Things To Do
in Jeonju
Jeonju is the capital of North Jeolla Province in South Korea, renowned for its UNESCO-listed Hanok Village, traditional crafts, and a vibrant food scene. The city blends centuries of Korean heritage with a modern, casual energy that shines in its markets, tea houses, and street eateries. It is famed for Jeonju bibimbap, a signature dish that encapsulates local flavors and careful presentation.
Surrounded by rolling hills and easy access to rural Jeollabuk-do, Jeonju serves as a gateway to immersive culture and scenic day trips.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Jeonju and settle into a traditional Hanok, the beautifully preserved Korean house. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast of Jeonju Bibimbap, a local specialty, at a nearby restaurant. Take a calming stroll through the Hanok Village to absorb the tranquil atmosphere.
Explore the streets of Jeonju Hanok Village, visiting cultural sites such as the Jeondong Catholic Church and the Jeonju Korean Traditional Wine Museum. Immerse yourself in the art of making traditional crafts at one of the village's workshops. Savor street food snacks like Tteokbokki and hotteok as you wander.
Dine at a local restaurant, savoring more of Jeonju's famous cuisine. After dinner, enjoy a leisurely walk through the Hanok village, where you'll experience the charm of the houses illuminated at night. Conclude your day with a cup of traditional herbal tea in a local teahouse.
Begin the day with a visit to the Jeonju National Museum, where you can explore exhibits dedicated to Korean history and culture. Take your time to appreciate the artifacts and learn about Jeonju's significant role in Korean heritage. Have a light morning snack at the museum café, featuring local delicacies.
Head to Deokjin Park, known for its beautiful lotus flowers and serene pond. Rent a bike to explore the park and enjoy a leisurely picnic with local treats. Capture the essence of Jeonju by taking photographs of the picturesque scenery surrounding you.
Return to Hanok Village for an evening cultural performance at the Jeonju Hanok Village Center. Enjoy a myriad of traditional Korean performances, from music to dance, showcasing the rich local culture. Conclude your evening with a slow walk under the stars, taking in the vibrant ambiance of the village.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $7-12 |
| 🥗Vegetarian-friendly meal | $8-15 |
| ☕Coffee/tea | $3-6 |
| 🍡Street food snack | $2-5 |
| 🍽️Two-person dinner at mid-range restaurant | $25-50 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich traditional culture, UNESCO-listed Hanok Village, and superb food scene
- Compact city center with easy day trips to nature and rural scenery
- Nightlife is quieter than in larger cities
- Some attractions require travel outside the city for deeper nature experiences
- "안녕하세요 (Annyeonghaseyo)" - Hello
- "감사합니다 (Kamsahamnida)" - Thank you
- "이것은 얼마에요? (Igeoseun eolmaeyo?)" - How much is this?
- "화장실이 어디예요? (Hwajangsil-i eodiyeyo?)" - Where is the bathroom?
- "메뉴 추천해 주세요. (Menu chucheonhae juseyo)" - Please recommend a menu
- "도와주세요 (Dowajuseyo)" - Please help me
Places to Visit in Jeonju
Visit one of these nice places.
A historic cluster of hanok houses with tiled roofs and winding lanes, ideal for sunrise or golden-hour photography and candid street scenes.
An architectural complex with wooden pavilions and dignified grounds, offering classic Korean aesthetics and quiet garden backdrops.
A hilltop vantage point overlooking the city, perfect for sweeping cityscapes and sunset silhouettes.
A spacious lake setting known for lotus flowers in summer and tranquil reflections, excellent for nature and urban contrast photography.
Colorful murals and creative street art along hillside lanes, great for vibrant, contemporary urban photography.
Food in Jeonju
Jeonju Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A iconic mixed rice dish featuring a bed of rice, seasoned vegetables, gochujang (chili paste), and typically a fried egg or raw egg on top, often served with a small portion of broth on the side. Best tasted at Gogung or other Hanok Village restaurants.
Must-Try!
A comforting bean-sprout soup with rice, often enjoyed for breakfast or a light lunch. Found in many traditional eateries around the Hanok Village and Nambu Market.
Spicy rice cakes and green onion pancakes commonly available from street stalls in the Hanok Village alleys and at markets.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A traditional market offering fresh produce, seafood, prepared foods, and a variety of snack stalls—great for sampling local bites and buying ingredients to cook at home.
Street-side stalls and small restaurants around the Hanok Village serving jeon, skewers, tteok, and other quick bites ideal for an evening stroll and tastings.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A light bow or handshake is common when meeting someone. Address elders with polite language and gestures.
In traditional hanok stays or some tea houses, shoes are removed inside; modest dress is appreciated in temples and traditional venues.
Avoid raising your voice in quiet historic areas; show respect at religious sites and during cultural performances.
Safety
Tipping in Jeonju
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in most Korean establishments. In international hotels or high-end Western-style venues, small tips may be appreciated but are not expected.
Cash and major credit cards are widely accepted. Mobile payments like Kakao Pay, Naver Pay, Toss, and other local platforms are increasingly common, especially in markets and smaller shops.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures with blossoming trees; ideal for walking tours and outdoor cafe breaks. Expect pleasant crowds around Hanok Village and temples.
Warm to hot with humidity; potential for rain showers. Lotus blooms and longer daylight hours favor outdoor photography and market strolls.
Crisp air and stunning foliage, especially around Naejangsan and city viewpoints. Great for hiking and scenic photography.
Cold but clear days; hanok roofs and lights create atmospheric photographs. Indoor tea houses and museums become cozy refuges.
Jeonju at Night
Hiking in Jeonju
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Famous for its autumn foliage and forest trails; a popular day trip from Jeonju offering rewarding viewpoints.
Gentle to moderate hikes through wooded terrain with scenic overlooks, suitable for a half-day trip from the city.
Distinctive cratered peaks and forest trails; a bit farther but rewarding for hikers seeking unique rock formations.
Airports
How to reach Jeonju by plane.
Closest major airport to Jeonju, offering domestic and some international connections; convenient for quick access by road or rail.
Another regional option within a couple of hours' drive; serves domestic routes and offers connections via larger hubs.
Major gateway to Seoul with frequent domestic and international flights; well-connected by rail and express buses to Jeonju.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominantly Korean, with a growing number of universities and young professionals contributing to a lively student and cultural scene.
Several universities foster a youthful, educated demographic, bringing cultural events and international visitors to the city.
International visitors drawn to Hanok Village, Jeonju bibimbap, and nearby nature experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Korean martial art with global popularity; may be seen in local clubs and events around the city.
Common spectator sports with local leagues and facilities across the region; public parks often host informal games and gatherings.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Jeonju.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
In Jeonju, many traditional dishes center on vegetables and rice; request dishes without pork or seafood stock when possible. Look for plant-based banchan and clearly ask for vegetarian versions of bibimbap or stews.