Jeonju, South Korea: travel guide
Hanok village, bibimbap and makgeolli in Korea's food capital
The culinary soul of Korea — birthplace of bibimbap and makgeolli. Jeonju Hanok Village with its 735 hanok houses is Korea's best-preserved traditional village.
About Jeonju
Jeonju is regarded across Korea as a city of good food, and bibimbap is its signature dish. The old centre is built around a large hanok village of traditional tiled-roof houses, which makes it a pleasant place to walk and eat.
Things to do in Jeonju begin with the Hanok Village itself, the Gyeonggijeon shrine and the market food stalls, then a makgeolli street where small tavern tables arrive loaded with side dishes. Calligraphy, craft studios and tea houses fill the lanes between.
Jeonju suits food-focused travellers, couples and those who like cultural stays. Spring and autumn are the best time to visit Jeonju for mild weather and street life.
- Country
- South Korea
- Currency
- KRW
- Time zone
- Asia/Seoul
- Nearest airport
- KUV
Last updated
Top places to visit in Jeonju
Jeonju Hanok Village
Heritage · 4.6 rating · about 3 h · check the fee at the gate
With over 735 traditional hanok houses, Jeonju Hanok Village is the largest in Korea. Hanbok rental studios, makgeolli (rice wine) bars, craft workshops, and bibimbap restaurants fill every lane. Gyeonggijeon Shrine and Jeondong Catholic…
Gyeonggijeon Shrine
temple · 4.5 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
A royal ancestral shrine built in 1410 to honour the portrait of King Taejo, founder of the Joseon Dynasty. Set in beautifully landscaped grounds adjacent to Hanok Village. One of Korea's finest examples of Joseon-era ritual architecture.
Nambu Traditional Market
Market · 4.3 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Jeonju's oldest and most vibrant traditional market. Famous for kongnamul soup, street tteok, makgeolli stalls, and local handicrafts. A living snapshot of Jeonju's culinary soul beyond the tourist trail.
Things to do
- Jeonju Hanbok Rental & Village Photography Cultural · 3 h · from KRW 41,100 per person
- Jeonju Bibimbap Cooking Class Food · 2.5 h · from KRW 71,900 per person
Where to stay in Jeonju
- Jeonju Hanok Village about KRW 90,000 per night
Sleeping inside the Hanok Village gives the authentic ondol experience. Book 2-4 weeks in advance, especially for weekends.
Hotels
- Jeonju Hanok Village Guesthouse 3-star · KRW 60,000 to KRW 140,000 per night
Where to eat
- Jeonju Bibimbap Street Korean · about KRW 12,000 per person
- Hanok Village Kongnamul Gukbap Korean · about KRW 8,000 per person
Getting to Jeonju
Airport: Jeonju (KUV)
Getting around
- Bicycle
- Bus
- Ride Hail
- Walking
More in South Korea
Frequently asked questions about Jeonju
- What are the top-rated places to visit in Jeonju?
- The highest-rated places in our Jeonju guide are Jeonju Hanok Village, Gyeonggijeon Shrine, Nambu Traditional Market.
- Where should I stay in Jeonju?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in Jeonju: Jeonju Hanok Village.
- How do I get around Jeonju?
- Ways to get around Jeonju covered in our guide: Bicycle, City bus, Ride-hailing app, Walking.
- Which airport is nearest to Jeonju?
- The nearest airport to Jeonju has the code KUV.