Jeonju
Jeonju is a city in South Korea known for its historic Hanok Village, rich culinary scene, including being the birthplace of bibimbap, and its vibrant traditional culture showcased through annual festivals and performances.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Jeonju, South Korea, depends on what you're interested in.
If you're looking to enjoy pleasant weather and outdoor activities, spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) are ideal times. During these periods, the temperatures are moderate, and the city is beautifully adorned with cherry blossoms in the spring and colorful foliage in the autumn.
If you're interested in experiencing Korean culture and festivals, May is a great time to visit because of the Jeonju Hanji Culture Festival and the Jeonju International Film Festival.
Winter (December to February) in Jeonju can be quite cold and snowy, but it can also offer a different perspective of the city's beauty and the opportunity to experience Korean winter cuisine.
How to Get There
Getting to Jeonju from various major cities in South Korea like Seoul, Busan, or Incheon is quite straightforward and can be accomplished by different modes of transport.
From Seoul:
By Train: The KTX (Korea Train eXpress) operates between Yongsan Station or Seoul Station in Seoul and Jeonju Station. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
By Bus: Buses to Jeonju operate from Seoul's Express Bus Terminal (also known as Central City), Dong Seoul Bus Terminal, and Seoul Nambu Bus Terminal. The bus ride takes about 2-3 hours depending on traffic.
From Busan:
By Train: The KTX operates between Busan Station and Jeonju Station. The journey takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes.
By Bus: Buses to Jeonju operate from Busan Central Bus Terminal. The bus ride takes about 4-5 hours depending on traffic.
From Incheon International Airport:
By Train: There isn't a direct train from Incheon Airport to Jeonju. You have to take the airport railroad to Seoul Station or Yongsan Station and then transfer to a KTX train to Jeonju.
By Bus: Direct buses to Jeonju operate from Incheon International Airport. The bus ride takes about 3-4 hours depending on traffic.
Most Popular Attractions and Activities to See and Do in Jeonju, South Korea
Top 15 Attractions in Jeonju
Jeonju, South Korea, is a city rich in history and culture. Here are some of the top attractions you shouldn't miss when visiting:
Jeonju Hanok Village: This village boasts over 800 traditional Korean 'hanok' houses. While the rest of the city has been industrialized, Jeonju Hanok Village retains its historical charms and traditions.
Jeonju Bibimbap: Jeonju is known as the birthplace of bibimbap, a traditional Korean dish. You can find many restaurants serving this delicacy in the city.
Jeonju Korean Traditional Wine Museum: This museum is dedicated to showcasing the history of Korean traditional wines, and visitors can learn about the brewing process and participate in wine tastings.
Jeondong Catholic Church: A beautiful cathedral that combines Western and traditional Korean architectural styles, it's one of the oldest and largest Western-style buildings in the region.
Gyeonggijeon Shrine: This historic shrine houses the portrait of King Tae-jo, the founder of the Joseon Dynasty. The premises also feature a royal portrait museum and lovely gardens.
Jeonju National Museum: It displays ancient relics from the prehistoric ages to the Joseon Dynasty, highlighting the rich history and culture of the Jeonju region.
Omokdae and Imokdae: These are two historical pavilions offering panoramic views of Jeonju Hanok Village and the city.
Pungnammun Gate: The southern gate of the former city walls, Pungnammun Gate is a symbol of Jeonju and a popular historic site.
Nambu Market and Night Market: Nambu Market is a traditional market where you can buy food, clothes, and other goods. On weekends, the market transforms into a lively night market with various food stalls.
Jeonju Zoo: Located in Deokjin Park, Jeonju Zoo is home to about 600 animals of about 70 different species. Besides the zoo, Deokjin Park also features a beautiful lotus pond and offers pedal boat rentals.
Hanji Museum: Here, you can learn about Hanji, traditional Korean paper that is known for its durability. The museum also offers hands-on experiences where you can make your own Hanji.
Royal Portrait Museum: Located within Gyeonggijeon Shrine, this museum showcases royal portraits and provides interesting insights into the Joseon Dynasty.
Jaman Mural Village: Located close to the Hanok Village, this unique neighborhood features numerous murals and art installations. It's a great place for photo ops.
Gaeksa Shopping Street: This is Jeonju's main shopping district with a lot of fashion stores, restaurants, and bars.
Jeonju Hyanggyo Confucian School: This is a historic Confucian school that dates back to the Joseon Dynasty. It's a peaceful place to learn about Korea's Confucian tradition.
Top 10 Activities to do in Jeonju
Jeonju is a city full of rich history and culture, offering a variety of activities for all types of travelers. Here are some of the top activities to do in Jeonju:
Hanbok Experience: Rent a hanbok, a traditional Korean dress, and stroll around Jeonju Hanok Village for an immersive cultural experience. Many visitors enjoy taking photos in their hanbok against the backdrop of historic hanoks.
Food Tour: Jeonju is famous for its cuisine, particularly bibimbap. Explore the local markets and street food stalls, and don't miss the chance to taste other local delicacies such as Jeonju Choco Pie and makgeolli (rice wine).
Hanji Paper Making: Visit the Hanji Museum and participate in a workshop where you can learn how to make traditional Korean paper.
Visit Jeonju Korean Traditional Wine Museum: Learn about the history and production process of traditional Korean wines, and participate in a wine tasting session.
Explore Gyeonggijeon Shrine: Wander around the grounds of this historic shrine, and visit the Royal Portrait Museum located within the shrine.
Stroll around Jaman Mural Village: Explore this charming neighborhood, take pictures of the various murals, and enjoy a panoramic view of the city.
Explore Deokjin Park: Take a leisurely stroll around this beautiful park, home to Jeonju Zoo and a stunning lotus pond. You can also rent a pedal boat to enjoy the pond.
Attend a Traditional Tea Ceremony: Experience a traditional Korean tea ceremony to learn about the history and significance of tea in Korean culture.
Visit Nambu Night Market: This market is known for its variety of food stalls, making it a great place to sample local cuisine and enjoy the bustling atmosphere.
Experience a Hanok Stay: For a unique experience, consider staying overnight in a traditional Korean hanok house. Many of these hanoks are located in the Hanok Village and have been converted into guest houses.
Best Shopping
Jeonju is a great city for shopping, as it offers a wide variety of shops and markets to explore. Here are some of the best places to shop in Jeonju:
Nambu Market: This is a traditional market that is located in the heart of Jeonju. It is a great place to find souvenirs, clothes, and food.
Jeonju Hanok Village: This village is home to many traditional Korean shops, as well as some modern boutiques. It is a great place to find hanboks, traditional Korean crafts, and other souvenirs.
Gaeksa Shopping Street: This street is lined with shops selling clothes, accessories, and souvenirs. It is a great place to find bargains.
Jeonju Craftworks Exhibition Center: This center showcases a wide variety of Korean crafts, including hanji paper, ceramics, and textiles. It is a great place to find unique souvenirs.
Lotte Department Store: This department store is located in the heart of Jeonju and it offers a wide variety of products, including clothes, cosmetics, and electronics.
Entertainment & Nightlife
Jeonju, while known for its rich history and traditional Korean culture, also offers a variety of entertainment and nightlife activities for locals and tourists alike. Here's an overview of what you can expect:
Nambu Night Market: Active on Friday and Saturday evenings, this market comes alive with numerous food stalls offering a variety of local dishes. It's a great place to sample street food and experience the local buzz.
Pungnam Mun Street: This is a lively area filled with restaurants, cafés, and bars, and it's a popular spot for nightlife. Here, you can find a range of places to enjoy local beverages, such as makgeolli, and delicious Korean food.
Jaman Mural Village: While it's enjoyable during the day, it also offers a unique experience at night when the murals and installations are illuminated. Some cafes and shops in this area open till late, providing an excellent opportunity to enjoy the artistic vibe at night.
Gaeksa Shopping District: In addition to shopping, this district is also known for its restaurants and bars that remain open into the night.
Live Music: Jeonju has a thriving live music scene. You can find numerous bars and clubs that host live music performances, ranging from traditional Korean music to jazz and indie rock.
Theatrical Performances: Check out the local theaters for traditional Korean performances, including dance and music shows. The Jeonju Hanok Village occasionally hosts traditional performances that you can attend.
Jeonju International Film Festival: If you're visiting in spring, you might catch this annual event which features a selection of local and international films, many with evening screenings.
Local Cuisine
Jeonju is often referred to as the food capital of South Korea, and it's renowned for its diverse and delicious local cuisine. Here's an overview of some of the local dishes and food experiences you should not miss:
Bibimbap: Jeonju is known as the birthplace of bibimbap, a popular Korean dish. Jeonju bibimbap is particularly special because of its fresh and diverse ingredients, which often include sprouts, vegetables, meat, a raw or fried egg, and gochujang (red chili paste), all mixed with rice. The dish is also known for its beautiful presentation.
Jeonju Choco Pie: This is a local version of the popular Korean snack, Choco Pie. It has a rich, homemade taste, often made with high-quality chocolate and marshmallow filling. The Jeonju version has become a must-try for visitors.
Kongnamul Gukbap: This is a hot, comforting soup made primarily with soybean sprouts and rice. It's a popular breakfast dish in Jeonju and is known for its revitalizing properties.
Makgeolli: Jeonju is famous for its makgeolli, a traditional Korean rice wine. It's creamy and slightly fizzy with a touch of sweetness. There are many "makgeolli houses" in Jeonju where you can try a variety of flavors.
Pansori Chabssal Ddeok: A type of rice cake associated with the region's pansori music tradition, it is made with glutinous rice and filled with sweet bean paste.
Galbitang: This is a clear soup made with beef short ribs. It's hearty and richly flavored, usually served with a bowl of rice on the side.
Street Food at Nambu Market: Visit Nambu Market to explore a wide range of local street foods. The market is especially lively during the Jeonju Nambu Market Night Market, which operates on weekends.
Accommodations
When deciding where to stay in Jeonju, the following areas are generally recommended due to their convenient location, access to attractions, and availability of accommodations:
Jeonju Hanok Village: This is the heart of Jeonju, where you can find hundreds of traditional Korean 'hanok' houses. Some of these hanoks have been converted into guesthouses, providing a unique opportunity for an immersive cultural experience. The village is also within walking distance of many of Jeonju's main attractions, such as Gyeonggijeon Shrine, Jeondong Catholic Church, and numerous local restaurants.
Wansan-gu: This district includes Jeonju Hanok Village, but it also extends beyond it. Staying in Wansan-gu outside of the Hanok Village gives you the benefit of being near the main attractions while also having access to modern hotels and amenities. This area also has good public transportation links, making it easy to explore the city and surrounding areas.
Deokjin-gu: Located a bit further from the city center, Deokjin-gu is a more modern district with a range of accommodations from budget to luxury. The famous Deokjin Park is located here, which is a great place to relax and enjoy nature.
