Things To Do
in Jeonju
Jeonju, located in South Korea, is a city rich in history and culture. It is famous for its traditional Korean architecture, including well-preserved hanok (traditional Korean houses). Jeonju is also known for its delicious food, particularly bibimbap, a famous Korean mixed rice dish.
The city is a popular destination for tourists seeking to experience authentic Korean culture.
- "안녕하세요 (annyeonghaseyo)" - Hello
- "고맙습니다 (gomapseumnida)" - Thank you
- "실례합니다 (sillyehamnida)" - Excuse me
- "죄송합니다 (joesonghamnida)" - I'm sorry
- "얼마예요? (eolmayeyo?)" - How much is it?
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $30 - $70
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $7 - $20
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $1 - $2
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $60
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $50
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Jeonju Hanok Village, where you can admire traditional Korean wooden houses. Grab a delicious bibimbap breakfast at a local eatery.
Spend the afternoon exploring the village's shops and art galleries. Don't miss sampling some Jeonju's famous desserts, like their traditional rice cakes.
In the evening, enjoy a leisurely stroll through the village under the lanterns. Try a street food dinner to taste various local snacks.
Visit the Jeondong Catholic Church, known for its beautiful architecture. Spend some time at the nearby statue of General Lee Sun-shin.
Head to the Jeonju National Museum to learn about Korea's history and culture. Take a break at a traditional tea house for some refreshing herbal tea.
Enjoy a cultural performance at a local theater. Afterward, savor a hearty Korean BBQ dinner with friends or family.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural heritage and historical significance, including traditional Hanok villages.
- Delicious local cuisine, especially famous for bibimbap and various street foods.
- Beautiful natural scenery, including mountains and scenic parks.
- Vibrant arts and crafts scene, with many workshops and festivals throughout the year.
- Friendly and welcoming locals, making visitors feel at home.
- Limited public transportation options compared to larger cities like Seoul.
- Some areas may become crowded with tourists, especially during peak seasons.
- Language barrier may pose a challenge for non-Korean speakers.
- Weather can be quite hot and humid during summer months.
- Some amenities and services may be less developed or accessible compared to larger urban areas.
Best Activities in Jeonju
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the traditional Korean houses, Hanok, and experience the unique atmosphere of the village.
Enjoy a leisurely walk around the picturesque Deokjin Park and its beautiful lotus flowers during the summer.
Hike up Mount Maisan to visit the Tapsa Temple and be rewarded with stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Tours
Uncover the best of Jeonju with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Jeonju
Visit one of these nice places.
Offering stunning panoramic views of Jeonju Hanok Village and the surrounding area.
A vibrant neighborhood filled with colorful murals and scenic spots for photography.
A traditional Korean village with picturesque alleyways, historic architecture, and charming photo spots.
Food in Jeonju
Jeonju Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A colorful and nutritious dish featuring mixed rice, vegetables, meat, and a spicy gochujang sauce. Sample authentic Bibimbap at Gogung or Jeonju Jungang Hoegwan.
Must-Try!
Indulge in a royal feast showcasing an array of exquisite dishes representing the unique culinary traditions of Jeonju. Experience traditional Hanjeongsik at Hanbyeokwon or Gajok Hwaegwan.
A comforting soybean sprout soup served with rice, perfect for a nourishing and satisfying meal. Try the best Kongnamul Gukbap at Damoon or Naesoongne.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Explore a lively night market offering an array of delectable street food such as hotteok (sweet pancakes), tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), and bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes). Don't miss out on the savory Jeonju-style kimbap and crispy mayak gimbap.
Savor the vibrant atmosphere of this historic market while savoring popular street foods like twigim (assorted deep-fried snacks), sundae (Korean blood sausage), and gireum tteokbokki (non-spicy rice cakes fried in oil).
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Jeonju, it is common to greet others with a bow as a sign of respect. The depth of the bow may vary depending on the age and status of the person you are greeting.
When entering a Korean home or certain traditional establishments in Jeonju, it is customary to remove your shoes as a sign of respect for the space.
In Korean culture, including in Jeonju, showing respect towards elders is highly valued. This may involve using formal language and deferring to their opinions and decisions.
Safety
Tipping in Jeonju
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not a common practice in Jeonju, South Korea. It is not expected at restaurants, hotels, or for services.
In Jeonju, South Korea, cash is widely used for smaller transactions. Credit and debit cards are also accepted at most establishments, especially in more urban and touristy areas. Mobile payment methods are becoming increasingly popular as well.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit Jeonju is in spring (April to June) when temperatures are mild, cherry blossoms are in full bloom, and annual events like the Jeonju International Film Festival take place.
Summer (July to August) is hot and humid in Jeonju, with occasional rainy days. It's a good time for outdoor activities and to savor summer treats like bingsu (shaved ice dessert).
Autumn (September to November) offers pleasant weather, clear skies, and the beautiful foliage of the surrounding mountains. It's also the season for Jeonju Hanok Village Night Tour and Jeonju Bibimbap Festival.
Winter (December to February) can be cold, but Jeonju's charm still shines through with its snow-covered traditional houses and unique winter festivals like the Jeonju International Sori Festival.
Jeonju at Night
Hiking in Jeonju
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
This trail leads to the historic Deokjusa Temple and offers scenic views of the surrounding mountains and forests.
A popular hiking destination near Jeonju with well-marked trails and beautiful vistas of the city and countryside.
Known for its stunning natural beauty, this mountain provides several hiking routes suitable for different skill levels.
Famous for its autumn foliage, Naejangsan offers numerous trails and picturesque landscapes perfect for hiking enthusiasts.
A less crowded hiking spot that features serene trails and breathtaking views, perfect for a peaceful outdoor experience.
Aiports
How to reach Jeonju by plane.
Located approximately 100 km south of Jeonju, Gwangju Airport serves domestic flights and a limited number of international flights.
Located about 113 km southwest of Jeonju, Muan International Airport offers both domestic and international flights.
Situated approximately 270 km northwest of Jeonju, Incheon International Airport is the largest airport in South Korea, offering extensive international services.
Located about 260 km northwest of Jeonju, Gimpo International Airport primarily serves domestic flights and limited international routes.
Approximately 135 km southeast of Jeonju, Daegu International Airport provides domestic flights and some international routes.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The predominant demographic group in Jeonju, comprising the vast majority of the population, representing the South Korean national identity.
Includes a variety of ethnicities and nationalities, such as Chinese, Vietnamese, and American residents, constituting a smaller percentage of the population.
A growing demographic group primarily from Southeast Asia and other regions, enrolled in universities and language schools in the area.
Visitors from various countries, particularly during festivals and seasonal events, contributing temporarily to the local demographic landscape.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Baseball is one of the most popular sports in Jeonju, with several local teams and a strong following among fans.
Football enjoys great popularity in Jeonju, with numerous local clubs and school teams participating in various leagues.
As a traditional Korean martial art, Taekwondo is widely practiced in Jeonju, with many dojangs offering classes for all ages.
Basketball is a widely played sport in schools and local communities, with several basketball courts available throughout the city.
Volleyball is popular among schools and recreational leagues, with many tournaments held regularly in Jeonju.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Jeonju.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While traditional Korean cuisine often features meat-based dishes, many restaurants in Jeonju offer vegetarian or vegan adaptations of local specialties. Look for specialized eateries like Gogung and Gonjiam, which cater to plant-based diets.
Individuals with gluten intolerances can opt for rice-based dishes such as Bibimbap, Kongnamul Gukbap, and traditional Korean rice cakes, which are widely available and naturally gluten-free.