8 Reasons Why Jeonju is Korea's Perfect Chilled Out Escape

Bibimbap is life in Jeonju.

In fact, the city is the birthplace of the dish. Typical ingredients include beef, bean sprouts, and gochujang – a sweet and spicy red chilli paste.

Plus, you know a dish is legit when it starts making it to top 10 lists. Bibimbap is no exception, roaring up to number 8 on Lonely Planet’s Ultimate Eatlist book.

I was lucky enough to have a meal at Gajok Hoegwan – an eatery that’s probably Jeonju’s most famous bibimbap restaurant. These guys prepare everything the traditional way, so you can’t go wrong with visiting here.

Remember to keep some belly space for banchan (side dishes), of which there are plenty to indulge in here.

One of the must-see attractions in Jeonju is the traditional Hanok Village, with its 750 traditional Korean houses.

The houses are heated with ondol, a unique floor heating system. It’s part of Korean culture to sit on the floor, and these floors make it comfortable for you to do so.

Oh, and the beautifully-tiled roofs that point upwards: stunning, and an architect’s dream come true.

Don’t forget to try street food, including mochi, meatball and octopous skewers, and makgeolli (rice wine).

If you’ve always wanted to rock Ju Ji-Hoon, Bae Doona, or Kim Hye-jun vibes, then there’s only one option.

Rent a hanbok, and put on some makeup along with your getup.

I admit, it’s not something I would typically do. And it may seem incredibly touristy at first.

But the locals are doing it too, so don’t be afraid of standing out like a sore thumb. Plus, it’s very fun and there’s no better way to admire Hanok houses than by dressing the part.

Plenty of shops will help you pick various attires.

There are ceremonial outfits worn by Crown Princes and Princesses and even Kings and Queens. Believe us, it’s one of the best things to do in Jeonju.

If you’re looking for a unique stay in Jeonju, the city is filled with plenty of great hanok stays for travellers.

 

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You can experience what it’s like to sleep on traditional futon-style bedding without forgoing modern amenities like air-conditioning, heating, and free wifi.

If you’re lucky enough to be in the city while the Jeonju International Film Festival (JIFF) is happening, you should take the time to check it out. It’s an excellent opportunity to watch cool indie flicks and avant-garde cinema.

Korea is home to some fabulous mural villages, and Jeonju’s Jaman Mural Village is one of them.

 

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Catch buskers, admire cutesy graffiti pieces from popular anime like Doraemon and Spirited Away, and chill out at Daldongnae Coffee Shop for coffee and a breathtaking view of Jeonju.

For some history and nature, check out Deokjin Park, which features a pond that dates back to the Goryeo dynasty. It’s also a pretty place to level up your photography game, with elegant lotus flowers dominating the landscape.

History buffs, you’re in for a real treat here. Make a beeline for the Confucian School, which was a national education centre during the Joseon period. Check out the ginko tree, planted more than 400 years ago, while the main building, Daesungjeon, stores the tables of Confucius.

Yes! Jeonju is relaxed and a great contrast to bustling Seoul. Besides culture and a laidback vibe, it is a true-blue foodie destination. Case in point: it was designated as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy in 2012.

If you’re travelling from Seoul, your best bet is hopping on a KTX train. It’s a quick, wallet-friendly, and convenient way to travel from Seoul to Jeonju. Plus, trains run daily from both cities, taking slightly over 1.5 hours.

Check out the beautiful Seonyudo Island

For impeccable views and a taste of the island life in Korea, clear your schedules for a trip to Seonyudo Island.

But this island is more than just a scenic spot that’s Instagram-ready. There’s plenty of history and culture behind this island, having been the headquarters of the navy during the Joseon Dynasty.

In terms of things to do at Seonyudo Island, you can try the Seonyu Sky SUN Line, a thrilling zipline that stretches 45 meters across the ocean with stunning beach views.

There’s also the Jangjado Island Skywalk, a short walk away that offers up uninterrupted vistas of the surrounding islands. Oh, and you can dig for shellfish here too.

Try digging for clams at a mudflat experience

When in Korea, do as the Koreans do. And one of those activities involves digging for clams at a mudflat in Gochang County.

It’s an enjoyable experience that lets you see how the locals provide sustenance for their hometown.

Even the tractor that brings you to the mudflats feels like you’ve stepped in a Korean version of George Miller’s Mad Max. The Korean Tourism Organisation even has this ultra-cool promo video of your regular ajusshi driving around like Max Rockatansky around the mud flats.

Don’t worry about getting dirty with the mud here, though. You can rent boots and gloves for the whole experience; all you’ve got to focus on is your haul for the day.

Go hiking at the Ramsar Ungok Wetlands and admire the Gochang Dolmen sites

Korea is home to some seriously stunning nature, reflected in the Ungok Ramsar Wetlands.

The Wetlands, once farmland of nine villages, made way for a nuclear power plant (some of the previous residents even had their tombstones in the park). But after the farmers left, Mother Nature did her part and slowly recovered, which a governor discovered in 2009.

Today, the park is an area of ecological importance, home to endangered species and massive stone monuments called dolmens. In fact, one in the park weighs a whopping 300 tonnes!

You can take a tram ride along the Ungok Reservoir between 10am to 5pm. And if you’re into hiking, there are a few trails to choose from, each ranging from one to four hours.

Feel like a true blue K-superstar at the Borinara Hagwon Farm

There are hardly any more gorgeous places in Korea than the Borinara Hagwon Farm, a massive barley farm used as a filming location in plenty of K-dramas.

Diehard fans of the series “Goblin” will be pleased to know they, too, can check out the spot where Ji Eun-tak tried to pull out a sword from his chest.

There’s a stunning canola field beside the barley field of beautiful yellow flowers that look right out of a dream. One of the best things to do here is to walk these fields of gold and snap photos for the gram (or TikTok, whichever you choose)