Lake in the morning

As you drive towards Jinju, you drive along the Namgang River. This is because Jinju and the Namgang River are both simultaneously historically connected by the Japanese Invasion. In 1592, Japanese troops tried to invade Jinju through the Namgang River and to stall their advance, soldiers sent oil lanterns down the river to communicate military orders. This act has been transformed in modern day into the yearly Namgang Yudeung Festival. But the city still has much to offer when the lantern lights go down.

Lake at sunset

In order to explore more, I rented a bike in the morning and rode along the river. I started with viewing the sunrise on the eastern part of the Jinyang Lake. The morning fog greeted me and reminded me of the Loch Ness in Scotland, however, this lake has no monsters.

Lake at sunrise

Jinyangho Lake water surface covers approximately 29 km². It was formed in 1970, by the construction of a dam where the Gyeongho and Deokcheon Rivers join to form the Namgang River. Originally it was created as a reservoir for the Namgang River multi-purpose dam, but has now become the source of potable water for the three cities of Jinju, Sacheon and Tongyeong.

Most of the Jinju side of the lake is a city park, which was established in 1998. The area has become a popular local attraction, with hotels, restaurants, a small zoo, and the Jinju Land amusement park.

Namgang River at night

Namgang River bike trail

Continuing my ride along the river, I rode along the route that is often used for marathons and festivals, along that route you can also see the esteemed Jinjuseong Fortress. Although I didn’t stop at the fortress, it was a magnificent sight to see from across the river. The Namgang River runs across the south of the fortress, although the waters that once covered the north, east and west have since dried up and Jinyangho Lake has replaced them. Making stops to just relax in the beauty of the waters and eating the local specialties, I circled back to the Jinyangho Lake to view the sunset.

Water fountain in the park near Namgang River

The entrance to Jinjuseong Fortress

Honestly, I can’t decide which was more splendid, the sunrise or the sunset? However, locals swear that the sunset is more beautiful. What do you think? Guess you must visit Jinju to decide.

Waiting for the sunrise

Asia Lakeside Hotel is a very beautiful hotel that overlooks the Jinyangho Lake. The hotel provides accommodation with a restaurant, free private parking, a bar and a shared lounge. All the rooms face the lake so throughout your stay you can stay in your room and be greeted by the beauty of nature. Should you want to come out of your room, the property also offers a garden and a terrace, where you can take a more panoramic view of the lake and the beautiful sunset.

The terrace during the day

Restaurant at the hotel

Sunset from Terrace

Bed

The accommodation features airport transfers, room service and free WiFi throughout the property. For breakfast, guests at the hotel can enjoy a continental or Korean traditional breakfast. The food is made freshly for each guest so feel free to let the chef know about any allergies. The chef is exquisite and the bar is fully stocked. The hotel is also equipped to host conferences, weddings and other large gathering events. The hotel is within walking distance of restaurants, cafes and many tourist attractions like the lake park, a mini zoo, a museum and many more.

Hotel from the front

The beds are very comfortable, but they also offer ondols, which are the Korean heating floors. The rooms are spacious enough to also fit in an extra bed comfortably. The staff members are available 24 hours to attend to your every need and , in my case, I prefer hard pillows, so I needed an extra pillow to compliment the one soft pillow offered.

Honestly, I had a refreshing stay in this hotel. It was the icing on a perfect healing weekend getaway.