Jeonju Travel Guide

Explore the cultural and natural attractions of Jeonju, including popular places to visit, hiking and biking routes, must-try local dishes, accommodation options, transportation, and safety tips.


Jeonju, a city in North Jeolla, South Korea, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. Known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning natural beauty, delicious food and friendly locals, Jeonju offers a unique travel experience that is hard to find elsewhere. If you are planning a trip to Jeonju, this comprehensive guide will provide you with all the information you need to make the most out of your trip.

Introduction to Jeonju

Jeonju is a city located in the western part of South Korea, approximately 200 kilometers from Seoul. The city is known for being the birthplace of the Joseon Dynasty and the center of traditional Korean culture. The city has been designated as UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network for its gastronomy, making it a must-visit destination for foodies.

List of Places to Visit in Jeonju

Jeonju offers plenty of attractions for travelers to explore. The following are some of the top places to visit:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Jeonju Hanok Village: A traditional Korean village that features over 700 traditional hanok houses. It is a great place to explore the culture and history of Korea.
  • Jeonju National Museum: A must-visit for history buffs, showcasing ancient artifacts and relics of the Joseon Dynasty.
  • Omokdae and Imokdae: A historical site that offers scenic views of Jeonju and the surrounding mountains.

Natural Attractions of Jeonju: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Deokjin Park: A beautiful park that offers breathtaking views of Deokjin Lake and is a great place for a picnic.
  • Jeonju Arboretum: Explore 760 species of trees and plants from around the world in this beautiful garden.
  • Mount Maisan Provincial Park: A beautiful mountain range featuring the iconic peaks of Maisan and Tapsa, known for their unique rock formations and stunning views.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Jeonju

Jeonju is a great place for outdoor enthusiasts, with many hiking and biking trails available to explore. Some of the popular routes include:

  • Jeonju Urban Hiking Trail: A beautiful trail that takes you through the historic streets of Jeonju.
  • Jeonju Hanok Village Biking Trail: A leisurely bike ride that takes you through the narrow alleys and traditional houses of the Hanok Village.
  • Maisan Provincial Park Hiking Trail: A challenging but rewarding hike that takes you up the iconic rock formations of Maisan.

Best Things to Do in Jeonju: Activities and Tours

Jeonju offers plenty of activities and tours for travelers to enjoy. Some of the most popular options include:

  • Cooking classes: Learn how to make traditional Korean dishes like bibimbap and kimchi.
  • Hanbok rental: Rent traditional Korean clothing and take photos in the beautiful Hanok Village setting.
  • Nighttime walking tours: Explore the city’s bustling nightlife and sights.

Week-Long Itinerary for Jeonju

Day Itinerary
Day 1 Explore the Hanok Village, including the Jeonju National Museum
Day 2 Visit the Omokdae and Imokdae historic sites and hike to the top for the breathtaking views
Day 3 Enjoy the Deokjin Park and nearby Jeonju Arboretum, and relax by the lake
Day 4 Take a cooking class and learn how to make traditional dishes like bibimbap and kimchi
Day 5 Enjoy a leisurely bike ride through the Hanok Village and visit the Jeonju Hanok Living Experience Center
Day 6 Visit Mount Maisan Provincial Park and hike to the top for the stunning views
Day 7 Take a nighttime walking tour of the city and enjoy its bustling nightlife.

Food and Drink Scene of Jeonju

Must-Try Dishes

Jeonju is known for its delicious food, and if you are a foodie, you are in for a treat. Some of the must-try dishes include:

  • Bibimbap: A delicious and healthy dish of rice, vegetables, and meat, served with spicy gochujang sauce.
  • Jeonju kongnamul gukbap: A hearty soup made with soybean sprouts, rice, and aromatic seasoning.
  • Makgeolli: A traditional Korean rice wine that is sweet and refreshing.

Local Beverages

In addition to makgeolli, Jeonju also offers other local beverages that you should try, including:

  • Baekseju: A medicinal wine that is made from herbs and rice wine.
  • Soju: A popular Korean distilled beverage, available in both traditional and modern varieties.

Where to Stay in Jeonju: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Jeonju offers a variety of lodging options that cater to all budgets. Some of the popular options include:

  • The Classic Hotel: A luxurious hotel that offers modern amenities and excellent location within the Hanok Village.
  • Jeonju Guesthouse: A budget-friendly option that offers comfortable dormitory-style rooms and a rooftop terrace.
  • Jeonju Hanok Guesthouse: Staying in a traditional Korean house is a unique experience and a popular option in the Hanok Village.

What to Buy in Jeonju: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Jeonju offers many unique souvenirs and local products that you can bring back home with you. Some of the popular items include:

  • Hanji Paper Products: A traditional Korean paper made from mulberry trees, used in many Korean handicrafts.
  • Hanok Village Souvenirs: You can find many handmade traditional Korean crafts in the Hanok Village, such as pottery and calligraphy.
  • Jeonju Bibimbap Ingredients: You can take home the ingredients necessary to recreate the delicious bibimbap back home, such as sesame oil and gochujang.

Local Culture and Customs of Jeonju

Jeonju’s culture is deeply rooted in traditional Korean customs and practices. It is important to be respectful of these customs when visiting. Some of the customs to keep in mind include:

  • Bowing: It is customary to bow to show respect to elders or people of higher rank.
  • Shoes: It is important to remove your shoes when entering a traditional Korean house or temple.
  • Dress Code: Dress conservatively when visiting religious sites and dress up in Hanboks to show respect to the Korean culture.

Best Time to Visit Jeonju

The best time to visit Jeonju is during the spring and autumn months when the temperatures are mild, and the foliage is at its most beautiful.

Do’s and Don’ts of Jeonju

Do:

  • Try the local food and beverages
  • Explore the cultural and historical attractions
  • Respect local customs and traditions

Don’t:

  • Wear shoes inside traditional Korean houses or temples
  • Leave trash in public areas
  • Disrespect local customs and traditions

Safety and Health

Safety in Jeonju

Jeonju is known for being a safe city, and the crime rate is relatively low compared to other cities in South Korea. However, it is always a good idea to take precautions, such as not carrying excessive cash around and taking care of your belongings.

Health in Jeonju

Jeonju has a well-developed healthcare system with many hospitals and clinics available to provide medical care in case of emergencies. It is always a good idea to have travel insurance that covers medical expenses when traveling abroad.

Getting to Jeonju: Transportation Options and Logistics

Jeonju is easily accessible by a variety of transportation options.

Airports Near Jeonju

  • Gwangju International Airport (CJU): Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes away from Jeonju by car.
  • Incheon International Airport (ICN): Approximately 3 hours away from Jeonju by car.

Bus Stations Near Jeonju

Jeonju Bus Terminal is located in the center of the city and offers bus services to other parts of South Korea.

Other Options

Jeonju also has a well-connected railway system with trains running to major cities in South Korea.

How to Get Around in Jeonju

Jeonju’s public transportation system is efficient, with buses and taxis readily available. Bicycle rentals are also available and are a great way to explore the city on your own.

Where to Go Next from Jeonju: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Jeonju is a great base for exploring the surrounding areas, and some of the popular destinations include:

  • Gwangju: Approximately an hour and a half away from Jeonju by car, this city boasts a rich cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty.
  • Naejangsan National Park: A beautiful park known for its stunning fall foliage, located approximately two hours away from Jeonju by car.
  • Boseong Green Tea Fields: A beautiful destination about two hours away from Jeonju by car, where you can see picturesque tea fields and learn about Korean tea culture.

Conclusion

Jeonju is an exciting and unique destination that offers something for everyone. From exploring the cultural and historical attractions to enjoying the natural beauty and tasting the delicious local food, Jeonju is a must-visit destination in South Korea. We hope that this comprehensive guide has provided you with all the information you need to plan a memorable trip to Jeonju.

Jeonju Hanok Village Jeonju Hanok Village View of Jeondong Cathedral and Hanok Village View of Jeondong Cathedral and Hanok Village Jeonju bibimbap Jeonju bibimbap