Jeonju
Jeonju Hanok Village, Bibimbap, Korean Food, Gyeonggijeon Shrine, Jeondong Cathedral, Hanji Paper, Makgeolli, Film Festival
Jeonju, in South Korea's North Jeolla Province, is celebrated as a guardian of traditional Korean culture. Its Hanok Village holds hundreds of traditional tiled-roof houses, many now guesthouses, cafes and craft workshops, making it one of the best places in the country to experience old Korea.
The city was the ancestral home of the Joseon dynasty, and the Gyeonggijeon Shrine houses a portrait of its founder, King Taejo. Across the road, Jeondong Cathedral is one of Korea's most beautiful historic churches. Jeonju is also known for hanji, traditional mulberry paper, and for its international film festival each spring.
Above all, Jeonju is a food city. It is regarded as the home of bibimbap and was named a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy. Visitors come for its markets, street food and makgeolli houses, where rice wine arrives with a table full of side dishes.
Top Reasons to Visit Jeonju
1. Jeonju Hanok Village
Stroll lanes of traditional hanok houses, try on hanbok and stay overnight in a guesthouse with heated ondol floors.
2. Bibimbap and Korean Food
Taste Jeonju bibimbap where it is said to have originated, then explore street food at Nambu Market's night market.
3. Gyeonggijeon Shrine
Visit the shrine dedicated to King Taejo, founder of the Joseon dynasty, set among bamboo groves and gardens.
4. Jeondong Cathedral
Admire this red-brick Romanesque and Byzantine-style church on the edge of the Hanok Village.
5. Makgeolli Alleys
Order a kettle of makgeolli rice wine in Samcheon-dong and enjoy the generous spread of dishes that comes with it.
