Jeonju is certainly one of South Korea’s oldest cities with over a thousand years of historical past. Positioned a brief journey from Seoul, this metropolis affords a firsthand take a look at conventional Korean tradition. It’s well-known for its hanok village, the place a whole bunch of conventional Korean homes line slim streets, and for being the birthplace of bibimbap, certainly one of Korea’s hottest dishes.
Jeonju affords a mixture of cultural websites, native delicacies, museums, and pure areas that showcase what makes this place particular. You may stroll by historic neighborhoods, go to historic shrines, style regional meals, and find out about conventional crafts. Town is sufficiently small to discover on foot however full of sufficient actions to fill a number of days.
This information covers the highest experiences in Jeonju, from exploring the well-known hanok village to attempting native specialties at markets and breweries. You’ll additionally discover recommendations on visiting museums, climbing close by mountains for views, and having fun with town’s rising espresso and craft beer scene.
1) Discover Jeonju Hanok Village
Jeonju Hanok Village is the most important assortment of conventional Korean homes in South Korea. You’ll discover greater than 800 hanok buildings, every with distinctive curved tile roofs and wood buildings. Many of those homes date again centuries and stay in wonderful situation.
The village is positioned within the coronary heart of Jeonju Metropolis. You may stroll by slim alleys lined with conventional structure. Some hanoks now function guesthouses, museums, tea homes, and cultural facilities.
Whenever you go to, you’ll discover the hanoks function central courtyards and ondol heating methods. The buildings comply with conventional Korean design ideas. You may see how individuals lived through the Joseon Dynasty interval.
The village affords a glimpse into Korean heritage and tradition. You may spend hours wandering the streets and discovering hidden courtyards. Every nook reveals one thing new about conventional Korean life.
Plan to spend at the very least a number of hours right here. The village is particularly stunning within the early morning or late afternoon, when the sunshine is softer.
2) Go to Jeondong Catholic Church
Jeondong Catholic Church or Jeondong Cathedral stands as certainly one of South Korea’s most necessary non secular buildings. In-built 1883, it stays an energetic place of worship and welcomes guests from all over the world.
The church combines Byzantine and Romanesque architectural types in a singular manner. Its spectacular façade and hanging bell tower make it a preferred spot for photographs. You’ll discover the constructing’s design completely different from typical Korean buildings, which provides to its enchantment.
The cathedral holds particular which means in Korean Catholic historical past. It sits on the bottom related to Korean martyrdom, making it a significant web site for pilgrims and historical past lovers alike.
You may discover the church grounds and admire the structure from exterior. The placement places you close to Jeonju Hanok Village, so you’ll be able to simply go to each in a single journey. The church seems stunning throughout completely different instances of day, with its pink brick exterior creating a powerful distinction in opposition to the sky.
Entry to the grounds is free, however please be respectful, because it’s an energetic church. Test mass instances if you wish to keep away from crowds or be a part of a service.
3) Style Bibimbap at a Native Restaurant
Jeonju is named the birthplace of bibimbap, making it one of the best place in South Korea to do this well-known dish. Town was designated a UNESCO Metropolis of Gastronomy in 2012, partly because of its distinctive bibimbap custom.
You’ll discover quite a few eating places all through town serving genuine variations of this combined rice dish. The native preparation contains contemporary greens, rice, meat, and a uncooked or fried egg, all topped with gochujang (pink chili paste).
The standard of bibimbap in Jeonju stands out as a result of eating places right here use conventional recipes and regionally sourced components. You may select from informal eateries to extra upscale eating spots, relying in your choice and funds.
Many eating places within the Hanok Village space specialise in bibimbap and supply variations of the traditional recipe. Every restaurant provides its personal contact whereas sustaining the genuine flavors that made Jeonju well-known for this dish.
Whenever you go to, don’t hesitate to ask locals for his or her favourite spots. They usually know hidden gems that serve wonderful bibimbap past the preferred vacationer areas.
4) Stroll Alongside Gyeonggijeon Shrine
Gyeonggijeon Shrine sits within the coronary heart of Jeonju and affords a peaceable break from the busy streets. This palace compound dates again to the Joseon Dynasty and holds an necessary piece of Korean historical past.
The shrine’s predominant attraction is the Royal Portrait Museum. Inside, you’ll discover the official portrait of King Taejo, the primary king of the Joseon Dynasty. The portray has been rigorously preserved for hundreds of years.
As you stroll by the grounds, you’ll discover stunning conventional buildings surrounded by tall timber. The shaded pathways make it an ideal spot for a calming stroll, particularly on heat days.
The shrine complicated contains a number of smaller buildings and pavilions. Every construction showcases conventional Korean structure with its curved roofs and wood particulars. You may discover the winding paths at your individual tempo.
The encompassing panorama modifications with the seasons. Spring brings cherry blossoms, whereas fall covers the grounds in pink and gold leaves.
Entry to Gyeonggijeon Shrine is reasonably priced, and you’ll simply mix it with different points of interest within the Jeonju Hanok Village space. Plan to spend about 30 to 45 minutes right here.
5) Chill out at Omokdae and Imokdae
These two historic pavilions, positioned on hilltops in Jeonju, supply a peaceable respite from the busy streets under. Omokdae marks the spot the place Yi Seong-gye celebrated his army victory earlier than changing into the primary king of the Joseon Dynasty.
You’ll must climb some steep stairs to succeed in the highest, however the effort is value it. The point of view affords a transparent view of Jeonju Hanok Village’s conventional rooftops unfold out under. On clear days, you’ll be able to see the trendy metropolis skyline within the distance, too.
Imokdae sits close by and offers comparable views from a distinct angle. Each websites are small, so that you received’t want a lot time to discover them. The realm is quieter than the crowded village streets.
These spots are perfect for a fast cease throughout your sightseeing day. You may take photographs, catch your breath, and benefit from the surroundings. The pavilions are open to guests and don’t require an entrance payment.
Go to early within the morning or late afternoon, when lighting is greatest for photographs and temperatures are cooler for the climb.
6) Uncover Jeonju Conventional Wine Museum
The Jeonju Conventional Wine Museum affords you an opportunity to find out about Korea’s winemaking historical past. This free museum sits within the metropolis’s historic hanok district.
You may discover reveals on conventional Korean alcoholic drinks equivalent to makgeolli and soju. The museum explains how these drinks have been made through the Joseon Dynasty. You’ll see shows of previous brewing instruments and find out about completely different fermentation strategies.
The museum affords hands-on experiences past viewing reveals. You may take courses to make your individual jubangmun, a particular liquor recipe from the Joseon period. These actions make it easier to perceive the standard brewing course of.
Tasting classes let you pattern quite a lot of conventional Korean wines. You’ll strive drinks made utilizing centuries-old recipes. The museum employees explains the flavors and components of every beverage.
The museum serves as a cultural heart the place native traditions are preserved and shared. It’s cease if you wish to perceive extra about Korean ingesting tradition and historical past.
7) Stroll By way of Nambu Market
Nambu Market affords an genuine native procuring expertise within the coronary heart of Jeonju. You’ll discover the market close to Hanok Village, with a number of entrances and ample parking.
The market sells all kinds of products throughout completely different sections. You may browse contemporary Korean produce, seafood, avenue meals, clothes, ceramics, and souvenirs. From kitchen items to pajamas, the market has objects you received’t discover in typical vacationer retailers.
Meals distributors line the walkways with native snacks and dishes. You may seize a fast chunk whereas exploring or choose up components to take residence.
The market reveals you ways locals store and eat in Jeonju. It’s much less polished than vacationer areas however extra real. You’ll see residents doing their every day procuring alongside guests searching for distinctive finds.
Plan to spend at the very least an hour strolling by the completely different sections. The market will get busy throughout peak hours, so arriving earlier within the day provides you extra space to discover comfortably.
8) Expertise Jeonju Craft Beer Bars
Jeonju has developed a rising craft beer scene that provides a pleasant break from conventional sightseeing. You could find a number of small breweries and beer bars scattered all through town, with some close to Hanok Village.
These craft beer spots serve regionally made beers alongside Korean and worldwide alternatives. Many bars have rooftop seating the place you’ll be able to get pleasure from your drinks with views of the standard hanok rooftops and the encompassing metropolis.
The craft beer bars in Jeonju are inclined to have a relaxed ambiance. You’ll discover each locals and vacationers stopping by to strive completely different brews. Some locations pair their beers with Korean bar snacks or fusion dishes that mix conventional and fashionable flavors.
Most craft beer bars open within the late afternoon and keep busy into the night. The employees at these institutions are normally educated about their beer alternatives and might help you select one thing that matches your style preferences.
9) Go to the Jeonju Korean Conventional Tradition Heart
The Jeonju Korean Conventional Tradition Heart allows you to find out about Korean arts and crafts in a hands-on manner. You may take courses in conventional actions equivalent to hanji papermaking, pottery, and woodblock printing.
The middle affords workshops starting from 1 hour to a full day. You may guide upfront or be a part of on the spot, relying on availability.
Many guests benefit from the tea ceremony expertise. You’ll find out about Korean tea tradition whereas sitting in a conventional setting. The instructors converse English and be sure to perceive every step.
The middle additionally has shows exhibiting conventional Korean instruments and completed crafts. You should purchase handmade objects on the reward store to take residence.
The constructing itself reveals conventional Korean design. It’s close to Hanok Village, so you’ll be able to simply go to each in someday. The middle is open Tuesday by Sunday and closed on Mondays.
10) Discover the Jeonju Zoo
Jeonju Zoo affords a calming break from town’s cultural websites. The zoo is positioned on a hillside and affords a pure setting the place you’ll be able to see numerous animals.
You’ll discover each native and unique species all through the grounds. The zoo focuses on conservation and training whereas sustaining comfy habitats for the animals.
The placement makes it straightforward to mix with different points of interest in Jeonju. You may stroll by completely different zones that home mammals, birds, and reptiles. Households with kids particularly benefit from the zoo’s structure and the possibility to find out about wildlife.
The zoo isn’t the most important in South Korea, however it affords a peaceable atmosphere. You may take your time exploring the paths and observing the animals at your individual tempo.
Plan to spend about two to a few hours on the zoo. It’s choice if you wish to add selection to your Jeonju itinerary past the hanok village and temples.
11) See the Jeonju Nationwide Museum
The Jeonju Nationwide Museum shows artifacts from Jeolla Province. You may discover objects courting again hundreds of years, together with pottery, instruments, and paintings from numerous Korean dynasties.
The museum focuses on native historical past and tradition. You’ll discover reveals about conventional Korean life, non secular practices, and the realm’s position in Korean historical past. The gathering contains Buddhist sculptures, royal artifacts, and on a regular basis objects utilized by most people.
The constructing itself sits in a peaceable location with out of doors areas. You may stroll across the grounds earlier than or after viewing the reveals. The museum employees offers multilingual data to assist guests perceive what they’re seeing.
Admission is free, making it an reasonably priced exercise throughout your go to. The museum takes about one to 2 hours to tour fully. You must go to if you wish to study extra about Korean historical past past what you see within the Hanok Village.
The museum is much less crowded than different vacationer spots in Jeonju. This provides you time to view reveals with out speeding.
12) Climb Mt. Wansan for Metropolis Views
Mt. Wansan affords top-of-the-line viewpoints in Jeonju. The mountain sits on the southern fringe of downtown and offers clear views of town under.
You may attain the summit by following well-marked trails by Wansan Park. The climb takes about 30 to 45 minutes at a gentle tempo. The trail is manageable for many health ranges.
On the prime, you’ll discover viewing platforms the place you’ll be able to see all the metropolis unfold out earlier than you. The normal roofs of Hanok Village are seen from this top. On clear days, you’ll be able to see far into the encompassing countryside.
The park is standard with locals, particularly throughout spring when cherry blossoms line the strolling paths. Early morning visits supply cooler temperatures and fewer crowds. The realm is well-maintained with relaxation areas alongside the best way.
Carry water and put on comfy strolling footwear. The path will be steep in some sections. You’ll discover the views well worth the effort when you attain the highest.
13) Strive Jeonju Makgeolli at a Brewery
Jeonju is legendary for its makgeolli, a conventional Korean rice wine. Town’s makgeolli is taken into account top-of-the-line in South Korea.
You may go to native breweries to style this milky, barely candy beverage. These breweries use conventional strategies handed down by generations. The fermentation course of provides the drink a singular taste that varies by location.
Many breweries supply tastings the place you’ll be able to study in regards to the brewing course of. You’ll see how they choose components and develop their recipes. Some breweries have been making makgeolli for many years utilizing the identical methods.
The alcohol content material is comparatively low, normally round 6-8%. This makes it straightforward to strive a number of varieties throughout your go to. You can too pair it with conventional Korean aspect dishes referred to as anju.
Go to Makgeolli Alley in Jeonju to expertise a number of breweries in a single space. The brewers take delight of their craft and infrequently share tales about their strategies. This can be a real solution to join with Korean meals tradition past vacationer points of interest.
14) Go to the Hanji Museum to Be taught Korean Paper Artwork
The Jeonju Hanji Museum is Korea’s first museum devoted to conventional paper making. You may discover a group of over 3,000 artifacts that showcase the historical past and distinctive qualities of hanji, identified for its energy and texture.
The museum shows hanji crafts, paper-making instruments, and historic manuscripts. Info seems in each Korean and English, making it straightforward to grasp the standard methods. You’ll learn the way Korean paper-making compares to Chinese language and Japanese strategies.
You may be a part of hands-on workshops to make your individual hanji paper. These actions allow you to work with mulberry bark and study the centuries-old craft immediately. Woodblock printing experiences are additionally accessible.
The museum store sells hanji souvenirs. The placement sits close to conventional Hanok homes and native markets, so you’ll be able to discover extra of Jeonju’s cultural heritage after your go to.
This museum affords a sensible solution to perceive an necessary a part of Korean tradition. You’ll see how conventional paper influenced every day life in Korea all through historical past.
15) Get pleasure from Espresso at Rooftop Cafes
Jeonju’s rooftop cafes supply beautiful views of the hanok village and surrounding areas. These elevated spots offer you an opportunity to relaxation whereas taking within the conventional structure from above.
Many rooftop cafes are positioned alongside the hillsides and on greater buildings close to the hanok village. You may see the curved tile roofs of conventional homes unfold out under you. The views are particularly good throughout sundown or when the village lights up at night time.
The cafes serve espresso, tea, and light-weight snacks. Some additionally supply Korean conventional drinks alongside fashionable espresso choices. The ambiance tends to be relaxed and quiet, making these spots good for breaks between sightseeing.
You’ll discover each fashionable and traditional-style rooftop cafes within the space. Some have minimalist designs whereas others mix Korean parts into their decor. Most cafes have out of doors seating areas the place you’ll be able to benefit from the contemporary air and views.
These rooftop areas have turn into standard with guests who need good photographs and a peaceable place to take a seat. Costs are affordable and just like these of different cafes within the metropolis.
Journey Ideas for Visiting Jeonju
Greatest Occasions to Go to
Spring (April to Could) and fall (September to November) are probably the most comfy seasons to go to Jeonju. Throughout these months, temperatures vary from 50°F to 70°F with low humidity. You’ll discover clear skies and nice situations for strolling by the hanok village.
Summer season (June to August) will be scorching and humid, with temperatures reaching 85°F or greater. The wet season usually runs from late June by July. Winter (December to February) is chilly, with temperatures dropping to 25°F, however you’ll encounter fewer crowds.
Fashionable festivals to plan round:
- Jeonju Bibimbap Pageant – October
- Jeonju Worldwide Movie Pageant – April/Could
- Jeonju Hanok Village Pageant – Could
Guide your lodging a number of weeks upfront for those who’re visiting throughout competition intervals.
Transportation and Getting Round
You may attain Jeonju from Seoul in about 2.5 hours by bus or 2 hours by KTX prepare to close by Iksan, adopted by a 30-minute bus journey. Specific buses from Seoul’s Specific Bus Terminal run regularly all through the day.
The hanok village and predominant points of interest are inside a one-square-mile walkable space. Most guests discover town heart completely on foot. Native buses join outer neighborhoods to town heart for 1,300 received per journey. Taxis are reasonably priced, with most metropolis journeys costing 5,000-10,000 received.
You may lease bicycles close to the hanok village entrance for 3,000-5,000 received per hour.
Etiquette and Native Customs
Take away your footwear when getting into hanok guesthouses, conventional eating places, and a few cultural websites. You’ll discover shoe racks or cubbies on the entrance. Many conventional eating places have ground seating on cushions.
When visiting temples or cultural websites, costume modestly. Keep away from sporting shorts, tank tops, or revealing clothes. Converse quietly in these areas and ask permission earlier than photographing individuals in conventional costume.
Eating customs:
- Anticipate the eldest individual to begin consuming first
- Use each fingers when receiving objects from elders
- Don’t tip at eating places (it’s not customary in Korea)
Koreans respect when guests try fundamental phrases like “annyeonghaseyo” (hiya) and “gamsahamnida” (thanks). English is restricted exterior vacationer areas, so a translation app is useful.
Often Requested Questions
What are the highest historic websites to go to in Jeonju?
Gyeonggijeon Shrine stands as certainly one of Jeonju’s most necessary historic landmarks. This shrine homes a portrait of King Tae-jo, the founding father of the Joseon Dynasty. The complicated options conventional Korean structure and peaceable gardens, the place you’ll be able to find out about Korea’s royal historical past.
Jeondong Catholic Church is one other key historic web site you must go to. In-built 1914, this stunning red-brick church combines Romanesque and Byzantine architectural types. The church sits on the positioning the place Korean Catholics have been martyred through the Joseon Dynasty.
The Jeonju Hanok Village is a residing historic web site with greater than 800 conventional Korean homes. Many of those buildings are over 100 years previous and supply a glimpse of Korean life centuries in the past.
Are you able to suggest conventional meals experiences in Jeonju?
Jeonju is named the birthplace of bibimbap, and you must do that well-known dish at native eating places all through town. The dish contains rice combined with greens, egg, and gochujang sauce. Jeonju’s model is taken into account one of the best in Korea because of its high-quality components and conventional preparation strategies.
You may go to conventional Korean eating places that serve different native dishes, equivalent to Jeonju kongnamul gukbap, a bean sprout soup with rice. Town additionally affords makgeolli, a conventional rice wine, at many institutions. Search for eating places within the Hanok Village space that function cooks making ready dishes handed down by generations.
Avenue meals stalls in Jeonju promote conventional snacks like choco pies and native pastries. You may strive these treats whereas strolling by the village streets.
What distinctive cultural experiences does Jeonju supply?
You may lease a hanbok, conventional Korean clothes, to put on whereas exploring Hanok Village. Many rental retailers supply quite a lot of types and colours for women and men. Sporting a hanbok additionally will get you free entry to many points of interest.
Town affords conventional tea ceremonies the place you’ll be able to find out about Korean tea tradition. You sit in conventional tea homes and expertise how Koreans put together and serve tea utilizing centuries-old strategies.
Craft workshops allow you to strive your hand at making conventional Korean objects equivalent to followers, paper, and pottery. These hands-on actions train you about Korean craftsmanship. You can too watch craftspeople work of their retailers all through the village.
Are there any pure points of interest or parks to go to in Jeonju?
Omokdae and Imokdae are two pavilions that sit on small hills overlooking town. These spots supply views of the Hanok Village and the encompassing areas. The pavilions are traditionally important, as they mark the positioning the place Yi Seong-gye held a celebration earlier than founding the Joseon Dynasty.
Deokjin Park options a big pond with lotus flowers that bloom in summer time. The park has strolling paths and a pavilion the place you’ll be able to relaxation. This can be a good place to loosen up away from the busier vacationer areas.
The Jeonjicheon Stream runs by town and has strolling paths alongside its banks. You may stroll alongside the stream and see how locals use this house for train and rest.
How can guests greatest expertise Jeonju Hanok Village?
Go to the village early within the morning or late within the afternoon to keep away from the largest crowds. The slim streets get very busy throughout noon, particularly on weekends. Early-morning visits supply higher picture alternatives and a extra peaceable expertise.
Put on comfy footwear as a result of you’ll stroll on uneven stone paths and streets. The village is sufficiently small to discover on foot in about an hour for those who stroll shortly. However you must plan for at the very least half a day to see the primary websites and take a look at native meals.
Think about staying in a single day at a hanok guesthouse contained in the village. This lets you expertise conventional Korean sleeping preparations and see the village after most day guests have left. Many guesthouses embody breakfast with conventional Korean dishes.
What are some must-visit native markets or procuring areas in Jeonju?
Nambu Market is Jeonju’s predominant conventional market the place locals store for contemporary produce, fish, meat, and home items. You may strive numerous avenue meals and see how on a regular basis Koreans purchase groceries. The market has operated for over 100 years and affords an genuine native expertise.
Jeonju Hanok Village has many small retailers promoting conventional Korean crafts and souvenirs. You should purchase followers, conventional paper merchandise, and handmade equipment. These things make good items, and lots of are made by native artisans.
The Gaeksa Avenue space close to the village options fashionable retailers alongside conventional shops. You could find Korean cosmetics, clothes, and different objects right here. This avenue connects the previous and new components of Jeonju.
Seoul Journey Tour Packages You Ought to Strive
Observe and subscribe to OutofTownBlog.com on Fb , Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube for extra Journey-related updates.
