Jinpo Marine Theme Park

Jinpo Maritime Theme Park is an impressive open-air museum located in the historic port of Naehang in Gunsan. Founded in 2008, it has become an important cultural site showcasing the naval power and maritime history carefully preserved by South Korea. A unique collection of decommissioned equipment is gathered here on the picturesque coast, turning a stroll into a fascinating journey through time.

Jinpo Maritime Theme Park. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

The centerpiece of the exhibition is the legendary 4,200-ton landing ship Wibongham (ROKS Wi Pong). Built in the USA in 1944, this vessel now serves as a massive exhibition hall. Inside, several floors house exhibits detailing great naval battles and the daily lives of sailors.

In addition to the giant ship, visitors can see 16 types of various military equipment, including tanks, planes, helicopters, and amphibious armored vehicles. The park harmoniously combines education with leisure: it features children's playgrounds and cozy cafes with panoramic views of the harbor, making it an ideal spot for family outings.

To plan your visit and check the latest information, you can use the theme park's official communication channels. Detailed information about current events is also frequently published on the Gunsan city tourism portal.

Below are the main contact details for inquiries and locating the site on the map:

A visit to Jinpo Maritime Theme Park is, above all, an opportunity to literally touch history. The main attraction for guests is a detailed inspection of the military equipment: visitors are allowed to climb on many of the exhibits, such as tanks and armored vehicles, which is always a hit with children. You can explore the decks and inner compartments of the Wibongham, which houses interactive exhibitions and a 4D cinema that immerses you in the atmosphere of naval battles.

Those who prefer a more relaxed experience should take a stroll along the embankment, enjoying the fresh sea breeze and picturesque views of the port. It is especially beautiful here during the sunset hours, when the setting sun paints the harbor in golden tones. For those who want to extend their cultural program, other city museums are within walking distance, including the Gunsan Modern History Museum.

Jinpo Maritime Theme Park is located at 32 Naehang 2-gil, in the heart of the Gunsan port area. You can reach it from the city center in just 5–10 minutes by taxi or by taking a pleasant walk toward Naehang Port.

If you are traveling through South Korea from Seoul, the most convenient way is to take the KTX high-speed train to Gunsan Station. From the station, you can take city buses (get off at Naehang Port), and a taxi ride will take about 20–30 minutes. For those traveling by car, there is convenient parking available near the park.

The park was established to commemorate a significant event—the Battle of Jinpo, which took place in 1380. This battle went down in world history as the first naval engagement in which gunpowder weapons were used. Under the leadership of General Choe Mu-seon, the Korean fleet defeated over 500 Japanese vessels using innovative cannons for that era.

The park's main exhibit, the ship Wibongham, is itself a living monument to 20th-century history. Launched in the USA in 1944, it participated in operations at Okinawa during World War II and later, after being transferred to Korean forces, served through the Vietnam War. Today, its combat past has been replaced by a peaceful mission of education.

Inside the museum ship, visitors can see exact replicas of General Choe Mu-seon's cannons and learn about the development of Korean shipbuilding. The exhibition clearly demonstrates how naval combat technology changed over the centuries, making this park an important center for preserving national heritage.

A thoughtful inspection of all the open-air exhibits and a visit to the interior exhibitions of the museum ship usually takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. If you plan to study the information boards in detail and visit the 4D cinema, it's better to set aside a bit more time.

For families with children, who will surely want to explore every piece of equipment and play on the local playground, the visit can stretch to 3–4 hours. Given the proximity of other port attractions, Jinpo Maritime Theme Park fits perfectly into a half-day itinerary around Gunsan.

The park welcomes guests from Tuesday to Sunday, with Monday being the official day off. The main open-air exhibition and entry to the museum ship open at 9:00 and operate until 18:00 during the summer period (March to October). In the winter months (November to February), closing time is moved to 17:00.

The area around Naehang Port is rich with interesting locations that allow for a deeper immersion into the atmosphere of a port city. The proximity to modern entertainment centers and specialized aquariums makes this part of the city an excellent place for a comprehensive leisure experience.

Check out the list of facilities located in the immediate vicinity of the park: