Things to do in Jeonju Hanok Village & Jeonju

If there’s one place in South Korea that effortlessly blends the beauty of traditional culture with a rich culinary heritage, it’s Jeonju. Tucked away in North Jeolla Province, Jeonju is often referred to as the cultural heart of Korea. Once you step into the Jeonju Hanok Village, you’ll see exactly why. While the Hanok Village is the star attraction, there’s so much more to explore in Jeonju that’ll leave you enchanted. So grab your camera (and your appetite!), and let’s dive into all the amazing things to do in Jeonju Hanok Village and beyond.

Read also:

• Best Night Markets in Korea: Seoul, Busan, Jeonju
• 12 Famous Korean Folk Villages – A Journey Through Time

About Jeonju Hanok Village

• Address: 99 Girin-daero, Wansan-gu, Jeonju-si, Jeonbuk-do | 전북특별자치도 전주시 완산구 기린대로 99
• Open hours: 24/7
• Fee: Free
• Contact: +82-63-282-1330
• Website: hanok.jeonju.go.kr

Jeonju Hanok Village is the biggest traditional hanok village you’ll find in a city, with about 700 beautiful old Korean houses. It started forming in the early 1900s around places like Gyeonggijeon Shrine, Omokdae, and Jeonjuhyanggyo Confucian School—some of the most historic spots in town. There’s also a bunch of fun stuff to do, like making crafts, joining workshops, trying traditional games, learning a bit of old-school etiquette, and of course, dressing up in a hanbok.

The most beautiful time to visit is in the fall. The village is lined with vibrant ginkgo trees that light up the streets with golden colors, making the whole place feel extra magical!

How to Get to Jeonju Hanok Village

By Train

You can take a train from Yongsan Station in Seoul (KTX, Saemaeul, or Mugunghwa) to Jeonju Station and be in Jeonju in about 1 hour and 50 mins. If you have any plans to visit a few cities in South Korea like Busan, Jeonju, and Gyeongju, this special discount pass which is available only for international tourists or foreign residents is the best choice. 

Once you arrive at Jeonju Station, it’s a short bus ride or taxi trip (around 15 to 20 minutes) to the Hanok Village.

• By Bus: From Jeonju Station, take a bus and get off near Jeondong Catholic Church, which is right by the Hanok Village. You can take bus numbers: 12, 60, 79, 109, 119, 142, 508, 536, 542, 546, 806, 817, 871, or 872. It takes about 25 minutes.
• By Taxi: You can also take a taxi from Jeonju Station. It’s faster and costs about 6,000 to 7,000 won.

By Express / Intercity Bus

From Gangnam Central City Terminal to Jeonju takes about 2 hours and 40 minutes. From Gimpo Airport to Jeonju takes about 3 hours and 20 minutes. It’s a comfortable option, and buses run regularly throughout the day.

From the Express Bus Terminal, you can choose: 

• Bus: From the Express Bus Terminal, go to the Buddhism Hall bus stop and take a bus to Jeondong Catholic Church, which is right next to the Hanok Village. You can take bus number 79 or 1000. The ride takes about 25 minutes.
• Taxi: If you prefer a quicker option, take a taxi from the terminal. It’s a short ride and usually costs around 4,000 to 5,000 won.

Things to Do in Jeonju Hanok Village

One of the best parts about Jeonju Hanok Village is that it’s easy to explore on foot. The village is filled with beautiful hanok rooftops, winding alleys, charming shops, and tons of cultural experiences. Here’s a rundown of what you absolutely shouldn’t miss.

Rent a Hanbok

Let’s be honest, wearing a hanbok in Jeonju Hanok Village just makes the whole experience feel more special. You’ll find rental shops all over the village, offering everything from traditional styles to more modern and vibrant designs. There are popular places to rent hanbok, such as Hanboknam and Hwangjinhee.

You can also check online platforms like Klook or Viator, where you might find better deals or discounted prices. Many shops even help you with your hair and accessories, so you can really embrace the full look.

Visit the Jeonju Korean Liquor Museum

• Address: 74 Hanji-gil, Wansan-gu, Jeonju-si, Jeonbuk State
• Open hours: 10:00 – 18:00 Tuesday to Sunday
• Website: https://www.urisul.net/

If you’re even a little curious about traditional Korean drinks like makgeolli or soju, this small museum is a fun place to stop by. You’ll learn how Korean alcohol is made, hear about its history, and maybe even try a small tasting. There’s also a wine-making experience here that’s pretty popular—even BTS came by to try it out!

One of the most popular local drinks in Jeonju is Moju, which means “Mother Wine.” It’s a sweet and mild drink with only about 1% alcohol, so it’s super easy to sip on—even if you’re not into strong alcohol. Don’t forget to grab a bottle to take home as a great little souvenir from your trip!

Stop by Pungnammun Gate

• Address: 1 Pungnammun 3-gil, Wansan-gu, Jeonju-si, Jeonbuk State

Pungnammun is a gorgeous historical gate that stands proudly near the entrance to the Hanok Village. It’s the only remaining gate from Jeonju’s old city wall and is a striking example of traditional Korean architecture. It makes for a great photo spot and gives you a glimpse into Jeonju’s past.

Check Out the Jeonju International Traveler’s Lounge HUB+Village

• Open hours: 10:00 – 19:00 Tuesday to Sunday
• Fee: Free

Hubillage is a free and super useful spot if you’re new to the area or just want to learn about more things to do. It’s located right in the heart of Jeonju Hanok Village. The staff speak English, so it’s easy for visitors to ask questions. 

You can also join fun programs like yoga, traditional Korean music performances with English explanations, and live busking shows by local artists. It’s a great spot to rest and enjoy a bit of local culture during your trip.

Explore Jeonju Nanjang

• Address: 33-20 Dongmun-gil, Wansan-gu, Jeonju-si, Jeonbuk State
• Website: http://www.jjnanjang.com/

Jeonju Nanjang is a quirky, retro-style cultural space that feels like you’ve been transported back to Korea in the 70s and 80s. It’s full of vintage signs, posters, props, and little interactive displays. Even if you don’t spend too much time there, it’s a fun spot to explore and take a few playful photos.

Visit the Jeonju Crafts Exhibition Hall

• Address: 15 Taejo-ro, Wansan-gu, Jeonju-si, Jeonbuk State
• Open hours: 10:00 – 18:00 Tuesday to Sunday
• Website: http://www.jeonjucraft.or.kr

Jeonju is well-known for its traditional crafts, and this exhibition hall gives you a great look at what local artisans are creating. From handmade ceramics and textiles to metalwork and lacquerware, the craftsmanship is impressive. It’s also a nice place to pick up a meaningful souvenir rather than a generic trinket.

Aside from the displays and gift shop, you can join fun classes like making traditional fans or sewing cloth bags. Just remember to book in advance on the Jeonju Crafts Exhibition Hall website.

Learn About Hanji at the Jeonju Traditional Hanji Center

• Address: 100-10, Hanji-gil, Wansan-gu, Jeonju-si, Jeonbuk-do
• Website: www.hanzi.co.kr

Hanji is traditional Korean paper made from mulberry bark, and Jeonju is famous for it. Most of the paper made here gets sent to Japan, while the rest is used in Korea for calligraphy, painting, and crafts. They even have special hanji, like yellow earth and charcoal paper, which some say have health benefits. You can explore the exhibits, pick up some hanji as a souvenir, or join a hands-on class to try making it yourself!

Relax in a Cafe Overlooking the Village

There are a few cafes in the village that have second floors or rooftop seating with views over the hanok rooftops. It’s such a peaceful way to take a break—sip on an iced latte or a traditional tea while watching the tiled roofs stretch across the horizon. Especially in the late afternoon, the light gets golden and the view is absolutely dreamy.

Some popular cafes you can consider:

• Jeonju Hanok Village Observatory Cafe (전주한옥마을전망대카페): Jeonbuk State, Jeonju-si, Wansan-gu, Namnosong-dong, 98-13 KR
• Jeonmang | Cafe & Guesthouse (전주한옥마을카페 전망): Jeonbuk State, Jeonju-si, Wansan-gu, Hanji-gil, 89 KR

Try a Traditional Tea Ceremony in a Tearoom

If you want to experience a quieter side of Korean culture, visit a traditional tea house. These tearooms are usually set in old hanoks with low tables, floor cushions, and a serene atmosphere. You can try a variety of herbal and traditional teas like jujube, omija (five-flavor berry), or green tea, often served with small sweets. It’s a lovely way to slow down and soak in the moment.

Take a Photo at a Retro Booth

Photo booths are scattered throughout the Hanok Village, some with retro props or traditional backdrops. It’s a fun and inexpensive way to take home a little memory—especially if you’re in hanbok. Some even offer printouts in cute vintage styles, making them a great keepsake.

Stay for the Evening View

A lot of people just come to Jeonju for the day, but staying overnight lets you see a different side of the village. As evening falls, the crowds thin out, the lanterns start glowing, and the whole place feels calm and magical. If you can, book a night in a traditional hanok guesthouse. Falling asleep to the sounds of a quiet courtyard is something you won’t forget.

Eat Your Way Through the Village

Jeonju is all about food, so seriously—come hungry! The most famous dish here is Jeonju Bibimbap, and many say it’s the OG version of Korea’s most iconic meal.

But that’s just the start. You’ll find tons of tasty bites like crispy jeon (Korean pancakes), juicy tteokgalbi (grilled short rib patties), tender bulgogi (marinated beef), and cozy kimchi jjim (braised kimchi with pork), …

Street food is everywhere too—grab a hotteok stuffed with nuts and syrup, grilled cheese skewers, dumplings, fish cakes, or a warm, gooey choco pie fresh from a local bakery. Honestly, half the fun is just walking around and eating whatever smells amazing!

Other Things to Do in Jeonju

If you have more time, there’s a lot to explore just beyond the Hanok Village.

Stroll Through Jaman Mural Village

Right next to the Hanok Village, Jaman Mural Village is a hillside neighborhood full of vibrant street art. The alleys are painted with colorful murals and quirky designs, and there are tiny cafes and art shops tucked into every corner. It’s a great place to take some photos and enjoy a quieter, artsy vibe.

Visit Jeondong Cathedral

• Address:  51 Taejo-ro, Wansan-gu, Jeonju-si, Jeonbuk State

This stunning cathedral sits right by the entrance to Hanok Village and is one of Korea’s oldest Catholic churches. Built in the early 20th century, its Romanesque architecture stands out beautifully among the traditional Korean buildings.

The cathedral stands as a reminder of a difficult time in the Joseon dynasty, when many Catholic priests and missionaries were martyred while trying to spread the religion. It was built to honor those who lost their lives for their faith.

Explore Gyeonggijeon Shrine

• Address:  44 Taejo-ro, Wansan-gu, Jeonju-si, Jeonbuk State

This peaceful shrine complex houses a portrait of King Taejo, the founder of the Joseon Dynasty. The buildings and gardens are beautifully preserved, and it’s a great place to learn a bit of history while enjoying a walk through its tranquil courtyards.

You can explore the grounds and see portraits of Joseon kings inside the museum, though photography isn’t allowed inside. There’s a small entrance fee, and fun fact—this spot was also featured in the K-drama Moonlight Drawn by Clouds starring Kim Yoo-Jung and Park Bo-Gum.

Walk Up to Omokdae

• Address: 55 Girin-daero, Wansan-gu, Jeonju-si, Jeonbuk State

Omokdae is a small pavilion on a hill that offers one of the best views over the Hanok rooftops. It’s a short walk uphill, but totally worth it for the photo opportunities—especially around sunset when everything glows.

Discover Jeonjuhyanggyo Confucian School

• Address: 139 Hyanggyo-gil, Wansan-gu, Jeonju-si, Jeonbuk-do

This lesser-known gem is an old Confucian school from the Joseon era. It’s quiet, serene, and has beautiful old architecture. 

 As you walk through the main gate, you’ll spot two massive gingko trees that are over 400 years old—pretty amazing, right? These trees make the place even more beautiful, especially in autumn and spring when their leaves turn vibrant shades of yellow and pink. And the best part? It’s totally free to visit!

Visit Nambu Traditional Market

• Address: 19-3 Pungnammun 1-gil, Wansan-gu, Jeonju-si, Jeonbuk State

Finish your day by exploring Nambu Market. It’s a busy, bustling place with more than 800 stalls where you can try more street food, browse through local produce and traditional goods, or even catch the night market if you’re around on the weekend. The energy is great, and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into the local everyday life.

In short, if you’re planning a trip to South Korea and want to go beyond the hustle of Seoul or the beaches of Busan, Jeonju deserves a spot on your itinerary—you won’t regret it.