Things To Do
in Jeonju
Jeonju, located in South Korea's North Jeolla Province, is famed for its rich cultural heritage and traditional Korean architecture. The city is renowned for its vibrant Hanok Village, where visitors can explore over 800 traditional wooden houses, offering a glimpse into Korea's past. Jeonju is also celebrated as the birthplace of bibimbap, a popular Korean rice dish, and hosts a variety of food festivals showcasing local cuisine.
Additionally, the city has a strong arts scene, with numerous galleries, craft shops, and cultural events that highlight its creative spirit.
- "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 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $7 - $20
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $1 - $2
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $80
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $25 - $60
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day by wandering through the picturesque streets of Hanok Village. Enjoy traditional Korean architecture and visit quaint shops selling local crafts.
Stop by the Jeonju Hanok Village Museum to learn more about the history of the area. Then, have lunch at a local restaurant famous for bibimbap, a signature dish of Jeonju.
As the sun sets, take a leisurely stroll through the village once more. Enjoy the illuminated hanoks and perhaps find a cozy café for a warm drink.
Visit the Jeonju Traditional Korean Music Institute to catch a performance of traditional music. You can even participate in a short workshop to learn an instrument.
Head to the Jeonju Modern History Museum to delve into the city’s past. Afterward, enjoy lunch at the nearby traditional market, sampling local street food.
Experience a traditional Korean tea ceremony at a local tea house. Relax while sipping freshly brewed tea and learn about its cultural significance.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural heritage, including traditional Korean architecture and Hanok villages.
- Famous for its delicious local cuisine, especially Jeonju bibimbap.
- Vibrant arts scene, with numerous galleries and cultural festivals.
- Scenic landscapes and nature spots, such as mountainous areas and rivers.
- Friendly and welcoming local community.
- Can be crowded during peak tourist seasons.
- Limited public transportation options compared to larger cities.
- Language barrier for non-Korean speakers.
- Some attractions may close early, limiting evening activities.
- Potential for high humidity and hot weather in summer.
Best Activities in Jeonju
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Visit Jeonju Hanok Village to immerse yourself in traditional Korean culture, featuring over 800 traditional Korean hanok houses, artisan shops, and cultural experiences.
Enjoy a leisurely stroll or a picnic in Jeonju City Park, which offers beautiful landscapes, walking paths, and recreational facilities.
Hike up Mireuksan Mountain for stunning panoramic views of Jeonju and the surrounding countryside, with well-marked trails suitable for various skill levels.
Visit Jeonju Zoo, home to a variety of animals and a great place for families to enjoy a day outdoors while learning about wildlife.
Explore the historic Gyeonggijeon Shrine, an important cultural heritage site, surrounded by beautiful gardens that are perfect for walking and photography.
Spend a day at Bandi Land, a fun outdoor amusement park that offers various rides and attractions for all ages.
Visit the Jeonju Hanji Museum where you can learn about traditional Korean paper making and participate in outdoor workshops.
Relax at Deokjin Park, which features a large pond, walking trails, and beautiful cherry blossoms in spring, perfect for leisurely walks and picnics.
Experience local life by exploring the various markets in Jeonju, where you can taste traditional street food and shop for local goods.
Visit Bokcheongsa Temple for a serene experience, surrounded by nature, and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere perfect for meditation.
Tours
Uncover the best of Jeonju with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Jeonju
Visit one of these nice places.
A traditional Korean village with well-preserved hanok houses, offering beautiful views of traditional architecture and vibrant cultural scenes.
The tallest building in Jeonju, providing panoramic views of the city and surrounding countryside from its observation deck.
Historical pavilions located on a hill, offering stunning views of Jeonju Hanok Village and the surrounding area, especially during sunset.
A museum showcasing Korean culture and history, with beautiful landscaping and outdoor spaces perfect for photos.
A picturesque park that features beautiful cherry blossom trees in spring, offering excellent photography opportunities.
Known for its large pond and lotus flowers, this park provides a serene environment and great spots for photos, especially during summer.
The university campus is known for its beautiful architecture and gardens, offering unique backdrops for photography.
Located in a historic building, this site provides unique opportunities to capture cultural elements and the charm of traditional Korean wine-making.
Food in Jeonju
Jeonju Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A signature dish of Jeonju, Bibimbap is a mixed rice dish topped with assorted vegetables, meat, a fried egg, and gochujang (Korean chili paste). The dish is traditionally served in a hot stone bowl, providing a delightful mix of textures and flavors. Visitors can find some of the best bibimbap at Gajok Hwegwan.
Must-Try!
Gukbap is a warm soup with rice, and Jeonju's version stands out because of its rich broth and addition of various side dishes. A popular spot to try this dish is at Jeonju Gukbap Alley.
This traditional Korean rice wine is a popular alcoholic beverage in Jeonju. It is often enjoyed with various side dishes, especially pancakes known as 'jeon'. You can sample authentic Jeonju Makgeolli at the local makgeolli bars, like the famous Jeonju Makgeolli House.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
An open-air market that comes alive at night, offering a wide variety of street food options. Visitors can delight in delicacies such as tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), hotteok (sweet pancakes), and more, all while enjoying the lively atmosphere.
Within the picturesque Hanok Village, these food stalls serve traditional snacks and street foods, including bibimbap cups, grilled meats, and sweet treats like bungeoppang (fish-shaped pastry filled with sweet red bean).
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Jeonju, as well as throughout Korea, showing respect to elders is very important. This can be demonstrated through polite language, bowing when greeting, and using proper honorifics.
When dining in Jeonju, it is customary to wait for the eldest person to start eating before you begin. Additionally, it is considered impolite to stick chopsticks upright in your rice, as this resembles a funeral rite.
If you plan to visit any temples in Jeonju, dress modestly and respectfully. This includes avoiding revealing clothing and removing your shoes when entering temple buildings.
Safety
Tipping in Jeonju
Ensure a smooth experience
In Jeonju, Korea, tipping is not a common practice. Service charges are typically included in the bill, and it is generally expected that customers do not leave tips. In some cases, leaving a small amount of change may be appreciated, but it is not obligatory. The culture emphasizes courteous service without the expectation of gratuity.
Payment methods in Jeonju are diverse, with cash and credit/debit cards being widely accepted. Many local restaurants, cafes, and shops utilize mobile payment systems as well. It is common for restaurants to present a bill at the table, and customers can pay directly at the table or at the cash register. There may be a preference for cash in smaller establishments, but modern payment options are generally available across the city.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring (April to June) is one of the best times to visit Jeonju. The weather is mild and comfortable, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 25°C (50°F to 77°F). Cherry blossoms bloom in early April, creating beautiful landscapes throughout the city. Visitors can expect vibrant festivals, outdoor activities, and stunning natural scenery.
Summer (July to August) can be hot and humid in Jeonju, with temperatures often exceeding 30°C (86°F). This season is lively with various cultural festivals, but it's advisable to prepare for occasional rain showers and high humidity. Expect local summer dishes, such as naengmyeon (cold noodles) and bingsu (shaved ice) to help beat the heat.
Autumn (September to November) in Jeonju is characterized by cool temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F) and stunning fall foliage. This season is perfect for exploring the historic Hanok Village and enjoying traditional Korean foods. The autumn colors make for picturesque scenery, and various cultural events take place.
Winter (December to February) can be cold in Jeonju, with temperatures dropping to around -5°C to 5°C (23°F to 41°F). Visitors can expect to see snow, making it a magical time to visit attractions like the Hanok Village. It's also a great season for enjoying spicy Korean stews and warm drinks as well as experiencing traditional winter festivals.
Jeonju at Night
Hiking in Jeonju
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A popular hiking destination known for its beautiful valleys and diverse flora, Moaksan offers well-marked trails and scenic views.
Located within Jeonju, this park features gentle hiking trails around the picturesque Deokjin Lake, ideal for casual walkers and families.
About an hour from Jeonju, Naejangsan is famous for its stunning fall foliage, well-maintained trails, and a variety of hiking options from easy to challenging.
A prominent mountain near Jeonju, Wansan offers various hiking paths with panoramic views of the city and surrounding areas.
A serene hiking spot featuring lush landscapes and natural springs, perfect for a peaceful day out in nature.
Aiports
How to reach Jeonju by plane.
Located approximately 100 km south of Jeonju, Gwangju Airport serves both domestic and limited international flights.
Located about 200 km northwest of Jeonju, Kimpo International Airport is one of the main airports serving Seoul and offers numerous international flights.
Roughly 250 km northwest of Jeonju, Incheon International Airport is the largest and busiest airport in South Korea, serving a vast number of international destinations.
Situated about 140 km southwest of Jeonju, Muan International Airport provides domestic and some international services, primarily to nearby regions.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The primary demographic group consisting of South Korean nationals living in Jeonju.
Expatriates and immigrants from various countries living in Jeonju, including but not limited to Chinese, Americans, and Southeast Asians.
A significant population of university and college students studying in educational institutions within Jeonju.
Senior citizens, particularly those receiving social and health care services.
Young individuals, including children and teenagers, forming part of families and student groups in the area.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Baseball is one of the most popular sports in Jeonju, with the city being home to the KBO team Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors. The sport enjoys a loyal following among local fans.
Basketball is widely played in schools and neighborhoods across Jeonju. The city has several basketball courts, and local teams compete in various leagues.
Soccer is a popular sport in Jeonju, supported by the presence of local amateur clubs and the enthusiastic following of Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, one of the top teams in the K League.
As the national martial art of Korea, Taekwondo has a strong presence in Jeonju, with many martial arts schools and clubs promoting training among youth and adults alike.
Badminton is a popular recreational sport in Jeonju, with many facilities available for practice and competition. The city hosts various amateur and youth tournaments.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Jeonju.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While traditional Korean cuisine leans heavily on meat, many restaurants in Jeonju offer vegetarian options, especially in dishes like bibimbap, where ingredients can be customized.
Vegan diners can enjoy dishes like vegetable bibimbap or sundubu-jjigae (soft tofu stew) by requesting no animal products. Some local cafes also offer vegan dessert options.
Finding gluten-free options may be challenging; however, many rice-based dishes like bibimbap and tteok (rice cakes) can be suitable for gluten-intolerant individuals. Always inquire about ingredients before ordering.