Things to Do in Jeonju

A Joseon dynasty shrine housing the portrait of King Taejo. The main hall and surrounding gardens are open to the public at no cost.

🕐 09:00–18:00 daily (closed Mondays November–February)

💡 Go early on a weekday to avoid bus groups. The wooden gate at the east side has no sign and leads to a quiet courtyard few tourists find.

The main attraction: over 800 traditional hanok houses lining narrow lanes with craft workshops, tea houses and street food stalls. Entry to the village itself costs nothing.

🕐 Always open

💡 Skip the main drag (Eunhaeng-ro). Turn into the alleys behind the Mingyeongam temple for half the crowds and better photo spots.

Two restored pavilions on a wooded hill above the Hanok Village, marking the spot where Yi Seong-gye held a banquet after founding the Joseon dynasty. Free to climb.

🕐 Always open (pavilions have no gates)

💡 Come at sunset for a panoramic view of the village roofs without paying for a café. The steps are steep – wear grip shoes, not flip-flops.

A large lake park with a covered wooden bridge, lotus pond (blooms June–August), and a circular walking trail. No entrance fee.

🕐 24 hours (park gates open 05:00–23:00)

💡 Rent a pedal boat for 10,000 KRW per hour – one of the cheapest thrills in town. The best lotus view is from the north-west corner of the bridge at sunrise.

Regional history museum with a solid collection of Baekje artefacts, celadon pottery and a well-presented outdoor sculpture garden. Free permanent galleries.

🕐 09:00–18:00 Tue–Sun (closed Mondays and holidays)

💡 The temporary exhibition costs 5,000 KRW but isn't worth it unless you read Korean. The rooftop terrace gives a good view of the nearby Omokdae hills.