Top 11 Jeonju Family Travel Guide: Enjoy a Relaxing and Healing Trip
Jeonju is a city where Korea's traditional culture is well-preserved and is the largest city in Jeollabuk-do. In Jeonju Hanok Village, famous for its delicious food, you can stroll through the streets in **Hanbok** (traditional Korean dress), take photos, and experience various aspects of the culture. In addition to the Hanok Village, Jeonju offers a variety of sights and activities. This article introduces 11 Jeonju travel destinations perfect for a family trip. Be sure to visit them!
Jeonju Hanok Village
Jeonju Hanok Village is Jeonju's representative tourist destination, preserving its traditional beauty. Located in the Pungnam-dong area, the Hanok Village is composed of approximately 700 traditional Korean houses, making it the largest hanok village in the country. The first impression of Jeonju Hanok Village may seem a bit commercial, but if you stay at a hanok stay or a nearby hotel and explore every corner slowly for a day, you can feel its true charm. Important cultural heritage sites such as Gyeonggijeon, Omokdae, and Hyanggyo are preserved, making it a place of deep historical significance, and you can enjoy various cultural experiences and performances throughout the area.
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| Jeonju Hanok Village |
Furthermore, there are various cafes and restaurants within the village, as well as many places to rent a Hanbok, a traditional Korean dress. Wearing a Hanbok and taking beautiful travel photos against the backdrop of the hanok buildings is a popular activity. Jeonju Hanok Village has long been a representative tourist destination for Jeonju and is a must-visit place if you travel to the city.
- Hanok Village Recommended Information
- You can check various events and experience information on the Hanok Village homepage before your visit.
- Famous tourist attractions such as Jeondong Cathedral, Gyeonggijeon, Nambu Market, and Gaeksa are all within walking distance from the center of Jeonju travel.
- The public parking lot for the Hanok Village is very spacious, so please use it for parking.
- If you plan to visit Nambu Market as well, it is also a good idea to use the Jeonjucheon parking lot.
Gyeonggijeon Shrine
Gyeonggijeon is located across from Jeondong Cathedral at the entrance of Jeonju Hanok Village. It is a place where the portrait of King Taejo Yi Seong-gye, the founder of the Joseon Dynasty, is preserved. Built in 1410, it was destroyed during the Japanese invasions of Korea in 1597 and was restored during the reign of King Gwanghae, remaining well-preserved to this day. Due to this, it has been used as a filming location for various historical dramas and movies. Many national treasures and valuable cultural assets are preserved in Gyeonggijeon, making it a place of great historical value.
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| Gyeonggijeon Shrine |
In autumn, Gyeonggijeon boasts a beautiful landscape with its stunning autumn leaves and hanok buildings. The sight of the ginkgo tree leaves turning a golden yellow is especially famous as a photo spot. Visiting during the autumn foliage season will surely create a special memory.
- Gyeonggijeon Admission Information
- Open all year round
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Operating Hours
- March-May: 09:00 - 18:00 / June-August: 09:00 - 19:00
- September-October: 09:00 - 18:00 / November-February: 09:00 - 17:00
- Admission Fee
- Adult: 3,000 KRW (~$2.16 USD) / Youth/Soldier: 2,000 KRW (~$1.44 USD) / Child: 1,000 KRW (~$0.72 USD)
- Free admission on the last Wednesday of every month for 'Culture Day.'
- 50% discount on admission fees on the fourth Saturday of every month for 'Jeonju Hanbok Day.'
Jeondong Cathedral
Jeondong Cathedral is located across from Gyeonggijeon within Jeonju Hanok Village. This Western-style church, situated in the heart of the Hanok Village, creates an exotic and harmonious landscape with the surrounding hanok buildings. It is highly valued for its religious, cultural, and artistic significance, and is recognized as a very precious heritage. Jeondong Cathedral is also frequently used as a filming location and a wedding venue.
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| Jeondong Cathedral |
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Jeondong Cathedral Information
- Operating Hours: 24 hours (00:00~24:00)
- Open all year round
- Free admission
Access for tourists is restricted during mass times. Mass usually lasts for about one hour.
Omokdae
Omokdae is a pavilion built in 1380, during the reign of King U of Goryeo, by Yi Seong-gye to commemorate his victory over Japanese invaders on his way back to Jeonju, where his great-grandfather had lived. A stele was erected here during the Korean Empire, with an inscription that reads "Taejo Gohwangje Jupilyuji," meaning "the place where Emperor Taejo stayed for a while," and the writing was personally inscribed by Emperor Gojong.
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| Omokdae Pavilion |
Omokdae is located on a low hill, and it is highly recommended to visit at sunset. You can enjoy a beautiful sunset and look down on the peaceful Hanok Village from the pavilion at the top.
Nambu Market Youth Mall
Nambu Market Youth Mall is a space created for young entrepreneurs within the traditional market located next to Jeonju Hanok Village. Various young entrepreneurs gather here to sell creative and unique products. With a wide range of goods, including food, fashion accessories, and crafts, it is considered a must-visit attraction for tourists visiting Jeonju.
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| Nambu Market Youth Mall |
Jaman Mural Village
Near Jeonju's representative tourist spot, the Hanok Village, lies the Jaman Mural Village, filled with colorful murals. Jaman Mural Village was once an ordinary village formed by refugees who settled there during the Korean War. In 2012, the Jeonju City government initiated a Green Trail project, painting murals on about 40 houses, and it was reborn as a tourist destination. The village, whose name "Jaman" means "may descendants prosper for ten thousand generations," resembles a giant outdoor art gallery. From the entrance, beautiful, vibrant murals welcome visitors, and as you walk along the winding alleyways, you can find murals imbued with memories and childhood innocence.
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| Jaman Mural Village |
Wansan Park (Wansanchilbong)
In spring, Wansan Park is a popular spot for flower viewing with families as azaleas, cherry blossoms, and rugosa roses are in full bloom. It is especially famous as a representative cherry blossom spot when the cherry blossoms are at their peak. If you visit Jeonju when the beautiful flowers are in bloom, this is a highly recommended place to go. It is a great place to take pictures and create lasting memories with your family.
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| Wansan Park |
Hanok Railbike
Jeonju Hanok Railbike is located on the discontinued railroad track of Ajung Station and is close to Jeonju Hanok Village. You can travel a round-trip distance of 3.4km at a relatively fast speed of 15-20km/h and take fun travel photos as you ride alongside a KTX train. Two-seater and four-seater railbikes are available, so you can enjoy a fun time with your family or friends while admiring the beautiful scenery of Jeonju. Near the railbike boarding area, there's a photo zone decorated with colorful bicycles and pinwheels, so be sure to take a commemorative photo there.
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| Hanok Railbike |
- Hanok Railbike Information
- Open all year round
- Operating Hours: 10:00 ~ 17:30
- Admission Fee: 2-seater 25,000 KRW (~$18.03 USD) / 3-seater 33,000 KRW (~$23.80 USD) / 4-seater 38,000 KRW (~$27.40 USD) (Homepage booking offers a 10% discount.)
Jeonju Zoo
Jeonju Zoo, which opened in June 1978, is a beloved recreational spot for Jeonju citizens and tourists alike. It is home to over 100 species of animals and beautiful seasonal plants. Especially if you visit during the cherry blossom season in April, you can enjoy the beautiful cherry blossom path. Jeonju Zoo is the third largest zoo in Korea, following Seoul Grand Park Zoo in Gwacheon and Everland Zoo in Yongin. It is organized into various themes for viewing animals, and you can see the animals up close compared to other zoos, making it feel more personal. Jeonju Zoo is recommended for families with children and everyone who loves animals.
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| Jeonju Zoo |
- Jeonju Zoo Information
- Open all year round
- Operating Hours: March-October 9:00~19:00 / November-February 9:00~18:00 / Last admission: one hour before closing
- Admission Fee:
- Adult: 3,000 KRW (~$2.16 USD)
- Youth: 2,000 KRW (~$1.44 USD)
- Child (under 13): 1,000 KRW (~$0.72 USD)
- Soldier (non-commissioned officer or below, conscripted police): 2,000 KRW (~$1.44 USD)
- Infant (under 5): Free
Deokjin Park
In the center of Deokjin Park lies the significantly large Deokjin Lake. There is an octagonal pavilion, a large iron bridge, and an observatory around the lake, boasting a beautiful landscape. Especially in May, the lake is covered with irises and lotus flowers, creating a spectacular view that is a must-see. The Dano Festival, held every May, features various events and hands-on activities, and you can also enjoy a musical fountain show at Deokjin Lake. Deokjin Park also boasts a magnificent night view, making it the perfect place to soothe the lingering regret of a long day of travel.
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| Deokjin Park |
Korea Expressway Corporation Jeonju Arboretum
The Jeonju Arboretum, operated by the Korea Expressway Corporation, is located just a 5-minute drive past the Jeonju tollgate. It is a non-profit arboretum run by the Korea Expressway Corporation and is open to the public for free. If you need a quiet break in nature while traveling in the city of Jeonju, a visit here is highly recommended.
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| Jeonju Arboretum |
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Admission Information
- Operating Hours: 09:00 ~ 18:00 (Last admission: 17:00)
- Closed: Every Monday, and on the day of Seollal (Korean New Year) and Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving) (including Mondays that are public holidays)
- And any day designated by the director for a special reason
I have introduced 11 Jeonju travel destinations perfect for family trips. Jeonju is a city that attracts many domestic and international tourists every year. You can feel the tranquil atmosphere even in the city, and there are many places where you can experience traditional culture, delicious food, and various activities. I hope you have a pleasant trip by visiting the recommended places.
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