Wanju: A Perfect Escape to Nature and Culture near Jeonju
Wanju is a city located just outside of Jeonju, making it a popular travel destination for those visiting the area. It is filled with beautiful scenery and various attractions, drawing many visitors with its charming spots. In Wanju, you can find quiet, scenic cafes to relax in, as well as a variety of places to experience traditional culture, making it an ideal destination for families. This article introduces 9 recommended travel destinations in Wanju, perfect for a day trip from Jeonju.
Aquatic Park Amazon
Aquatic Park Amazon is a great place to enjoy water activities, featuring a 280-meter-long canal-style water park and an infinity pool that overlooks the Gu Reservoir. Additionally, cabanas are available for guests to conveniently cook their own food. Here, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of Gu Reservoir along with the lush greenery of Moaksan Mountain, a famous peak in North Jeolla Province. It's an excellent spot for families with children to enjoy a day trip, relax, and savor a delicious meal.
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| Wanju Aquatic Park Amazon |
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Ticket Information
Ticket Type Target Price Day Pass (9:00 AM ~ 5:00 PM) Adult (Ages 19+) 28,000 KRW (20.18 USD) Youth (Ages 8 ~ 18) 25,000 KRW (18.02 USD) Children, Seniors (Preschool or Ages 65+) 22,000 KRW (15.86 USD) Afternoon/Night Pass (1:00 PM ~ 10:00 PM) Adult (Ages 19+) 33,000 KRW (23.79 USD) Youth (Ages 8 ~ 18) 30,000 KRW (21.62 USD) Children, Seniors (Preschool or Ages 65+) 27,000 KRW (19.46 USD) Night Pass (6:00 PM ~ 10:00 PM) Adult (Ages 19+) 20,000 KRW (14.41 USD) Youth (Ages 8 ~ 18) 17,000 KRW (12.25 USD) Children, Seniors (Preschool or Ages 65+) 14,000 KRW (10.09 USD) All-Day Pass During operating hours Adult (Ages 19+) 35,000 KRW (25.22 USD) Youth (Ages 8 ~ 18) 32,000 KRW (23.06 USD) Children, Seniors (Preschool or Ages 65+) 29,000 KRW (20.90 USD)
- Cabana Rental Information
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Day Pass (09:00 AM~17:00 PM)
- Small (4-8 people): 60,000 KRW (43.26 USD)
- Medium (6-10 people): 80,000 KRW (57.67 USD)
- Large (8-12 people): 100,000 KRW (72.09 USD)
- Group (10-20 people): 120,000 KRW (86.51 USD)
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Afternoon/Night Pass (13:00 PM~22:00 PM)
- Small (4-8 people): 80,000 KRW (57.67 USD)
- Medium (6-10 people): 110,000 KRW (79.30 USD)
- Large (8-12 people): 140,000 KRW (101.00 USD)
- Group (10-20 people): 170,000 KRW (122.56 USD)
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Night Pass (18:00 PM~22:00 PM)
- Small (4-8 people): 40,000 KRW (28.84 USD)
- Medium (6-10 people): 60,000 KRW (43.26 USD)
- Large (8-12 people): 80,000 KRW (57.67 USD)
- Group (10-20 people): 100,000 KRW (72.09 USD)
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All-Day Pass (During operating hours)
- Small (4-8 people): 100,000 KRW (72.09 USD)
- Medium (6-10 people): 140,000 KRW (101.00 USD)
- Large (8-12 people): 180,000 KRW (129.76 USD)
- Group (10-20 people): 220,000 KRW (158.59 USD)
Songgwangsa Temple
Songgwangsa Temple was originally built during the Baekje Kingdom (c. 18 BC - 660 AD) and was initially named Baeknyeonsa Temple. Over its long history, its name has changed several times. The temple is located on flat ground at the foot of Jongnamsan Mountain, making it easily accessible. It is also famous for its Amitabha Buddha statue, which is said to "sweat" when the nation faces a crisis. It is a well-known story that the statue actually sweated during the 1997 South Korean financial crisis (also known as the IMF crisis). Songgwangsa Temple offers Templestay programs where visitors can experience traditional Korean Buddhist culture. Three programs are available year-round: a self-guided Templestay, a beautiful pilgrimage trail, and a 2-day, 1-night Templestay.
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| Songgwangsa Temple |
Sanseokdeungdae (Mountain Lighthouse)
Sanseokdeungdae is a cultural complex created by preserving and remodeling a paper factory that had been abandoned for 40 years. It now houses an art gallery, an experience hall, an art platform, an outdoor performance venue, a community table, a lighthouse, the Sunsun Cafe, and a pond. This space was created for the residents and visitors of Wanju to enjoy various cultural activities.
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| Sanseokdeungdae |
- Sanseokdeungdae Information
- Hours: 10:00 AM ~ 7:00 PM
- Closed: Every Monday, Tuesday
- Parking: Available
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Admission Fee
- Middle/High School Students, Adults (North Jeolla Province residents): 10,000 KRW (7.21 USD)
- Children (North Jeolla Province residents): 8,000 KRW (5.77 USD)
- Middle/High School Students, Adults: 12,000 KRW (8.65 USD)
- Children: 10,000 KRW (7.21 USD)
- Under 36 months: Free
- No pets allowed
Soyanggotaek (Dube Cafe)
Soyanggotaek is a space that was reborn through the meticulous craftsmanship of cultural heritage artisans. In 2010, three traditional hanok houses, which were on the verge of being demolished in Gochang and Muan, were dismantled and moved to Soyang. They were then restored to their original form, resulting in the current Soyanggotaek. Here, you can admire the beauty of traditional hanok architecture and even stay overnight to experience its tranquil atmosphere. The complex also includes the Flickr Bookstore, where you can read, and Dube Cafe, where you can enjoy coffee and tea.
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| Soyanggotaek |
- Soyanggotaek Information
- Hours: 10:00 AM ~ 6:00 PM
- Closed: Open year-round
Awongotaek (Awongotaek Hanok Stay)
Awongotaek is a space where tradition and modernity harmonize, a place like a paradise that includes a gallery and accommodation. It consists of five buildings—Cheonjiin, Sarangchae, Anchae, Seodang, and Byeolchae—and seven guest rooms. In the three hanok buildings, you can admire the main hall and the elegant eaves. This place exudes the unique charm and grace of traditional Korean houses, offering a peaceful time in nature. There is also a modern building with a contemporary design, which adds to the beauty between nature and the hanok. However, please note that children under 8 years of age are not allowed to enter.
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| Awongotaek |
- Awongotaek Information
- Hours: 11:00 AM ~ 5:00 PM
- Closed: Open year-round
- Admission Fee: 10,000 KRW (7.21 USD) (Drip coffee, Omija tea - 2,000 KRW (1.44 USD))
O's Gallery
O's Gallery has been a well-known spot among locals for a long time due to its beautiful lake view. The view of the lake from the cafe's garden resembles a watercolor painting, and the two camellia trees enhance the surrounding scenery. Additionally, you can admire various artworks in the indoor gallery. O's Gallery is a space where art and nature merge, making the works even more special.
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| O's Gallery |
- O's Gallery Information
- Hours: Mon-Fri 9:30 AM ~ 6:00 PM / Sat-Sun: 9:30 AM ~ 7:00 PM
- Closed: Open year-round
Wibongsanseong Fortress & Wibongsa Temple
Wibongsanseong Fortress has a perimeter of approximately 16km, encircling the surrounding mountains. It was built during the Joseon Dynasty (1392–1897) to defend the region and protect its people from enemies. It also served to safely guard the royal portrait and ancestral tablets of King Taejo Yi Seong-gye, founder of the Joseon Dynasty, which were kept in Gyeonggijeon Hall in Jeonju, in case of danger.
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| Wibongsanseong Fortress |
This historical background shows that Wibongsanseong is not just a military fortress but also a culturally and historically significant place. Wibongsa Temple was designated as a subsidiary temple of Gyeonggijeon Hall because King Taejo's royal portrait and ancestral tablets were moved and kept in its main hall during times of danger. The temple's Bogwangmyeongjeon Hall is designated as Treasure No. 608. The splendid mural behind the main Buddha statue and the pine trees in the front yard create a cozy and charming atmosphere. It's a beautiful place to visit, especially if you're passing through the area.
Samnye Culture & Arts Village
Samnye Culture & Arts Village is a place that holds the painful history of grain exploitation by the Japanese during the Japanese colonial period (1910–1945). It was a large-scale grain warehouse located between the old Samnye and Gunsan stations. After Korea's liberation, it was used as a storage facility for the Samnye Agricultural Cooperative. After 2010, Wanju County purchased the area and redeveloped it into a regional cultural and artistic regeneration space in June 2013. Today, it hosts art exhibitions, performing arts, cultural experiences, and educational programs.
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| Samnye Culture & Arts Village |
- Samnye Culture & Arts Village Information
- Hours: 10:00 AM ~ 6:00 PM
- Closed: Every Monday, Chuseok, Lunar New Year
- Admission Fee: Free
Samnye Picture Book Museum
The Samnye Picture Book Museum is a place newly created by repurposing a former grain warehouse into a modern cultural and exhibition space, making it a highly recommended spot for families with children. Here, you can enjoy a variety of artworks and discover picture books from various cultures, including international ones. The museum also hosts various exhibitions and performances, offering a wide range of cultural experiences.
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| Samnye Picture Book Museum |
- Samnye Picture Book Museum Information
- Hours: 10:00 AM ~ 6:00 PM
- Closed: Every Monday
- Admission Fee: Free
We've introduced nine great travel destinations in Wanju. We highly recommend these places for anyone planning a day trip or vacation near Jeonju. You can relax with your family and enjoy a wide variety of cultural experiences. Even if you're traveling in Jeonju, we encourage you not to just stay in the city but to explore these charming nearby destinations for a more fulfilling trip.
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