VISIT JEONJU

The 'Cheonnyeon Jeonju Masil-gil' (Millennium Jeonju Trail) begins at the National Intangible Heritage Center. This center stands at the cultural threshold of timeless tradition and symbolizes the pride of Jeonju, the “homeland of traditional culture”. It is Korea’s only national institution dedicated to the systematic preservation and exhibition of intangible heritage—unseen cultural values handed down through generations via craftsmanship, practice, and spirit—and it is located right here in Jeonju. This demonstrates that Jeonju is a city where the heritage of art, life, and spirit, cherished for a long time, remains vibrant. The mere fact that such a place exists in Jeonju instills in travelers a sense of pride in having experienced a truly traditional city. With its refined, modern architecture and a tranquil garden and pond, it’s the perfect place to calm your mind and body before setting off on your journey.

Jobeunmok(narrow path) Mineral Spring is a place of old memories for Jeonju citizens and a pleasant, unexpected stop for visitors. Hidden in a “narrow path” true to its name, the spring flows with clear water between dense trees. The sound of water halts your steps, and a sip of it offers deep refreshment to the weary body. Drinking the spring water while listening to its gentle flow quench your thirst in the middle of the hot summer, and reminds you that this is not just a course for exercise, but a path that holds everyday sentiments. It is said that in the past, hikers intentionally detoured to drink water from this mineral spring. Offering a short break in nature, this small but meaningful healing spot is perfectly suited for the early part of the Cheonnyeon Jeonju Masil-gil. Let's take a rest on a bench near the mineral spring, or fill it with water bottles to prepare for the next journey.

Namgosan Mountain is a gently sloping ridge that embraces the urban area of Jeonju like a folding screen. Today, it is beloved walking trail for enjoying its green forests and tranquil scenery, but in the past, it was a strategic stronghold defending the southern part of Jeonjubuseong. Namgosanseong Fortress, a military defense base of Jeonju during the Joseon Dynasty, was constructed here, and its traces still quietly remain throughout the mountain, sparking the imagination of those who walk its trails. Especially in summer, Namgosan is blanketed in lush greenery. As one walks along the forest path, the city noise fades, and only the wind and bird songs fill the ears. From scenic overlooks along the trail, the cityscape of Jeonju unfolds into a wide-open view, offering a view like a 'landscape painting above the city'. The time spent leisurely gazing down at the city under a cloudy sky feels like a moment of gently setting down the burdens of daily life.

Mangyeongdae Peak, boasting an expansive view atop the Namgosan ridge, is, as its name suggests, a point where one can encounter a 'expansive view'. As its name implies, meaning 'endless fields (萬頃)', standing here allows one's gaze to reach not only the city of Jeonju but also the distant Mangyeonggang River basin, encompassing the vast breadth of the Jeonbuk Plain at a glance. Also known as a propitious site since ancient times, the wind flows in all directions and sunlight spreads as if it follows the principles of nature. It is also famous as a scenic spot where scholars from the Jeonju region recited poetry and enjoyed leisure, and it is still loved by those who desire 'time for quiet contemplation'. Take a moment amidst the lush summer greenery to soak in the vast panorama. The scenery, where the green waves of summer seem to flow downwards, calms the mind and is also an excellent photo spot. Pause for a moment, feel the breeze, and see Jeonju from a new perspective. In the morning, enjoy a mystical scene shrouded in fog; in the afternoon, take in a clear view as the city's landscape unfolds under the bright sky.

Chorokbawi Rock, literally meaning 'Green Rock', comes alive in summer with green moss and vines growing on its surface, making it one of the emotional highlights of the Masil-gil. The changing colors created by various plants and trees throughout the seasons are also captivating. While in summer the cliff bursts with green life, as its name suggests, beneath its beauty lies a deep and somber history. This high, windy terrain was used as an execution ground for convicts during the Joseon Dynasty. During the Byeongin Persecution of 1866, when Heungseon Daewongun began suppressing Catholicism, many believers were martyred at this site. In 2006, the Catholic Diocese of Jeonju installed a mosaic mural commemorating the martyrs along the Jeonjucheon riverside road to honor their spirit. It is said that before Chorokbawi was became an execution ground, it was a moon-viewing spot. This site, also one of Jeonju's 10 Scenic Views, was historically known as 'Gonjimangwol' (坤止望月), where people would climb Gonjisan Mountain on the Jeongwol Daeboreum (the first full moon of the lunar new year) to view the moon and make wishes.

Wansan-Park is one of the natural parks closest to the heart of Jeonju city, a tranquil retreat amid the bustle of daily life and travel between a busy daily life and the journey of travel. Dense greenery, stepped trails, and pavilions and benches scattered throughout the park make it the perfect spot to take a break during your walk. It naturally offers a rhythm of rest within the Masil-gil trail. July is when Wansan-Park is most deeply imbued with green. Simply walking slowly under the shade of the trees is healing, and the interplay of wind and sunlight along the forest paths adds a unique charm to your summer stroll. The cedar forest section, in particular, is a representative a scenic highlight of Wansan-Park, with its straight-growing cedars forming a secluded and mysterious trail. Meanwhile, Wansan-Park was once one of the central areas of Jeonju, formerly known as 'Wansan-goeul', a place steeped in history and daily life” 또는 “a site rich in history and local culture. Throughout the park, there are various observation points offering views of the Jeonju cityscape and the famous Jeonju 8 Scenic Views. In the landscape where forest, city, and sky meet, the breath of the millennium city of Jeonju is quietly conveyed.

This pass, Yongmeori Pass, connecting Wansan Park and Daga Park, derives its name from its dragon-head-like slope. As a geographical link between the inner and outer parts of Jeonju, it has long served as a vital path for merchants and commoners, and as a strategic stronghold in the outer defense of Jeonju Fortress. But this place is more than just a pass. In 1894, during the Donghak Peasant Revolution, it became the center of the Battle of Wansan, where peasant forces and government troops fiercely clashed. Having recaptured Jeonju Fortress, the peasant army encamped on Yongmeori Pass and prepared their offensive. The main battle broke out around noon on April 27. Today, the site is remembered as a historic battlefield where countless peasant soldiers risked their lives and left behind a powerful legacy. As one slowly walks this pass, the merging scenery of city and nature comes into view, and the weight of history gently settles in the walker's heart.

Daga-Park is a tranquil resting place located in the latter half of the Cheonnyeon Jeonju Masil-gil. Originally a small mountain called 'Dagasan', it was developed into its current park form after the Japanese colonial period. The name 'Daga' originates from 'Daga-geori', a major street name in the Jeonju area during the Joseon Dynasty, which means 'a place where many houses gathered. With its long history, this park is nestled within the old downtown area, offering a quiet retreat where Jeonju’s past and present harmoniously coexist. In the past, it was renowned as a scenic spot offering the most beautiful cityscape view beyond the city gate. Even now, climbing the park hill allows one to appreciate a harmonious panorama of Jeonju's old charm and its current daily life. Though modest in size, diverse trees and flowers fill the park with different colors each season, and well-maintained walking paths and exercise facilities alleviate fatigue. Especially in July, even at midday, there is ample shade, making it a pleasant place to rest from the heat. It is also perfect for sitting on a bench and enjoying the city view at leisure. Despite being adjacent to the original city center of Jeonju, it remains quiet, making it a good place to organize thoughts for a while at the end of the walking journey.

The National Intangible Heritage Center, a returning point, is both the starting point of the 'Cheonnyeon Jeonju Masil-gil' and a space for reflection at the journey's end. After hours of walking, reaching this place allows the nature, history, and urban landscapes encountered along the path to connect into a single story, leaving a deep impression. After walking the Masil-gil under the summer sun, brings together the initial excitement with the lingering feelings of completion. At the National Intangible Heritage Center, you can closely experience a variety of tradition including crafts, performances, and rituals through exhibitions and interactive programs. Beyond simply viewing exhibits, it offers abundant opportunities to learn and directly experience the value of tradition, making it perfect for a cultural conclusion to the trip. If time permits, its well-equipped exhibition halls, performance venues, and traditional culture experience spaces make it an excellent place to visit before or after the trek to appreciate the depth of tradition.