A variety of new charms
Everything You Want is in Jeonju Hanok Village!
Among Jeonju's must-visit attractions, Jeonju Hanok Village is undoubtedly at the top of the list, capturing the essence of a bygone era with its warm and nostalgic charm. Home to over 600 years of preserved Joseon-era architecture and culture, this is one of the largest traditional hanok villages in Korea, where history and tradition come to life. More than just a collection of historic buildings, Jeonju Hanok Village is a place where the past and present coexist, offering a glimpse into Korea’s cultural heritage, traditional lifestyle, and heartwarming human stories. As you walk through the village, even the sound of footsteps seems to whisper softly, creating a tranquil and serene atmosphere.
Here, time appears to slow down, offering a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Hundreds of hanok houses line the quiet alleys, standing as silent witnesses to centuries of history. Strolling through these pathways, visitors are mesmerized by the intricate tiled roofs, wooden patterns, and beautifully crafted traditional walls. With its harmonious blend of taste, style, and cultural experiences, Jeonju Hanok Village promises an unforgettable journey filled with rich flavors, aesthetic beauty, and cherished memories.
Time Travel into Jeonju’s History
Historic Landmarks Where History Breathes
When you enter Hanok Village, the first things you see are Jeondong Catholic Cathedral and Gyeonggijeon Shrine. Jeondong Catholic Cathedral is a beautiful Western-style building within the Hanok Village, with its faded bricks and old church structure leaving a strong impression. Gyeonggijeon Shrine is a place where the portrait of King Taejo is enshrined, breathing life into the history of Joseon. The clear sky, lush trees, and traditional tiled roofs create a beautiful scene, while the elegant bamboo forest is a popular photo spot. A short climb up a lantern-lined path adorned with red and blue lanterns leads to Omokdae and Imokdae. Taking a deep breath at this elevated vantage point, you can’t help but feel overwhelmed by the magnificent view. This is where General Yi Seong-gye, who later became the founder of the Joseon Dynasty, celebrated his victory over the Japanese invaders. Looking out over the tightly clustered hanok rooftops brings a sense of peace and tranquility. Just beyond the heart of Hanok Village lies Hyanggyo, a Confucian school where nature and hanok architecture harmoniously blend. In particular, the crape myrtle in summer and the ginkgo trees in autumn enhance the tranquility of the Hyanggyo. I recommend a deep and meaningful journey in Jeonju, where you can fully feel the traditions and history of Jeonju while leisurely exploring Hanok Village.
Feels Like Time Traveling to the Joseon
Under the same moonlight and starlight that have illuminated the sky for thousands of years, immerse yourself in the charm of Jeonju’s cultural heritage at night and enjoy unique performances and various hands-on experiences. Introducing a special cultural event that offers a one-of-a-kind journey through Jeonju’s rich history. The 'Jeonju Cultural Heritage Night Tour' takes visitors on an adventure to Jeonju’s historical landmarks, allowing them to experience a journey within a journey. Along the way, participants can enjoy unique historical board games and explore history in an interactive way. The special night tour 'Stroll with the King' at Gyeonggijeon Shrine provides an opportunity to enjoy the night scenery of Jeonju while strolling through Gyeonggijeon Shrine. Through short plays that breathe with the audience, we present a new way of historical interpretation that reminds us of historical facts within cultural heritage. The 'Gyeonggijeon Shrine Starry Night' allows for a special stroll under the softly shining stars at Gyeonggijeon Shrine, offering diverse opportunities for time travel in Jeonju. 'The Echo of Jeolla Gamyeong, the First Fortress of Honam' allows you to enjoy historical interpretations, traditional games, and quiz games at Jeolla Gamyeong, the highest governing body that encompassed the politics, economy, and culture of Jeolla-do and Jeju-do during the 500 years of the Joseon Dynasty.
Jeonju Delicacies You Must Try
Traveler-Approved Restaurants
Jeonju is a tourist city that represents the taste and beauty of Korea, overflowing with sights and delicious food. What should you eat to ensure a trip without regrets? For over 50 years, 'Gogung Suragan' Hanok Village Branch has been dedicated solely to bibimbap, with its master chef recognized as a Jeonju cuisine expert. Here, you can taste authentic traditional bibimbap crafted with passion and expertise. As soon as you step into 'Damun', you'll feel like you've arrived at a countryside home. This restaurant specializes in hanjeongsik, a grand Korean traditional meal served in a lavish spread, and has been a part of Hanok Village’s history for years. For a refined dining experience in a serene hanok setting, 'Gyodong Tteokgalbi' offers a full-course meal featuring its signature grilled short rib patties. If you’re looking for something heartwarming yet flavorful, 'Veteran Kalguksu' serves a unique version of knife-cut noodles in a rich broth mixed with egg, seaweed, chili powder, and perilla powder, creating a perfect balance of spice and nuttiness. Don’t miss out o n'Daurang', a specialty handmade dumpling shop, and the wide variety of street snacks lining the main streets of Hanok Village. Indulge yourself in the flavors of Jeonju and experience the city’s rich culinary culture to the fullest!
Signature Hanok Village Snacks
After passing Jeondong Catholic Cathedral and Gyeonggijeon Shrine, follow the charming stone wall road, and you'll find yourself drawn to the lively snack shops with lines of eager customers. Starting from the small dumpling shop, 'Daurang', which has become a must-visit spot for Jeonju food tours, you can't miss the 'Gyodong Croquette' filled with delicious ingredients representing Jeonju Bibimbap, and 'Gilgeoriya', which is a crispy baguette stuffed with various vegetables and meats. Additionally, the street snacks along the main road include 'Seomin Gapbu Mayak Yukjeon', which tempts you with the savory smell of egg-coated pancakes, and 'Hanok Mun Kkoji', where plump octopus legs are skewered and grilled with a fiery show. Enjoy a delightful snack tour that makes your mouth happy with every step.
Cozy and Aesthetic Hanok Cafés
For travelers seeking a quiet and healing experience, we recommend 'Gyodong Dawon', a space that embodies the spirit, history, and culture of Jeonju through unique local crafts. Another great choice is 'Dahwaweon', a traditional tea house that preserves the original structure of a hanok, offering a cozy and tranquil atmosphere. 'Ujeonjae' is a beautifully restored hanok that was relocated from Seoul after over 100 years, providing a truly authentic Korean experience. Meanwhile, 'Café 1322' boasts a charming garden, and 'Chakyung', meaning "borrowing the scenery," creates a picture-perfect ambiance where guests can admire the ever-changing seasonal views like a framed masterpiece. Here, you can also savor rare delicacies such as sweet red bean, mugwort, and pumpkin yokan, along with anpan butter monaka. Additionally, offering unique treats such as red bean, mugwort, and pumpkin yokan, as well as anko butter monaka that are hard to find elsewhere. For those who love traditional desserts, 'Oehalmeoni Somssi' offers black sesame red bean shaved ice, sweet red bean porridge, and a selection of traditional teas to suit every taste. Lastly, Café 'Jeonmang' is a beloved spot where visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of Hanok Village from its rooftop while feeling the cool breeze.
A Journey Leaving the Afterglow of Hanok
Cozy Hanok accommodations that immerse you in the old sentiment
If you want to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of Hanok, we recommend staying at a traditional hanok house or heritage residence that exudes an antique and historical ambiance. 'Hakindang', which has a spacious garden of over 530 pyeong, is known as the filming location of Kim Hee-sung's (Byeon Yo-han) family home in 'Mr. Sunshine'. This historic estate is a rare cultural property where guests can enjoy traditional experiences such as hanok tours and dancheong painting workshops. 'Pungnamheon' Hanok Stay is an 80-year-old hanok that has been carefully restored. Located next to a 600-year-old ginkgo tree, this noble family’s home offers a unique hanok stay experience. The charm of this place lies in its wide Wooden veranda without a daecheong, featuring large windows. The old Korean paintings and folding screens evoke the traditional atmosphere of a noble Korean house.Additionally, 'Dongrakwon' was the memorial hall of Jeonkin, the first missionary in Honam, who conducted academic missions in Jeonju in 1895. It has now been transformed into a Hanok hotel, serving as a venue for accommodation, traditional music performances, traditional weddings, and seminars, with antique furniture, folding screens, and collectibles adding to the charm of tradition.
Traditional experience of getting to know our history and culture
Traditional experiences in Jeonju Hanok Village go beyond simple activities; they offer a special experience that feels like stepping into a scene from the past. 'Woori Playground Marudal' allows you to experience various traditional games enjoyed by the Yangban society since the Baekje period, including Ssangnyuk and Gonu, as well as yard games like Jegichagi, Sabangchigi, Gonggi, and Biseokchigi. For a deeper cultural experience, 'Jeonju Daesaseupcheong' is a facility dedicated to the tradition of Jeonju Daesaseup Nori, a historic music and performance competition. Here, visitors can enjoy performances, exhibitions, and hands-on experiences related to this tradition. The hanok-style building and its beautiful garden have also become a popular photography spot for travelers. Additionally, walking in the courtyard of a Hanok while wearing a Hanbok makes you feel like the protagonist of a scene from the Joseon Dynasty. The soft texture of traditional fabrics combined with the elegant atmosphere of the Hanok creates an illusion of being transported to a time long ago. Thus, traditional experiences provide a time to fully immerse yourself in history and culture.
A Moment to focus solely on yourself : Handicraft Workshops
In the serene atmosphere of a hanok, encountering crafts offers a special experience where one can forget the busy daily life and focus entirely on oneself. Sitting at a wooden workbench and touching the materials with fingertips, all external noise fades away, and only the hands and mind become one in that moment. As I draw patterns on hanji with a slender brush or slowly weave threads to create knots, time seems to flow slowly. Watching the work gradually take shape through repeated touches, I can feel my dedication and time permeating within it. The new landmark of Jeonju, the 'Jeonju Craft Exhibition Hall' allows visitors to see a variety of crafts, from traditional works of intangible cultural heritage to innovative pieces by emerging artists, and offers various experiences to create one's own crafts, allowing one to personally feel the essence of Jeonju, the city of arts. 'Mokwooheon' where the breath of artisans is felt in woodworking, is an exhibition hall and workshop of master woodcraft artisan Kim Jong-yeon, where traditional and modern craft works can be viewed, and experiences such as traditional Korean wood carving, traditional Wild goose making, and nameplate crafting can be enjoyed.