Official / Local Name초장동
Region / ProvinceGyeongsangnam-do (Jinju)
PopulationOfficial Municipality
Coordinates35.2084°N, 128.0994°E · 32 m
Overview
Situated in Jinju, Gyeongsangnam-do at 32 m elevation, Chojang-dong (초장동, pop. Official Municipality) is known for its Korean heritage architecture, agricultural valleys, and rotating 5-day markets.
| Official / Local Name | 초장동 (Chojang-dong) |
|---|---|
| Region / Province | Gyeongsangnam-do · Jinju |
| Population | Official Municipality |
| Elevation | 32 m above sea level |
| Nearest Rail / Subway Station | Jinju Station (진주역) (3.3 km) |
| Nearby Landmarks & Sights | Chŏkkwang-sa (7.7 km) · Changgundae-san (9.1 km) · Mit’a-sa (미타사) (16.0 km) · Kwanŭm-sa (관음사) (17.5 km) |
| Local Neighborhoods & Sub-Areas | Changjae-ri (0.9 km), Chuksan (1.8 km), Sŏwŏn (1.9 km), Chinju (진주시) (2.2 km), Kuam (2.4 km) |
| Neighboring Municipalities | Hadae-dong (하대1동) (2.3 km) · Jinju (진주) (2.8 km) · Sangdae-dong (상대1동) (3.0 km) · Hadae-dong (하대2동) (3.5 km) · Sangdae-dong (상대2동) (3.8 km) |
Getting There & Local Transit
Nearest rail/transit hub: Jinju Station (진주역) (3.3 km). KTX Gyeongjeon Line to Changwon, Masan & Jinju; intercity express buses from Busan Sasang to Tongyeong & Geoje. Tap a nationwide T-money card on local buses and subways, and search "초장동" in Naver Map or KakaoMap for real-time directions.
What to See & Do
- Chŏkkwang-sa (7.7 km) — Chojang-dong (초장동)
- Changgundae-san (9.1 km) — Chojang-dong (초장동)
- Mit’a-sa (미타사) (16.0 km) — Chojang-dong (초장동)
- Kwanŭm-sa (관음사) (17.5 km) — Chojang-dong (초장동)
Local Food & Regional Specialties
- Hearty regional 국밥 (Gukbap rice soup) and handmade 칼국수 (Kalguksu knife-cut noodles) simmered with anchovy, radish, and seasonal greens from Gyeongsangnam-do.
- Charcoal-grilled local pork belly (Samgyeopsal), marinated short ribs (Galbi), and savory 해물파전 (scallion and seafood pancakes) served at family-run 식당 (Sikdang, ₩9,000–₩16,000).
- Earthenware-aged 된장 (Doenjang soybean paste) and 고추장 (Gochujang), sun-dried regional produce, traditional 한과 (Hangwa rice sweets), and local brewery 생막걸리 (unpasteurized draft Makgeolli).
- Locals gather for weekday 백반 (Baekban home-style lunch sets, ₩9,000–₩12,000) where every table receives 6–10 complimentary refillable banchan side dishes, and browse the traditional 5-day market (오일장) for seasonal harvest specialties. Across Chojang-dong (pop. 12,000) in Jinju, neighborhood alleys combine family-run soup and BBQ spots with modern Korean bakery-cafes.
Best Time to Visit
Mar–May (Jinhae Cherry Blossoms), Sep–Nov. Gyeongsangnam-do → · 3,651 All Cities →