Jinju City Breaks Ground on Namgang Riverside Multipurpose Cultural Center ... Anticipated as a Culture and Arts Landmark

A Meeting of Art and Citizens Along the Namgang Riverside

Jinju City in South Gyeongsang Province announced on February 2 that it has held a groundbreaking ceremony for the Namgang Riverside Multipurpose Cultural Center construction project, which is set to become a new landmark for Jinju, a city renowned for its culture and arts, officially commencing full-scale construction.

The Namgang Riverside Multipurpose Cultural Center is a cultural facility designed to expand the creative foundation for local artists and broaden citizens’ opportunities to enjoy culture. By providing an environment where high-quality culture and the arts can be experienced in everyday life, the center is expected to become a key cultural hub that will significantly enhance the quality of life for residents.

Group photo at the groundbreaking ceremony of the Namgang Riverside Multipurpose Cultural Center in Jinju.

This cultural center will be built on a site of 7,412 square meters, with a total floor area of 13,777 square meters (one basement level and four above-ground floors). It will serve as a complex cultural space equipped with a performance hall, exhibition facilities, experiential spaces, and community areas for local residents, offering a wide range of cultural functions. The total project cost amounts to 89 billion won, with completion targeted for December 2028.

The project site is a nationally significant historical area, where the Battle of Jinju Fortress took place during the Japanese invasions of Korea. It symbolizes Jinju’s spirit of national defense and identity. The location offers a panoramic view of major historical assets that represent patriotism and loyalty, such as Jinju Fortress, Chokseoknu Pavilion, Nongae, and Uiam Rock.

Furthermore, once a cultural and tourism network is established in connection with nearby attractions including the Railroad Culture Park, Namgang Lantern Exhibition Hall, Somang Jinsan Park, and the Kim Si-min Lake Cruise, the Namgang riverside area is expected to develop into a complex cultural belt where culture and tourism coexist, greatly contributing to the revitalization of the local economy.

Mayor Jo Gyu-il stated, "The Namgang Riverside Multipurpose Cultural Center will become a symbolic space connecting Jinju’s history and cultural assets," adding, "We will do our utmost to ensure that both citizens and visitors can enjoy refined culture and the arts."

Meanwhile, Jinju City plans to use this project as an opportunity to expand cultural infrastructure centered around the Namgang riverside and develop Jinju into a leading cultural city where history, culture, and the arts harmoniously coexist.