Unveiling the Timeless Charm of Jeonju Hanok Village! [Where to stay, eat, and play!]
- lewishooper1
- 59 minutes ago
- 6 min read
Forget the dazzling skylines and neon glow of the bustling cities like Seoul or Daegu for a moment, and take a journey with Dojeon Media's Lewis to Jeonju!
This is a place that playfully dances with the definition of "city," although instead of steel and glass, you'll discover the gentle curves of modest Hanok homes and the comforting promise of time-honored local cuisine. Trust me, a visit to Jeonju is a breath of fresh air on any South Korea adventure, offering a captivating glimpse into a Korea unlike any other.
Jeonju also offers that authentic cultural experience, allowing visitors to enjoy traditional customs and food, and if that is not enough, Jeonju snagged the title of a UNESCO City in 2012!
Where is Jeonju?
Nestled in the heart of West Korea, Jeonju offers a delightful pause on the journey between the bustling metropolis of Seoul to the north and the vibrant port city of Busan to the south. If your Korean adventure is a week-long affair, consider Jeonju your perfect midpoint escape, a chance to savor a different rhythm before diving back into the energy of the country's major hubs, not to mention this is the perfect chance to switch off and enjoy a more traditional side of Korea!
Seoul to Jeonju: Is a Day Trip Doable?
Absolutely! Even with a tight schedule, experiencing the charm of Jeonju Hanok Village on a day trip from Seoul is feasible. However, there's a unique joy in truly settling into a place, allowing yourself the unhurried pleasure of discovery. Jeonju boasts several captivating sights, and having an overnight stay provided the perfect opportunity to explore them at a relaxed pace.
Getting there
When it comes to getting around South Korea, prepare for impressive efficiency! Forget the long, arduous journeys often associated with Southeast Asian travel; here, public transport is a breeze. Both buses and trains offer swift and comfortable options for exploring the country.
By Train (2025 KTX): Zoom between cities in under 2 hours on the KTX high-speed train.
Expect to pay around ₩35,000 (approximately USD 28) for a ticket, which often includes a complimentary drink and a small cake. Booking is convenient: simply head to the train station or use Trip.com, an official partner of Korail, Korea's railway network. Unlike some local Korean sites, Trip.com readily accepts international payment methods. Just look for the three horizontal lines in the top right corner and then the flag icon to switch the language to English.
By Bus: For the budget-conscious traveler, buses are a fantastic choice. While the journey to Jeonju takes approximately 3 hours from major cities, it's a cost-effective way to travel. Buses depart regularly from the Jeonju Express Bus Terminal. Online booking can be a bit cumbersome, so the easiest approach is usually to purchase your ticket directly at the terminal on the day of travel. With frequent departures, you're unlikely to encounter any issues.
Find out more information about this in my YouTube video and Reel!
Finding Your Perfect Hanok Stay in Jeonju
A stay in a traditional hanok was a must-do on my Korean adventure!
More than just 'a Korean house', a hanok embodies the beauty of traditional Korean architecture. Picture modest structures crafted from rich, dark wood, crowned with gracefully sloping roofs, all centered around tranquil courtyards. Korean architecture embraces a profound connection between people and their environment, reflecting a spiritual harmony. Traditionally, hanoks were thoughtfully positioned with a mountain as a backdrop and a flowing river nearby, which offers the most beautiful picture opportunities!
While Jeonju offers numerous hanok experiences, I was drawn to the award-winning architectural design of the Iga Hanok. The lovely owner, though not speaking English, made communication effortless with her warm smiles, a welcoming cup of tea, helpful maps and also the chance to learn about the inspiration for the design of their hanok.
Savoring Jeonju's Legendary Bibimbap: A Culinary Pilgrimage
My Jeonju exploration kicked off with a steaming bowl of bibimbap – a tradition I wholeheartedly wish to carry into all my travel adventures!
Prepare to be amazed: the image below showcases just the array of side dishes that accompanied my main course! As the undisputed birthplace of bibimbap, leaving Jeonju without indulging in at least one bowl of this iconic dish would simply be sacrilegious.
For the uninitiated, bibimbap, meaning 'mixed rice', is a delightful and vibrant medley of egg, an assortment of fresh vegetables, crisp bean sprouts, tangy kimchi, and a flavorful pepper sauce, all artfully combined with rice. If you're navigating Korea on a budget, this satisfying and affordable dish is your steadfast ally in keeping expenses down. My generous serving of bibimbap, accompanied by an astounding twelve side dishes, came to the incredibly reasonable price of ₩12,000.
Talk about a steal! These AMAZING sides included various types of kimchi, tender asparagus, a refreshing glass noodle salad, unique pickled jelly, sweet and tart gooseberries, syrup-glazed sweet potato, and so much more. Not to mention the Beef patty, which is a traditional way to eat bibimbap in Jeonju!
Step Back in Time: Exploring the Enchanting Jeonju Hanok Village
Whether you're nestled within the walls of a traditional hanok or not, a visit to the renowned Hanok Village is an absolute must. Trust me, this place lives up to the hype! It's a beautifully preserved traditional village brimming with cultural discoveries at every turn. Immerse yourself in the charm of Jeonju Hanok Village by exploring its calligraphy and sake museums, wandering along its tranquil lanes, sampling delicious Korean street snacks, or even embracing the local spirit by renting a vibrant hanbok, a traditional Korean outfit.
Strike a Pose: Capturing Memories in a Jeonju Photobooth
While Jeonju whispers tales of ancient traditions, it also embraces playful modern touches – and who can resist a fun selfie? Scattered throughout the Hanok Village, you'll stumble upon these delightful photo booths, offering the quintessential millennial memento!
A Culinary Adventure Awaits: Exploring the Delights of Nambu Market
For an authentic taste of Jeonju's local life and a deep dive into Korean cuisine, make your way to Nambu Market, the city's largest traditional market. For over two centuries, this vibrant hub has been a treasure trove of fresh produce, colorful fruits and vegetables, and an array of tempting hot dishes.
While Google might suggest Nambu Market buzzes all day and evening, my experience differed. During my 6 PM visit, the stalls were mostly shuttered. However, I learned that the market truly comes alive on Friday and Saturday nights. It seems the prime time to soak in the full atmosphere and culinary offerings is during breakfast or lunch.
Although the selection of hot food wasn't as extensive as I'd anticipated, my taste buds were certainly not disappointed. I stumbled upon some incredibly delicious Korean fried chicken. Perhaps not a traditional old-school Korean dish, but undeniably satisfying!
A Hike to the Scenic Omodae Viewpoint
Given Jeonju's charmingly low skyline, panoramic views are surprisingly accessible. A short and sweet 5-minute walk up a few flights of wooden steps leads you to the delightful Omodae Viewpoint.
From this vantage point, you can capture stunning photos of the picturesque Hanok Village spread out below. Once you've soaked in the scenery, it's an easy stroll back down to ground level – perhaps the perfect excuse to treat yourself to another delicious bowl of Jeonju's famed bibimbap after that invigorating climb!
Discovering the Artistry of Jaman Mural Village
The beautiful duality of Korea never ceases to amaze me! Who would have guessed that the vibrant and contemporary Jaman Mural Village is nestled within this bastion of tradition? South Korea possesses a remarkable knack for seamlessly blending the old and the new – a delightful discovery for a street art enthusiast like myself. For the most visually stunning experience in Jeonju, a short stroll from the city center will lead you to Jaman Mural Village. Here, the walls and homes of this colorful residential area explode with whimsical, cartoon-inspired depictions of people and animals. Beyond the captivating artwork, you'll also find a few trendy, Instagram-ready cafes perfect for a stylish pitstop.
Can't get enough? Check out our full video as Lewis takes you through his amazing trip!
Final thoughts
From savoring its legendary bibimbap and stepping back in time in the Hanok Village to discovering vibrant street art and soaking in panoramic views, Jeonju offers a truly unique and enriching slice of South Korea that deserves a spot on your travel map. Will you be visiting?