Chinju

Chinju

Chinju, also spelled Jinju, city, South Kyŏngsang (Gyeongsang) do (province), southern South Korea. It is situated west of Ch’angwŏn along the Nam River, a tributary of the Naktong River. It was the centre of local administration beginning in the Three Kingdoms period (c. 57 bce–668 ce), under various names, and from 1896 to 1925 it was the capital of the province, after which the capital was moved to Pusan (Busan). Chinju is a transportation junction connecting the surrounding provinces and is the economic and cultural centre of the western counties of South Kyŏngsang province. Gyeongsang National University is located there. Northwest of the city, a national park encompasses Mount Chiri (Jirisan; 6,283 feet [1,915 metres]) and the surrounding area. Chinju has many historical remains, including Chinju Castle (originally built early 11th century, since reconstructed) and several Buddhist temples. Pop. (2010) 337,896.