Top 9 Places to Visit in Jeonju, South Korea

Jeonju is a truly romantic place to visit. Oh, and of course, it’s also a great place to live. We’ve personally visited and are recommending our favorite spots.

1. Gyeonggijeon Shrine (경기전)

Gyeonggijeon Shrine, located on Taejo-ro in Wansan-gu, Jeonju, is a shrine from the Joseon Dynasty. It houses the portrait of King Taejo, the founder of the Joseon Dynasty. The portrait in Gyeonggijeon is a reproduction created in 1872 as the original had become too aged.

2. Jeondong Catholic Cathedral (전주 전동성당)

This catholic church was built on the martyrdom site outside Pungnammun Gate, where Catholic believers were executed. In 1891, Father Francis Baudounet purchased a house outside the south gate of Jeonju and settled there. Later, in 1908, the construction of the church began under the design of Father Poisnel, and it was completed in 1914. The fully formal Romanesque-style brick church building has many similarities in appearance to Myeongdong Cathedral in Seoul, but there are significant differences in architectural style. While both feature intricate brick designs, the shapes of the arches and the style of the bell tower are entirely different. Among the early Catholic churches, it is notable for its large size and exceptionally beautiful exterior.

3. Jaman Mural Village (자만벽화마을)

Jaman Mural Village is located on the hill above Jeonju Hanok Village. As you walk up the hill, you get a panoramic view of the Hanok Village. This village was originally formed by refugees during the Korean War, and murals began to be painted here in 2012. The murals include popular Japanese animations, as well as famous international movies and animation characters. The various murals brighten up the old buildings, making them shine.

4. Gaekridan-gil Road (객리단길)

This refers to the area around Gyeoksa 1-2-gil in Daga-dong, Jeonju’s old downtown. True to the trend that places named ‘ridan-gil’ are the most trendy spots, this area is Jeonju’s emerging hotspot. There are various places to visit, from dessert cafes and charming accessory shops to wine bars and pubs. Right next to it is Jeonju Film Street, where the Jeonju International Film Festival is held.

5. Deokjin Park (덕진공원)

It is one of the parks and tourist attractions representing Deokjin-gu in Jeonju. Inside the park, there is a large lake called Deokjin Lake. Additionally, there is an octagonal pavilion, a large iron bridge, and an observatory. During the lotus blooming season, one side of the lake is entirely covered with lotus flowers, making it a popular spot for photographers.

6. Jeolla Gamyoung (전라감영)

Jeolla Gamyoung was the local administrative office overseeing the entire Jeolla-do for over 500 years during the Joseon Dynasty, and it was located in Jeonju. In the Joseon era, Jeolla-do even included what is now Jeju Island, and at that time, there were about 40 buildings, including the main gate, the governor’s office, and residential spaces. After the administrative reorganization in 1896, it was used as the provincial government office space, but most of the buildings were lost during the modernization process. After long discussions about restoration, the old provincial government building was demolished in 2015, and the full-scale restoration of Jeolla Gamyoung began in 2017. Partial restoration of Jeolla Gamyoung was completed, and after finishing the first phase in October 2020, it was opened to the public.

7. SAMCHUN-DONG MAKGEOLLI (RICE WINE) ALLEY (삼천동 막걸리 골목)

Samcheon-dong Makgeolli Alley is located along Geomasan-ro in Wansan-gu, Jeonju. This 200-meter-long street is lined with long-established makgeolli restaurants. Jeonju, which was once the leading producer of makgeolli in the country, had numerous makgeolli establishments in various alleys throughout the city, including Samcheon-dong. Around the 1990s, as makgeolli gained attention as a traditional national drink, more makgeolli houses began to gather in the existing Samcheon-dong alley, forming what is now known as Samcheon-dong Makgeolli Alley. This area, boasting the longest tradition in Jeonju, has become a famous spot in the city. The alley is densely packed with dozens of makgeolli houses, offering a fun experience of choosing according to one’s taste. Even if you order just one kettle of makgeolli, you’ll be served with an abundant array of over 20 types of side dishes, including grilled fish, jeon (Korean pancakes), stews, fried food, along with seasonal specialties. In the evening, it is common to see lines of waiting customers at each establishment, as this spot is always bustling with both locals and tourists. The lively atmosphere of the makgeolli houses, along with the generous spread of side dishes that can suffice as a meal. If you are planning a trip to Jeonju, this is a must-visit spot.

8. Omokdae (오목대)

Omokdae is a place where, in 1380, Lee Seong-gye stopped to celebrate his victory over Japanese forces at Hwangsan (Mount Hwang) while returning home. This site, where his great-grandfather Mokjo had lived, was designated Monument No. 16 of Jeollabuk-do on September 24, 1974. Omokdae is considered one of the best spots to get a panoramic view of the Hanok Village. Climbing up the wooden stairs to Omokdae, visitors are greeted with a stunning view of Jeonju Hanok Village, with its neatly arranged black-tiled roofs. The expansive vista is both neat and charming. While the scenery under the blue sky and bright sunlight is exceptional, the sunset view is equally beautiful.

9. Jeonju Hyanggyo (전주 향교)

Located in Wansan-gu, Jeonju, this educational institution was founded in the late Goryeo period. It is situated within Jeonju Hanok Village, and as there is no entrance fee, it is even more worth a visit. Many K-dramas and movies, such as Sungkyunkwan Scandal, Love in the Moonlight, and Just an Ordinary Love Story, have been filmed here. The 400-year-old ginkgo tree is also quite impressive. Ginkgo trees are an essential feature of Hangkyo (educational institutions) because they symbolize the spirit of scholars. Additionally, ginkgo trees are known for being sturdy and resistant to pests. It is a quiet and serene place, perfect for contemplation.

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