Hello, anyone planning a trip to South Korea! Are you looking for a hidden gem of a city besides Seoul and Busan? If so, I can recommend Jeonju without hesitation!
Jeonju is full of traditional Korean beauty, deep history, and most importantly, fantastic food that lives up to its nickname as the “Taste Capital of Korea”. Join me as I take you on a journey to Jeonju, where you can experience the true Korean charm as you stroll through the tranquil hanok villages where time seems to stand still.
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Jeonju is an easily accessible city that can be reached from Seoul in about an hour and a half to two hours by KTX bullet train. It’s small and cozy, but it’s full of charm that encapsulates the beauty of Korea. Here’s a detailed guide to Jeonju for international travelers!
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1. The Heart of Jeonju: Jeonju Hanok Village (Jeonju Hanok Village) **1.
The starting point and highlight of any trip to Jeonju is undoubtedly Jeonju Hanok Village. With more than 700 traditional hanok houses, it’s like stepping back in time. The beautiful layers of tiled roofs are a work of art in themselves, and the tranquil atmosphere of the village is like a story in every alleyway.
- **Hanbok Experience is a Must! When you’re in Jeonju Hanok Village, rent a beautiful hanbok and stroll the streets in it. The hanboks come in a variety of colors and designs, and the photos are guaranteed to be life-shot-worthy. There are many hanbok rental shops throughout the hanok village, so pick your favorite and create your own style! (Example: My friend and I wore matching pink and light blue hanboks and took a photo under a ginkgo tree, which turned out to be a really beautiful memory!)
- Main Attractions: * Gyeonggi-do Stadium (Gyeonggi-do Stadium):
- Gyeonggijeon Shrine: This shrine is dedicated to the eojin (portrait) of King Seonggye of the Joseon Dynasty, and is surrounded by beautiful bamboo groves and tranquil buildings, making it a great place to take photos in hanbok.
- Jeondong Catholic Church: Located at the entrance to Hanok Village, Jeondong Catholic Church is considered one of the most beautiful Romanesque buildings in Korea. Its magnificent and exotic appearance is impressive, and its contrasting beauty with the hanoks is mesmerizing.
- Omokdae: This hill offers a panoramic view of the hanok village, especially at sunset, when the sun sets over the hanok tiles.
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2. A Gastronomic Heaven: Jeonju Food Tour (Jeonju Food Tour)
Jeonju is called the “Taste Capital of Korea” for a reason! For Koreans, it’s a mecca for “foodie” travelers, and there’s no shortage of delicious food.
- Jeonju Bibimbap (Jeonju Bibimbap): **Jeonju Bibimbap (Jeonju Bibimbap) The first thing you should try is Jeonju Bibimbap. It’s a far cry from the bibimbap you’re used to! It’s made with more than 30 hearty ingredients, including bean sprouts, yukhoe, ginkgo, pine nuts, and gochujang, and it tastes fantastic. The bean sprouts in Jeonju are especially delicious and enhance the flavor of the bibimbap. (There are many famous bibimbap restaurants, such as Gogung and Korean House, so be sure to visit them!)
- Jeonju Kongnamul Gukbap (Jeonju Kongnamul Gukbap): Jeonju Kongnamul Gukbap (Jeonju Kongnamul Gukbap) If you love hot and cold soup dishes, Kongnamul Gukbap** is a must. It’s especially good as a haejangguk the day after a night of drinking, but you can eat it anytime thanks to its light and refreshing flavor. Adding a poached egg to the dish makes it even more tender and savory.
- Jeonju Makgeolli (Jeonju Makgeolli): **Jeonju Makgeolli Alley Jeonju Makgeolli Alley is a place where you can experience a unique drinking culture. It’s famous for its endless supply of basic snacks, just like a Korean traditional meal! Enjoy a cold makgeolli with hearty snacks such as pajeon, kimchi pancake, redfish sambap, tofu kimchi, clam soup, and more, and feel the Korean spirit. (e.g., Old Village Makgeolli, Yongjinjip Makgeolli, etc.)
- Handmade Choco Pie: Handmade Choco Pie is a specialty of Jeonju Hanok Village. One of the specialties of Jeonju Hanok Village, Handmade Choco Pie** is a must-try dessert and souvenir. Unlike regular chocolate pie, the soft bread, cream, and nuts are harmoniously combined to create a deeply sweet flavor (e.g., “Pungnyeon Jegwa” is the most famous).
- Street Food: **Street Food The streets of Hanok Village offer a wide variety of snacks. Skewers, grilled cheese, octopus skewers, fruity sticky rice cakes, and chewy mochi are a feast for the eyes and mouth.
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3. Cultural Experiences & Hidden Charms **Cultural Experiences & Hidden Charms.
Jeonju is more than just a place to see and eat, it’s an opportunity to experience and enjoy traditional Korean culture firsthand.
- Traditional Craft Experience: * Traditional Craft Experience: **Hanji (Korean Paper) Jeonju is the home of Korean paper. Try your hand at making your own hanji at a hanji workshop, or try your hand at making a beautiful hanji fan. Get a glimpse into the delicate crafting techniques of Korea.
- Relaxing at a Traditional Tea House: Relaxing at a Traditional Tea House: **Relaxing at a Traditional Tea House Quaint traditional tea houses are tucked away throughout the hanok villages. Take a break for a cup of hot jujube tea, schizandra tea, crystal ball tea, and more. The view of the hanoks from the window makes your tea break even more special.
- Nambu Market Night Market: **Nambu Market Night Market Every Friday and Saturday evening, Nambu Market hosts a lively night market. Here you’ll find a variety of street food, handicrafts, and exotic performances. It’s a great opportunity to get up close and personal with the locals.
- Jaman Mural Village: Jaman Mural Village: **Jaman Mural Village is located near Hanok Village. Located near Hanok Village, Jaman Mural Village is a hilltop village filled with colorful murals. Many of the paintings depict popular Korean characters and fairy tales, making it a great place to take photos and get a feel for the quaint atmosphere.
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4. Practical Tips for Your Jeonju Trip (Practical Tips for Your Jeonju Trip)
- Transportation:
- Seoul to Jeonju: The KTX high speed train is the fastest and most convenient way to get to Jeonju. It departs from Yongsan Station and travels directly to Jeonju Station.
- Movement within Jeonju: Jeonju Hanok Village is small enough to explore on foot. The Nambu Market and Zaman Mural Village, which are a bit further away, are best reached by taxi.
- Best Time to Visit: Spring (April and May) is the best time to visit. Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) are the best times to visit due to the pleasant weather, especially the cherry blossoms in spring and the changing of the leaves in fall. Summers can be rather hot and humid, and winters can be cold, so plan your visit accordingly.
- Accommodation: Hanok Village There are many hanok stays within the hanok village, which are renovated traditional hanoks. We recommend staying in a traditional Korean house overnight for a unique experience.
- Language: As a tourist destination, there is good signage in English, and young merchants often speak simple English. Knowing a few basic Korean greetings (e.g. Hello – Annyeonghaseyo / Thank you – Gamsahamnida) will make your trip even more enjoyable!
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**Jeonju is more than just a tourist destination; it’s a place where Korea’s past and present coexist, offering a unique experience for all five senses. From the beauty of the tranquil hanoks to the delicious food and colorful culture, you’ll be hooked.
On your next trip to South Korea, why not escape the hustle and bustle of the city and create unforgettable memories in the warm and welcoming city of Jeonju? We hope your trip to Jeonju is filled with the best experiences! 😊