The 6 Best Restaurants In Jeonju, South Korea

Have you been to Jeonju, located in Jeollabuk-do, South Korea? Jeonju is renowned for its rich history and culture. The city is known for its well-preserved traditional hanok village and its commitment to maintaining traditional culture. Jeonju is particularly famous for its food, with dishes like bibimbap and kongnamul gukbap (bean sprout soup) being especially popular for their exceptional taste. Here are six long-standing beloved restaurants in Jeonju, curated by the UoH team.

Veteran Kalguksu (베테랑 칼국수)

• 135, Gyeonggijeon-gil, Wansan-gu, Jeonju-si, Jeonbuk-do
• Monday – Sunday 9 am – 8 pm

Located near Jeonju Hanok Village, Veteran Kalguksu is a popular spot for both tourists and locals. Known for its thick, rich broth, spicy seasoning, and soft noodles, its savory, spicy flavor is a favorite. Besides kalguksu noodles, they also have menus like bean sprout soup, dumplings, and bibim noodles. Despite being frequently crowded, the restaurant’s fast service ensures that customers get their food quickly, leading to a high turnover rate.

Hyundaeok (현대옥)

• 7-4, Hwasancheonbyeon 2-gil, Wansan-gu, Jeonju-si, Jeonbuk-do
• Monday – Sunday 12 am – 12 pm

Hyundaeok is a famous restaurant in Jeonju specializing in bean sprout soup (Kongnamul Gukbap). Since opening its doors in 1979, it has been beloved by many. Hyundaeok’s bean sprout soup is a signature local dish of Jeonju, known for its clear broth, crunchy bean sprouts, savory seaweed flakes, and egg. The soup is particularly popular as a hangover remedy and is known for being both simple and hearty.

Jeolla Cuisine Stories (전라도음식이야기)

• 14-6, Ajung 6-gil, Deokjin-gu, Jeonju-si, Jeonbuk-do
• Monday – Sunday 11 am – 9:30 pm (Break Time: 3:00 – 4:30 pm)

Jeolla Cuisine Stories uses specialty ingredients from the Honam region (the region encompassing Gwangjun City, Jeolla-do, in the southwestern part of South Korea) to create seasonal dishes, offering both taste and nutrition with fresh ingredients. The menu features a variety of traditional Jeolla dishes, blending traditional flavors with modern elements to captivate many palates.

Owonjip (오원집)

• 82, Gongbuk-ro, Wansan-gu, Jeonju-si, Jeonbuk-do
• Monday – Sunday 4:20 pm – 3:00 am

Owonjip is a late-night eatery known for its pork marinated in a special gochujang seasoning and grilled over charcoal. Originally a late-night snack spot, it now offers a variety of dishes like kimbap, garrak guksu (thinly pulled noodles), stir-fried squid, chicken feet, and spicy chicken stew. The grilled pork pairs perfectly with kimbap wraps, and the unique charcoal flavor has made it a favorite for 40 years.

PNB, Pungnyeon Bakery (풍년 제과)

• 180, Paldal-ro, Wansan-gu, Jeonju-si, Jeonbuk-do
• Monday – Sunday 8 am – 10:30 pm

PNB (Pungnyeon Bakery), established in 1951, is the only bakery in Jeonju still run by its third generation. It is famous for its cream-filled choco pies and Korean traditional rice crackers. The choco pies, featuring smooth cream and crispy biscuits covered in chocolate, are particularly popular. The bakery’s use of traditional methods and high-quality ingredients has made it a beloved spot for both locals and visitors, becoming a notable landmark in the region.

Hasukyeong Gamasot Bibimbap (하숙영가마솥비빔밥)

• 19-3, Jeollagamyeong 5-gil, Wansan-gu, Jeonju-si, Jeonbuk-do
• Monday – Sunday 11 am – 7:50 am; Wednesday 11 am – 2:30 pm (Break Time: 3:30 – 5:30 pm)

In a trip to Jeonju, bibimbap is a must-try. ‘Hasukyeong Gamasot Bibimbap’ offers Jeonju-style raw beef bibimbap, featuring Hwangpo-muk (황포묵; It is a type of mung bean jelly dish. Hwangpo-muk has a yellowish hue), vegetables, and raw beef. The dish is served with a bowl of vegetables and raw beef, along with freshly cooked rice from a stone pot. After serving the rice, water is added to the pot to make nurungji (누룽지; crispy rice). Additionally, more than ten side dishes are provided.

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