Jeonju, which is located in the Jeollabuk-do region of South Korea, is the city that is credited as being the birthplace of the Joseon dynasty. It is also the largest city in the province of Jeollabuk-do, in addition to serving as the province’s capital. Jeonju is a remarkable and enchanting city that is bordered on all sides by hills and agricultural area. Because it is the central location for all of Jeollabuk-bus do’s services, it is the ideal location to use as a home base when travelling across the province.
Girinbong, Mount Godeok, Mount Namgo, Mount Moak, and Mount Wansan are all mountains that are part of the Noryeong range and may be found in the vicinity of Jeonju. The Jeonju River provides the city with the rich soil that it sits on. The central business district is mostly level, with just slight undulations toward the northwest. Wonderful hanok structures, both old and contemporary, may be seen scattered around the city’s historical district.
Main Tourist Attractions of Jeonju, South Korea
Jeonju Hanok Village
More than 800 classic Hanok homes may be found in this town. The homes each have distinctive characteristics, such as the way the top edges of the roofs point upwards. Both the men and the ladies have their own separate living quarters inside the homes, which have been designed specifically for their needs. The ondol, which is a traditional Korean heating system, can be found in each of the homes.
Jeonju Hanok Living Experience Center
As its name suggests, this centre is the ideal location to get exposure to the conventional ways of living that are associated with a Hanok home. The Jeonju Hanok Village is home to this centre, which has accommodations in the form of guesthouses for passing travellers. The building that now serves as the centre was once a royal residence constructed during the Joseon period. One may obtain a genuine sense of what it was like to live in old Korea here by participating in activities like chopping firewood to warm their rooms or experiencing traditional tea gatherings.
Gyeonggijeon Shrine
The Gyeonggijeon Shrine is recognised as a historical asset by the government of South Korea. The structure was first built in 1410, but it burned down in 1614 and had to be rebuilt. The current building dates back to that time period. It is the repository of the portraits of King Tae-jo Lee, the founder of the Joseon dynasty. Tablets erected by King Tae-jo Lee and his wife, as well as pictures of various succeeding monarchs of the Joseon dynasty, may be found inside the shrine. Additionally, the shrine has a bell from the Joseon period. The inside of the temple also has a number of different carriages.
Oriental Medicine Centre
The Oriental Medicine Center is the location that provides diagnostic services and medical testing facilities with an emphasis on the principles of Asian medicine. You will be required to pay a charge. The clinic also suggests acupuncture, massage therapy, and other forms of treatment; nevertheless, you may have trouble communicating with the center’s staff due to language barriers.
Traditional Wine Museum
The Traditional Wine Museum was founded with the intention of reviving a historic Jeonju tradition in which all of the homes manufactured rice wines. This custom formerly existed in Jeonju. One may see here the traditional instruments and equipment that were used in the production of alcoholic beverages and wines. Visitors may experience the manufacture of traditional wine and liquor in one of the rooms by listening to magnified noises of alcohol during the fermentation process. They can also smell the alcohol as it ferments. This museum also offers tastings of traditional alcoholic beverages.
Folding Fan Museum
Within the Jeonju Treasure Centre is where you’ll find the Folding Fan Museum. You will be able to get an authentic feel for the Korean culture-specific handicrafts that are on display at the museum. You may also purchase these fans and other things fashioned out of traditional Korean paper. In addition, you can see the production of traditional folding fans and even buy these fans.
Jeondong Catholic Church
In 1914, construction began on the Jeondong Catholic Church. It was fashioned after traditional western aesthetics. It is the largest building in the two provinces of Jeollanam-do and Jeollabuk-do that has western architecture. Bricks of an amazing red colour were used in the construction of the church’s outside wall. The bell tower at the church is particularly stunning when seen during the colder months of the year.
Gangam Calligraphy Museum
The Gangam Calligraphy Museum, which can be found in the Jeonju Hanok Village, first opened its doors in 1995 and has been there ever since. Over one thousand examples of the work of renowned calligraphers such as Jeong-hui Kim (1786–1856) and Sam-man Lee (1770–1845) may be seen in this museum.
Jeonju Hyanggyo
The Gyeonggijeon Shrine was the first location where a Confucian school established its roots in Korea. In the year 1603, it was moved to where it is located at the current day. During the Joseon dynasty, when it was first founded, it became the centre of the nation’s educational system. Mortuary tablets of seven Chinese and 18 Korean Confucian intellectuals are now on display at this location for visitors to see. These tablets may be found in a structure known as Daeseong-jeon, which is the main building.
