Jinju City Completes Jinju Silk Museum to Revitalize 100-Year Silk Industry Tradition

Construction Began in July 2023, Completed in April This Year
Scheduled to Open in September After Exhibition Setup is Finished

Jinju City in South Gyeongsang Province announced on May 8 that it had conducted an on-site inspection following the completion of the Jinju Silk Museum, the only silk-themed complex cultural space in Korea.

The Jinju Silk Museum is located within the Munsan-eup silk industrial complex and consists of one basement floor and three above-ground floors, with a total floor area of 2,932.31 square meters. The facility includes a permanent and special exhibition hall, a panoramic video room, a storage facility, an experiential education room, a cafe, and an art shop. A total budget of 21.5 billion KRW was invested in the project.

After conducting a feasibility study and establishing a basic plan in 2019, the museum project gained momentum in May 2021 when it passed the preliminary feasibility assessment for the establishment of a public museum by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. That same July, administrative procedures such as an architectural design competition, detailed design services, and central investment review for local finances were completed. Construction began in July 2023 and was completed in April 2025.

Jinju Silk Museum exterior view.

Jinju is recognized as one of the world's top five silk production regions, with a 100-year history. Silk produced in Jinju accounts for 80% of the nation's total output, underscoring its prominence and value. However, due to the overall decline of the textile industry in recent years, the domestic silk industry, including Jinju's, has entered a period of stagnation and is facing significant challenges.

In response, the city, as a leader in Korea's silk industry, promoted the construction of the Jinju Silk Museum?the country's only silk-themed complex cultural space?to preserve the value of the silk industry and to highlight the historical significance and excellence of 'Jinju Silk.'

During the on-site inspection, Mayor Jo Gyu-il stated, "With the completion of this project, we expect the museum to serve as a key facility for the revitalization of the stagnant silk industry. The Jinju Silk Museum will fulfill its role as a complex cultural space where people of all ages and backgrounds can participate, with the involvement of both silk companies and local citizens."

Meanwhile, the Jinju Silk Museum plans to begin exhibition construction in mid-May and is scheduled to open after the work is completed in September.