About
Jeonju is a city in South Korea, set in the country's southwest, and it is known as a centre of Korean food and traditional culture. For many visitors, it offers a slower and more rooted picture of Korea than the larger cities do.
The Hanok Village
The heart of Jeonju's appeal is its Hanok Village, a neighbourhood of more than 800 traditional wooden houses. Walking its lanes, you see the sloping tiled roofs and timber frames of the traditional Korean home, many of them still lived in. Alongside the houses are shops, workshops and eateries, so the area feels like a living place rather than a set piece.
Food and crafts
Jeonju is famous for its bibimbap, the rice dish topped with seasoned vegetables, meat and a chilli paste, and the city takes its culinary heritage seriously. Eating here is one of the most direct ways to experience the food that many people associate with Korea. Local craft is also part of the picture, with traditional goods and workshops found among the houses of the village.
What kind of visit it makes
Jeonju suits travellers who want to explore at an unhurried pace, wander on foot, and spend time with food and architecture. It is a good choice for anyone interested in how traditional Korean life has been kept alive in the present day. Those who prefer large-scale nightlife or big-city bustle may find it quieter than they expect.
- Stay in or near the Hanok Village to be among the old houses after the day-trippers leave.
- Eat bibimbap and other local dishes, since the food is central to the city's identity.
- Browse the crafts and small workshops that sit among the traditional buildings.
