The city of Jeonju is a unique place to visit in Jeollabuk-do. Best known as the birthplace of the Joseon dynasty, Jeonju has one of the most beautiful traditional Korean hanok villages in South Korea, and also well-known for its tasty bibimbap dish (rice, egg, vegetables mixed as a “salad”). Jeonju is also worth visiting in South Korea.
Here are some of the top things to see in Jeonju city (전주) in Jeollabuk-do.
1.) Wear Hanbok Traditional Korean Clothes in Jeonju Hanok Village [Slow City] (전주한옥마을 [슬로시티])
The Jeonju Hanok Village is the most popular place to visit in Jeonju city, with its traditional village with 735 traditional Korean hanok houses. You can leisurely walk the alleys of the village, and you can even rent a hanbok or eat bibimbap to experience traditional Korean life.
Some of the 735 traditional Korean hanok houses are guesthouses, coffee shops, restaurants, souvenir shops, art galleries, and tea-houses. The city was named UNESCO City of Gastronomy in 2012.
Address: 29, Eojin-gil, Wansan-gu, Jeonju-si, Jeollabuk-do
전라북도 전주시 완산구 어진길 29 일대
2.) Jeonju Gyeonggijeon Shrine
Respectfully, you can rent a hanbok, the Korean traditional dress or costume to feel the ambiance of the traditional hanok village.
3.) See the famous Jeondong Catholic Cathedral (전주 전동성당)
Near the Gyeonggijeon Shrine is the Jeondong Cathedral. Its gray and red bricks with three Byzantine bell towers are recognized as one of the most beautiful Catholic churches in Korea. According to visitkorea.com, the church was built in honor of Roman Catholic martyrs of the Joseon Dynasty on the same spot where the martyrs lost their lives. The construction of the church began in 1908 until 1914, and was designed by Priest Poinel, who also designed the famous Myeongdong Cathedral in Seoul! Today, you could attend mass, or just enjoy its unique architecture.
4.) Jeonju Jaman Mural Village (자만벽화마을)
This art mural village is located behind the Hanok Village, so you can easily walk up the hill to enjoy colorful murals painted on the buildings and walls.
5.) Eat Jeonju’s Famous Bibimbab Dish or Dumplings next to the Jeonju river
There are a variety of dumpling (만두) shops and restaurants near the Gyeonggijeon Shrine, the perfect snack for refueling during your hanok village exploring.
6.) Learn Cultural Treasures and Artifacts at Jeonju National Museum (국립전주박물관)
Established in 1990, the museum has Jeollabuk-do’s most prized cultural treasures of 40,000 artifacts, and history exhibitions. Additionally, you can experience hands-on educational programs of making pottery or stone inscriptions. The museum is free and walk-able, just over the bridge from Hanok Village.
7.) See the Jeonju Moak Mountain
8.) Enjoy Jeonju Arboretum (한국도로공사수목원(전주수목원))
This outdoor arboretum garden has many diverse plant species. According to visitkorea.com, it’s operated by Korea Expressway Corporation, and was built to restore the local Jeonju environment during construction of an expressway in 1972. Visit it for free during the summer season (April-October) 09:00-20:00 and winter season (November-March) 09:00-17:00 to see year-round flowers.
9.) Ride on the Jeonju Hanok Rail Bike (전주한옥레일바이크)
All year long, the 3.4-kilometer trail runs through the city along the abandoned section of the Ajung Line near Jeonju Hanok Village. There is a photo zone and Ajung Dabang (cafe) with a special Ajung latte and strawberry slush. It costs 2-persons: 20,000 won, 3-persons: 25,000 won, 4-person seats: 30,000 won.
10.) See Diverse Animals and Plants at Jeonju Zoo (전주동물원)
In the zoo, there’s Jeonju DreamLand (roller coaster, ghost house, floating bicycle, bumper cars, chair-o-plane, etc.), Aquarium, Magic House, Zoo, rest area, Museum of Insects and reptiles. There’s also a soccer field, a volleyball court, and many other sports facilities. In addition, the amusement park 'Dreamland' is in the zoo. Its admission fees are Individuals - Adults 1,300 won / Teens 600 won / Children 400 won.
11.) Enjoy the Jeonju Wansanchilbong Peak (Wansan Park) (완산칠봉(완산공원))
Located on the southern outskirts of downtown Jeonju, you can enjoy nature in Wansan Park. There is a pavilion located at the top of Wansan Mountain where people can look out over the surrounding area. It is a popular park for locals or couples, especially in spring when the trees are in full bloom.
The city of Jeonju is well-known in Korea for its beautiful own tradition Korean hanok houses. I hope you can enjoy the ambiance of traditional Korean life here.
2020 Jeonbuk Travel Mart was held last November 18 to 19, 2020 at the Western Life Hotel in Iksan. Jeonju, Gunsan, Iksan, Namwon, Gimje, Wanju, Jinan, Muju, Jangsu, Imsil, Sunchang, Gochang, Buan all participated and showcased their destinations and specialties.
Organized by Premium Pass, we (foreigners living in South Korea) also got the chance to share our travel experiences (both the good and the bad) within Korea at the GYSN 2020 (Global Youth Smart Tourism Networkshop). All travel and tourism industry experts were all ears, answered our questions and even discussed their future plans for smart tourism.
Below: My travel mart haul: informative brochures and freebies! ^^
Read more info about the North Jeolla Province and check out their latest travel promotions through these sites:
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