Last autumn, I had the chance to revisit Jeonju, a city that perfectly blends tradition, culture, and delicious food. Known for its beautiful hanok village and mouthwatering bibimbap, Jeonju turned out to be one of my favorite travel destinations in Korea. If you're planning a trip, here are some must-do activities based on my own experience!
Finally back in Jeonju to fulfill some unfinished business: Rent a room in a traditional hanok house! |
READ: My Jeonju Travel Guide (2019)
1. Stay in a Hanok Home
One of the best ways to immerse yourself in Jeonju’s traditional charm is by staying in a hanok home. The wooden architecture, cozy interiors, and heated ondol floors made for a unique and comfortable experience. Waking up in a hanok really set the tone for the rest of my trip!
One of my favorite parts when staying in a hanok house: waking up to homey breakfasts! |
2. Explore Jeonju Hanok Village
The heart of Jeonju is undoubtedly its Hanok Village, with over 800 traditional houses lining the streets. Walking through the village felt like stepping back in time, especially with the charming teahouses, artisan shops, and historical sites scattered throughout. The entire place had a warm, autumn glow that made it even more picturesque.
3. Wear a Hanbok (Or At Least, Try To!)
One of the most popular activities in Jeonju is renting and wearing a hanbok while strolling through the village. I had every intention of doing this, but somehow, I never got around to it. (Oops!) If you visit, I highly recommend giving it a try—it makes for stunning photos, and you’ll feel like you’re in a historical drama.
The hanok where I stayed even rents our vintage outfits, aside from hanboks! |
4. Eat Authentic Bibimbap
Jeonju is the birthplace of bibimbap, so of course, I had to try the real deal. The combination of perfectly seasoned vegetables and gochujang (red pepper paste) over warm rice was simply unforgettable. Each bite was a balance of flavors, I just had to dine in TWO different bibimbap restos during my recent trip!
Veggies here in Jeonju are so fresh! |
5. Try Jeonju’s Famous P&B Choco Pie
I’m a huge dessert lover, so I couldn’t pass up the chance to get the iconic P&B Choco Pie again for this recent trip. Unlike your usual packaged choco pie, this one was fresh, with a soft cake exterior and a rich, gooey chocolate filling. Definitely worth the hype!
Good snack after all the walking! |
6. Support Local Businesses
One of my favorite moments in Jeonju was visiting a small, cozy café run by a kind owner. I loved the personal touch and the welcoming atmosphere—so different from big chain cafes. I also picked up a laminated four-leaf clover card as a souvenir from the village vendors. It’s always great to support small businesses while traveling!
One of the most memorable stops of this trip was this bingsu cafe where the owner gave me free coffee and even asked for me to take my photo! |
7. Visit Korean Drama Filming Locations
Jeonju is a dream for Kdrama fans, with many filming locations scattered throughout the city. Walking through these spots made me feel like I was stepping into a scene from a drama. Even if you're not a huge Kdrama fan, the locations themselves are beautiful and worth a visit.
Time Called You filming location in Jeonju |
This unforgettable scene from our favorite K-Trauma 2521 |
Na Hee Do's house in 25 21 |
Love in the Moonlight / Moonlight Drawn By Clouds' filming locations in Jeonju are also historical sites of the city |
8. Watch Free Cultural Shows & Visit Historical Museums
Another great thing about Jeonju is that you can enjoy free cultural performances and explore historical museums around the Hanok Village. From traditional music and dance performances to exhibitions showcasing Korea’s rich heritage, these experiences provide deeper insight into the city’s cultural significance without costing a dime.
Passed by this free cultural performance, and stopped by to watch and relax |
Final Thoughts
Jeonju is the perfect mix of history, culture, and food, making it a must-visit destination in Korea. Whether you're staying in a hanok, indulging in local delicacies, or simply soaking in the atmosphere, Jeonju has something special to offer.
Have you been to Jeonju? What was your favorite part? Let me know in the comments!
Kdrama Locations in Jeonju:
Jeonju Travel Reel:
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