Jeonju
South KoreaCfa
© OpenStreetMap, CARTO
맛의 고장 | Hometown of taste
Why visit
The Hanok Village is essential, 800+ tiled-roof traditional houses converted to guesthouses, tea rooms and craft shops. Eat the original bibimbap at Goong (it was reportedly invented at the royal court here), drink milky makgeolli rice wine on a 'makgeolli alley' tour, watch the spring Jeonju International Film Festival, and visit the Gyeonggijeon Shrine where Joseon dynasty founder Taejo's portrait hangs.
When to avoid
Hanok Village gets very crowded on Korean weekends and during the Film Festival (early May). Some hanok stays are tiny and have only floor mats. Check before booking. Summers are hot, sticky and prone to monsoon downpours plus typhoons. Many traditional restaurants close on Mondays. English is moderate. Tourist sites are well-signed but smaller eateries are mostly Korean-only.
