
Jeonju (Korean: 전주시), a city in southwestern South Korea, is located 232 kilometers south of Seoul. It serves as the seat of the North Jeolla Province government (전라북도), equivalent to the capital of a province in my country. With an area of 198.22 square kilometers and a population of 760,000, it stretches northwest-southeast and is the seventh-largest city in South Korea.
Jeonju is a renowned cultural and arts city in South Korea, home to municipal art groups such as the symphony orchestra, folk art troupes, choirs, and theater troupes. It also boasts cultural facilities such as the Jeonbuk Children's Center, the Jeonbuk Arts Center, and the Deokjin General Center. Traditional crafts include bamboo fans, taegeuk fans, and Korean rice paper. Major historical sites include the Jeonju Hanok Village, Gyeonggijeon, Jeonju Hyanggyo, Pungnammun Gate, Jeonju Guesthouse, Jogyeongmyo Temple, Jogyeongdan Temple, Omokdae, Hanbyeokdang Hall, and Jeondong Catholic Church.
Jeonju is a famous historical city in South Korea with a history of thousands of years. It was once the capital of Later Baekje, the birthplace of the Joseon Dynasty, and the third largest city on the Korean Peninsula after Hanyang and Pyongyang.
Jeonju is also a famous tourist city in South Korea and was named one of the most worthwhile tourist attractions in 2011. Jeonju Hanok Village, the largest traditional architectural complex in South Korea, has been designated a Cittaslow by Cittaslow International.
Southern inland climate; Jeonju is a famous historical city in South Korea, and it is also a famous tourist city in South Korea, suitable for travel in all seasons.
Jeonju Hanok Village, Gyeonggijeon, Jeonju Hyanggyo Confucian School, Jeondong Catholic Church, Omokdae, Nambu Market;
It is recommended to visit for 1-2 days
free
Open all day
Jeonju is renowned for its well-preserved Hanok Village, showcasing traditional Korean culture and architecture. It is the birthplace of bibimbap, one of Korea’s most famous dishes. The city also has a rich history tied to the Joseon Dynasty and is a cultural hub in Korea, celebrated for its arts, festivals, and culinary scene.
Jeonju is located in the southwest of South Korea, about 140 kilometers from Seoul. You can take a KTX (Korea Train Express) from Seoul to Jeonju, which takes around 1.5 to 2 hours. Alternatively, buses and taxis are available from surrounding cities.
Most attractions in Jeonju open between 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM and close by 6:00 PM. The best times to visit are during spring (April to June) and fall (September to November) when the weather is pleasant. Avoid summer weekends as they can be crowded.
Many attractions in Jeonju are free to enter, such as the Hanok Village and Deokjin Park. For specific attractions like museums or cultural sites, entrance fees typically range from 2,000 KRW to 10,000 KRW. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance or online for some attractions.
It is not generally necessary to book tickets in advance, except for special events or during peak seasons. It’s best to book a few days ahead for any special tours or exhibitions to ensure availability.
To fully explore Jeonju, including its historical sites, Hanok Village, and museums, you will need at least 1 to 2 days. If you're focusing on food and culture, one full day is usually enough.
Guided tours are available at various cultural sites, including the Hanok Village and Jeonju Traditional Korean Wine Museum. Audio guides are available in multiple languages, including English, Japanese, and Chinese.
Night visits are available at some attractions like the Hanok Village, which is beautifully illuminated at night. Light shows and special cultural events are held during festivals, especially in summer and fall.
Jeonju can get crowded during weekends, especially in summer. The least crowded times are during weekdays in spring or fall. Visiting in the early morning or late afternoon can also help avoid crowds.
Most attractions in Jeonju are accessible for elderly, children, and disabled visitors, with ramps and accessible paths in places like the Hanok Village and Deokjin Park. However, some of the traditional buildings may have limited accessibility due to their age.
Cards and mobile payments are widely accepted in Jeonju, especially in restaurants and larger stores. However, it’s advisable to carry some cash, particularly for small shops or street vendors.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available in many restaurants in Jeonju, especially around the Hanok Village. Halal food options are more limited but can be found at a few specialized restaurants.
Souvenir shops in Jeonju offer traditional Korean goods, including ceramics, handmade crafts, local snacks like Jeonju bibimbap sauce, and traditional Korean fabrics.