Learn Quick Facts about Korea's City of Jeonju

Korean Traditional Paper, Dishes and Homes in Jeonju

Jeonju is the provincial capital of Jeollabuk-do. It is the capital of education in South Korea. It is situated about two and a half hours from Seoul and it’s an important tourist center especially for Korean food, historic temples, sporting activities and innovative festivals for arts and culture. Outside of the city, you can see the granary of Korea meaning that the Honam plain area is nearby being rich in fertile rice paddies, so that is why Jeonju has been an important regional center in the province for centuries. Once, the city was capital of Hubaekje (one of the Later Three Kingdoms of Korea), which was founded by Gyeon Hwon. The city was regarded as the spiritual capital of the Joseon Dynasty because the Yi royal family originated there.

Traditional Paper

Inside of the city of Jeonju, you can find fine shops specializing in 'Hanji'. Hanji is beautiful and durable traditional Korean paper made from mulberry trees. Generally, Hanji is used in calligraphy and making umbrellas, fans and lamp covers. There is extensive famous paper museum, as well as an annual paper fashion show highlighting high style and traditional Korean clothing made of paper.

Traditional Dishes

Jeonju is also famous for its 'Bibimbap’ (rice mixed with vegetables and meat), so you have to taste it while in Jeonju. There are also several very famous vegetarian restaurants serving Jeonju style food.

Traditional Areas

If you want to visit a traditional village, you should go to Pungnap-dong and Gyo-dong where there are over 800 traditional Korean houses called 'Hanok'. While the rest of the city has been industrialized, this village has been beautifully preserved and retains its old traditions, and has become known as a center for traditional culture. There are several places like this to get a good experience and to see the traditional Korean culture maintained. For example, Jeonju’s traditional cultural center is composed of a traditional music theater,tea houses, restaurants and a ceremony hall. Visitors can feel and taste Korean culture through various hands-on programs. If you go to Jeonju’s craftworks exhibition hall, it consists of eight galleries and shops selling exquisite crafts and Jeonju specialties such as hand-made fans and Hanji.

Staying in Jeonju

Stay at the Jeonju Guest House where you can also partake in fun traditional activities like Kimchi making, beer making or a Pork party! This guest house has dorm beds for males and females and is located in a modern building, but with lots of traditional flavor. For just 11€ a night, you can sleep well and take in the culture for cheap!

Now you are ready to visit the Korean jewel of Jeonju!