Fun in Korea: Jeonju: A slow city of hanok and serenity

A couple in Korean traditional clothes sit.

(Photo courtesy of Korea Tourism Organization)

Jeonju, the cultural capital of Jeonbuk State, offers an immersive experience of Korean history, culture, cuisine, and traditional arts. With over 700 hanok (traditional Korean houses), Jeonju Hanok Village has been designated an international Slow City. The city’s rich heritage and scenic spots throughout the downtown area make it perfect for a leisurely stroll.

Every spring, Jeonju hosts the Jeonju International Film Festival, a vibrant celebration of independent cinema. In autumn, the Jeonju Int’l Sori Festival—a world-renowned music event—attracts countless visitors. Filming locations for global hits such as the movie “Parasite (2019)“ and K-dramas “Our Beloved Summer (2021)“ and “Twenty-Five Twenty-One (2022)” are especially popular among tourists looking to snap memorable photos.

The Jeolla region is also renowned for its outstanding cuisine, and Jeonju, in particular, is Korea’s first UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy. The city is famous for signature dishes like Jeonju bibimbap, hanjeongsik (Korean table d’hôte), and kongnamulgukbap (bean sprout and rice soup). In the evening, head to the lively Makgeolli Alley, where a kettle of makgeolli (Korean rice wine) is served with an abundant spread of side dishes—a must-try local experience.

A map of Korea showing the location of Jeonju.

(Map by Stripes Korea)

Popular Attractions

#jeonju hanok village_top attractions

Jeonju’s most iconic attraction, Jeonju Hanok Village, is best explored on foot. As the largest traditional hanok cluster in Korea, this charming village in the heart of the city offers a striking contrast between tradition and modernity. At night, it becomes even more enchanting, softly lit by cheongsa chorong—traditional Korean lanterns once used for royal banquets and festive occasions.

Jeonju Hanok Village [Slow City] (전북 전주 한옥마을 [슬로시티])

The street is lined with Korean traditional houses on both sides.

Jeonju Hanok Village [Slow City] (Photo courtesy of KTO Photo Korea - Hwang Sunghoon)

Gyeonggijeon Shrine (경기전)

Gyeonggijeon Shrine (Photo courtesy of Korea Tourism Organization)

Jeonju Jeondong Catholic Cathedral(전주전동성당)

Some women stand in front of Jeonju Jeondong Catholic Cathedral.

Jeonju Jeondong Catholic Cathedral (Photo courtesy of KTO Photo Korea - Kim Jiho)

Omokdae and Imokdae Historic Sites (오목대와 이목대)

Omokdae (Photo courtesy of KTO Photo Korea - Hwang Sunghoon)

#jeonju local favorites

Looking to escape the crowds of Jeonju Hanok Village? Discover some of Jeonju’s hidden gems loved by locals. Visit Jeonju Zoo, the third-largest zoo in Korea; Jeonju Arboretum, home to a wide variety of seasonal plants; Jaman Mural Village, where over 40 homes are adorned with paintings of flowers, landscapes, and fairy tales; and Wansan Chilbong Ridge, where hills burst into bloom with over 1,500 flowering trees—a perfect place to relax and take in the scenery.

Jeonju Zoo(전주동물원)

Jeonju Zoo (Photo courtesy of Korea Tourism Organization)

Korea Expressway Corporation Arboretum(한국도로공사수목원)

There is a pond in Korea Expressway Corporation Arboretum.

Korea Expressway Corporation Arboretum. (Photo courtesy of KTO Photo Korea - DNA Studio)

Jaman Mural Village (자만마을 벽화갤러리)

A mural of one of the Japanese animation films in Jaman Mural Village.

Jaman Mural Village (Photo courtesy of Korea Tourism Organization)

Wansan Park (완산공원)

Wansan Park (Photo courtesy of Korea Tourism Organization)

#traditional markets #local food alleys

The true charm of local travel lies in traditional markets. Jeonju’s vibrant markets are filled with beloved local eateries serving fried chicken, dumplings, steamed buns, and kongnamulgukbap—all at affordable prices and brimming with lively energy.

Jeonju Nambu Traditional Market (전주 남부시장)

One of the entrances for Jeonju Nambu Traditional Market.

Jeonju Nambu Traditional Market (Photo courtesy of Korea Tourism Organization)

Jeonju Moraenae Market (전주 모래내시장)

The main entrance of Jeonju Moraenae Market.

Jeonju Moraenae Market (Photo courtesy of KTO Photo Korea - DNA Studio)

Jeonju New Jungang Market (전주 신중앙시장)

Jeonju New Jungang Market with a roof above the market site.

Jeonju New Jungang Market (Photo courtesy of Korea Tourism Organization)

Samcheon 2(i)-dong Makgeolli Street (삼천 2동 막걸리골목)

Samcheon 2(i)-dong Makgeolli Street in the evening.

Samcheon 2(i)-dong Makgeolli Street (Photo courtesy of Korea Tourism Organization)

#drama filming locations

How about tracing the exact scenes from your favorite K-dramas? Capture unforgettable moments at one of Jeonju’s most romantic and photogenic spots.

Seohak Art Village Library (서학예술마을도서관)

Filming location of the drama “Twenty-Five Twenty-One (2022)”

The exteior of Seohak Art Village Library.

Seohak Art Village Library (Photo courtesy of Korea Tourism Organization)

2521 (이오이일)

Filming location of the drama “Twenty-Five Twenty-One (2022)”

2521 (Photo courtesy of Korea Tourism Organization)

Jeonjuhyanggyo Local Confucian School (전주향교)

Filming location of the drama “Sungkyunkwan Scandal (2010)”

Birds-eye view of Jeonjuhyanggyo Local Confucian School.

Jeonjuhyanggyo Local Confucian School (Photo courtesy of KTO Photo Korea - Jeon Hyeongjun)

#taste of jeonju_korean flavors #unesco creative city of gastronomy

Jeonju Bibimbap

A feast for the eyes—and then for the palate. Jeonju bibimbap is one of the most beloved Korean dishes among international visitors, celebrated for its vibrant ingredients and clean, well-balanced flavor.

Jeonju Bibimbap (Photo courtesy of Korea Tourism Organization)

Jeonju Hanjeongsik

Don’t be surprised by the endless spread of side dishes! Jeolla-style hanjeongsik is the ultimate expression of Korean generosity and culinary heritage.

Jeonju Hanjeongsik (Photo courtesy of Korea Tourism Organization)

Jeonju Choco Pie

A must-have souvenir snack when visiting Jeonju. This handmade choco pie from PNB Pungnyeon Bakery, located in Jeonju Hanok Village, features soft chocolate cake filled with strawberry jam and cream for a delightfully sweet treat.

One and half chocolate pie are on a plate.

Jeonju Choco Pie (Photo courtesy of Korea Tourism Organization)

Kalguksu (Noodle Soup)

Kalguksu is a comforting bowl of knife-cut wheat noodles in a light, clean broth with assorted vegetables. Its mild flavor and soft texture make it a favorite even among first-time visitors to Korean cuisine.

Kalguksu (Noodle Soup) (Photo courtesy of Korea Tourism Organization)

Kongnamulgukbap

A beloved Korean hangover cure, kongnamulgukbap is known for its light, invigorating broth that clears your head with just one sip. And there’s no better place to enjoy it than Jeonju.

Kongnamulgukbap (Photo courtesy of Korea Tourism Organization)

Major Festivals in Jeonju

Held every spring, the Jeonju International Film Festival draws cinephiles from around the world. Missed it this year? Don’t worry—summer nights in Jeonju are just as vibrant, with the Jeonju Gamaek Festival, where you can sip local beer in a laid-back, neighborhood setting, and the Jeonju Int’l Sori Festival, where you’ll experience pansori (Korean traditional vocal storytelling) alongside music from around the world. Don’t miss the Jeonju Bibimbap Festival, where you can witness a giant bibimbap-making performance—both a feast for the eyes and the appetite!

Jeonju International Film Festival April 30 – May 9, 2025

Jeonju International Film Festival (Photo courtesy of Korea Tourism Organization)

Jeonju Gamaek Festival August 7-9, 2025

Jeonju Gamaek Festival (Photo courtesy of Korea Tourism Organization)

Jeonju Int’l Sori Festival August 13-17, 2025

Korean traditional instruments are being played on the stage.

Jeonju Int’l Sori Festival (Photo courtesy of Korea Tourism Organization)

Jeonju Bibimbap Festival October 24-26, 2025

Jeonju Bibimbap Festival (Photo courtesy of Korea Tourism Organization)

Recommended Travel Itineraries

A must for K-culture lovers—explore the Jeonju Traditional Liquor Museum, where BTS once made their own makgeolli; filming locations for “Twenty-Five Twenty-One (2022)” and “Mr. Sunshine (2018)”; and Jeonju Cinema Street, home of the Jeonju International Film Festival.

Experience Jeonju like BTS!