable trip, book an express bus ticket.

If you've yet drawn up your itinerary and don't know where to start off, head straight to Jinjuseong Fortress, a lively battle field historically linked to the Japanese invasion in 1592.

There are three entrances at the castle, and you can pass through whichever one. But for an impeccable tour, walk through the door at the very right and look around Jinju National Museum first. From there on, you can meet the fortress and Chokseongnu Pavilion.

Jinju National Museum was founded to be Korea's first historic museum solely concentrated on the Imjin War (1592-98). The museum is divided into several zones by theme and era, each filled with artifacts and documentaries of the bloody battle. In the darkroom, you will find earthen potteries, ceramics, calligraphic works and craft works, all that guide you through Korean history and culture.

After a tour around the museum, walk along the fortress and gaze upon Nam River, home to the Namgang Yudeung Festival held every October.

Chokseongnu Pavilion is one of Korea's three main pavilions, characterized by a tall cliff soaring up from the grand Nam River. Catch the picturesque sunset and nightscape from Euiam (rock), located blow the pavilion, or a bank across the river.

Euiam is an emotionally charged historical hot spot where a Korean geisha sacrificed her life during the Imjin War of Japanese invasions (1592-98). Visitors can hop onto the rock as well, but watch your step for the currents are rapid. From here, you can see the elegant roof curves of Chokseongnu Pavilion, matched with a clear blue sky.

After a stroll around Jinju, time for dinner! Jinju's specialty is bibimbap and naengmyeon (cold noodles). Bibimbap is originated from a dish made by leftovers from ancestral rites, all mixed together in a single bowl. The localized dish in Jinju is topped with raw meat, so don't miss out on this special opportunity!

Naengmyeon in Jinju is made by buckwheat and kimchi, topped with pork or meat. They soy sauce broth and ice cubes added at the very end spice up the coolness of this summer dish, also enjoyed during winter. If you're not up for cold noodles, freshwater fish stew is another treat you can relish.

Jinju doesn't have a city tour bus, so get around by public transit. For more information, visit the Jinju cultural tourism homepage at: http://tour.jinju.go.kr/