Have you ever watched Korean historical dramas like Jumong, Dae Jang Geum and wondered how ordinary people lived in Korea over the past centuries? Then you should definitely visit Jeonju located in North Jeolla province of South Korea.
Recently, I got a chance to participate in the event by @visitjeonju and explore this historical town with my family. And today I would like to suggest you an ideal plan of must do things if you are planning to visit Jeonju on weekend.
By the way, you can watch our journey in this video:
Jeonju Hanok Village, a must-visit place for all tourists. Itโs a perfect destination to start your trip in Jeonju. Everywhere you can find Hanok, the Korean traditional house, ancient palaces, and beautiful couples wearing traditional clothes, Hanok. Jeonjuโs wonderful atmosphere will take you back to Koreaโs history. You will love to stroll around the village with more than 700-800 traditional houses and have wonderful memories.
Stay at the Tradional Hanok House
The second must do in Jeonju is to book a hanok styled guest house or hotel in the village. Staying at the traditional Hanok hotel overnight was one of the best experiences that we had! Our hotel โMouryubโ is located just 3 minute walk from Jeonju Hanok Village, and we had an awesome time there. By offering a balanced combination of Korean history and modern comforts, this Hanok house gives a special treat to its visitors.
Enjoy the Unique Taste of Bibimbap
Jeonjuโs bibimbap tastes completely different from what you usually have tried elsewhere. Once again I was convinced of this myself.
There are several restaurants with different types of bibimbap. Bibimbap is a Korean rice bowl topped with different vegetables, spicy sauce called Gochujang and eggs (sometimes meat). It is one of the most well-known traditional foods that you should not miss during your stay in South Korea. Bibimbap contains various healthy ingredients including mushrooms, carrots, radishes, spinach, onion, lettuce, sliced kimchi, sesame oil and so on. When I asked the locals about the secret of this taste, Jeonju residents answered that they have kept the culinary secrets of their ancestors for many years.
Make Your Own Hanji Gift
During the trip, we visited Jeonjuโs popular craft shop specialized in making different hanji craft products. Hanji is a traditional paper of Korea. Yedam Gongyae holds special classes for visitors who are willing to make their own Hanji souvenirs such as hanji dolls, mirrors, boxes, etc. We participated in a LED hanji chorong (traditional Korean lantern) class and definitely loved it. This studio is located in the Korea Traditional Culture Center, 10 to 15 minutes walk from Jeonju Hanok Village. (Address: Gyeongwondong 3ga 14-2, Wansangu, Jeonju)
Experience the Traditional Martial Art
Korean people say that if you practice Taekwondo you can feel the philosophy of Hongik-Ingan (broad contribution to humanity), the spirit of peace and responsibility. Thatโs why anyone who wants to know the power and energy of the Korean martial art should definitely take a Taekwondo class in Jeonju. Here visitors can learn the basic skills of Taekwondo, exercise a self-defense and wood breaking techniques as a real sport master.
Have Fun with Kids in Nature
Another unique place to stop โ Yaho Saengtae Mamkkeot Forest. It is located inside the Deokjin Park and offers both indoor and outdoor activities for children. You can have a picnic at the forest surrounded by green trees while your kids enjoy building a campfire and tree houses or sand boxes. There is a small library on the 2nd floor of the Mamkkeot house where visitors can read books. (Address: 70, Changpo-gil, Deokjin-gu, Jeonju-si)
Take a Night Tour at Jeolla Gamyeong
Besides Hanok villages and Gyeonggijeon Shrine, Another historical site that Jeonju city has is Jeolla Gamyeong. Gamyoung used to be the provincial government complex during Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) and recently seven key buildings have been restored. Nowadays Jeonju provides a special evening tour accompanied by a local guide. Every day at 7pm, you can take a trip around the complex and take beautiful pictures under the moonlight. The fee is free of charge.
If you have ever visited the places in Jeonju, please leave your opinion below!
