Located a short 3-hours bus journey away from Seoul, Jeonju Hanok village offers a quiet respite from the hustle of Seoul. Jeonju makes one feel as if you've travelled back in time. Time seems to stand still when you are there, allowing you to take in its beauty and picturesque landscape at your own pace.
Jeonju is a small city located in the west part of South Korea. It is the perfect day trip from Seoul, as seen from the many students who pop over to Jeonju for a day of fun. But to fully immerse yourself in the city of culinary excellence, historical buildings, sweeping panoramic views and cultural vibes that Jeonju has to offer, it would be a great idea to spend a night at there. Here's a short travel guide of the top attractions and things to do at Jeonju!
1. Spend a night at a Hanok
Despite a lack of quality accomodation in Jeonju, the city provides one with the unique experience of staying in a Hanok house - traditional dwellings with ondol heated floors. It is especially comforting to wrap yourselves in the thick blankets while having your feet toasted by the ondol floors during winter days. Skip the motels in the city centre and opt for a hanok house to complete your traditional stay in Jeonju.
2. Have traditional bibimbap at Hanguk Jip 한국집
Where Bibimbap originated from. It is a must to have Bibimbap when you are in Jeonju.
Spanning across 3 generations and with over 60 years of experience under its belt, Hanguk Jip is the to-go place for a taste of traditional Bibimbap. Touted as the best place to have Bibimbap, the Michelin star restaurant is famous for its Raw Beef Tartare Bibimbap and Dolsot bibimbap, where the rice and ingredients are presented in a sizzling hotpot. Served with colorful wild vegetables and a gingko nut on top, they added a nice crunch to the overall dish. Just by looking at the vibrant colours of the Bibimbap and the generous servings of banchan (side dishes) is enough to whet one's appetite.
Hanguk Jip 한국집
Address: 119 Eojin-gil, Pungnam-dong, Wansan-gu, Jeonju-si, Jeollabuk-do, South Korea
Opening Hours: 9.30am-9.00pm (break from 4.00-5.00pm)
3. Eat Kalgaksu at Veteran 베테랑분식
For a soul-satisfying bowl of piping hot noodles for breakfast, look no further than Veteran Kalgaksu.
Located in a prominent spot in Jeonju, it is easy to spot this establishment. With just a few items on the menu, this is a place to have your fill of cheap and delicious Korean fare.
The Kalgaksu is generously served in a huge bowl of egg drop soup seasoned with lots of perilla seeds and seaweed. It is comforting to slurp down the smooth handmade noodles with the flavourful broth. Add in the chilli powder or kimchi radish for that extra kick in your soup.
We also ordered Jjolmyeon which is a chewy kind of noodle done bibim style - it is mixed with a sweet and spicy sauce, shredded cabbages and cucumbers. I love bibim noodles and enjoyed the chewy texture of the noodles. This would be especially refreshing during hot summer days.
Crowded with locals and tourists alike, you know this is the best place to satisfy your Kalguksu cravings in Jeonju.
Veteran 베테랑분식
Address: 84-10 Gyo-dong Wansan-gu, Jeonju-si, Jeollabuk-do, South Korea
Opening Hours: 9.00am-9.30pm
4. Get a PBN (풍년제과) Chocopie
Not your usual marshmallow-filled Chocopies commonly found in Lotte marts. PNB Confectionary has been serving fresh chocopies since 1951 in a variety of flavours such as chocolate, green tea, orange and even banana chocolate with cream and strawberry jam fillings. Sink your teeth into the moist cake and have a taste of Jeonju’s popular traditional snack.
Address: 180 Paldal-ro, Pungnam-dong, Wansan-gu, Jeonju-si, Jeollabuk-do, South Korea
Opening Hours: 8.00am-9.30pm
Website: http://pnb1951.com/
5. Feast on Mandus at Dawoorang 다우랑
One of the popular street foods in Jeonju, stuff yourself silly with the mandus at Dawoorang. You will find an assortment of steam and fried dumplings filled with leeks, shrimps, beef, kimchi, japchae. Siew Mais and steamed buns are on the menu too. Be sure to warm them up in the microwaves available in the store before chomping down on them and try a little of everything.
Dawoorang 다우랑
Address: 269-2, Gyo-dong, Wansan-gu, Jeonju-si, Jeollabuk-do
Opening Hours: 10.30am-10.00pm
6. Take a leisurely stroll in the Hanok Village
Jeonju's main attraction is undoubtedly its splendid Hanok Village. The best way to enjoy the small city is to wander around by foot. There is something to see at every corner and every hanok building makes a perfect background for your photos. Have a pleasant stroll and take in the authentic vibes reminiscent of the olden days in Jeonju at your own pace.
7. Rent a Hanbok
Looking to bring your Korean experience to the next level? Rent a Hanok from one of the many hanbok rental shops within Jeonju Hanok Village. The rental fees are reasonably priced and they have a wide assortment of colors and patterns. Fulfil your dreams of being a Korean princess in the city’s well-preserved beauty.
8. Visit Gyeonggijeon Shrine 경기전
Built in 1410 to preserve a portrait of King Taejo, a Jeonju native and King of the famed Joseon dynasty, the Gyeonggijeon Shrine is nestled within a park-like setting surrounded with beautiful trees. Take a quiet stroll within the tranquil park and watch the sun set. The Gyeonggijeon Shrine will be quite a sight in autumn with fall foliage in full abundance.
9. Visit Jeondong Cathedral 정동성당
Located right opposite Gyeonggijeon, Jeondong Cathedral is one of the first few Catholic cathedrals to have been built in Korea. As a prominent landmark in Jeonju, with its distinct brown bricks and European features, the Cathedral is a popular tourist attraction where mass is still being actively conducted.
10. Snap away at Jaman Mural Village 자만벽화마을
If you love Ihwa Mural Village in Seoul or Gamcheon Culture Village in Busan, you will fall in love with Jaman Mural Village in Jeonju. Located up on the hills along Imokdae and Omokdae (across the Omokgyo Pedestrian Overpass) is a small village with colourful painted alleys.
It is fun to take your time to explore every corner and take in the beautiful watercolour murals at your own pace. Fans of Doraemon, Kungfu Panda, Spirited Away and Avengers will be thrilled to see their favourites in the wall murals.
11. Paranomic View of Hanok Village
You will be rewarded with a stunning paranomic view of Jeonju's Hanok Village after a short hike up to the Imokdae or Omokdae pavilions. To get up there, you will have to conquer a flight of stairs, so do make sure to put on comfortable shoes. But once you reach the peak, I promise you all the hard work is worth it.
Website Links:
Jeonju, Korea