Jinju Jungang Market (진주중앙시장)

Jinju Jungang Market is a long-standing traditional market that traces its origins to the Jinju Sangmusa (now the Chamber of Commerce) established in 1884. Designated as a cultural tourism market in 2011, it is located in the heart of Jinju. Nestled between underground shopping malls, financial institutions, medical facilities, and youth-oriented streets, the area boasts heavy foot traffic and serves as a main hub for the city’s logistics, economy, and culture. Originally a five-day-interval market opened every 5 days from the 2nd of each month, it now operates year-round. The market features a 980-meter-long retractable arcade and is divided into three sections of Hanbok and fabric shops, food alleys, and general goods areas. Starting at 2:00 AM, a dawn market is also held here, with vegetable and fish auctions for retailers. Trading of agricultural and fishery products continues until around 10:00 AM, after which the regular stores open. Located at a key commercial point where abundant agricultural products from Jirisan Mountain and fresh seafood from the southern coast are distributed, the market offers a wide array of local specialties, such as dried seafood, agricultural and fishery products, as well as Hanbok. It also participates in regional events like the Jinju Namgang Yudeung Festival, showcasing items such as Jinju bibimbap. Once known as Jinju Jungang Yudeung Market, it was officially renamed Jinju Jungang Market in 2015.