What is the difference between Gaeksa and Gaekridan-gil in Jeonju?

Gaeksa refers to the historic downtown and shopping district of Jeonju, while Gaekridan-gil is a trendy street nearby filled with modern cafes, bistros, and restaurants, similar to Gyeongnidan-gil in Seoul.

What is 'Muljjajang', the Jeonju specialty mentioned?

Muljjajang is a unique noodle dish found in Jeonju. Unlike traditional Jjajangmyeon which uses black bean paste, Muljjajang uses a starch-thickened sauce (often white or reddish) mixed with seafood and vegetables.

Are these restaurants suitable for solo travelers?

Yes, many places on this list, especially the Gukbap (soup rice) and noodle restaurants like Sambaekjib, Waeng-i, and Seoul Soba, are very welcoming to solo diners.

What is a 'Nopo' or Heritage Shop?

A 'Nopo' refers to a long-standing restaurant that has been in business for decades. They are known for their consistent taste and authentic local atmosphere, often cherished by locals for generations.

Do these restaurants accept credit cards?

Yes, almost all established restaurants in Jeonju, including the local heritage shops listed, accept major international credit cards.

Top 20 Jeonju Gaeksa & Gaekridan-gil Restaurants: A Local's 20-Year Foodie Guide

Gaeksa, the center of Jeonju travel, and the adjacent Gaekridan-gil are filled with countless restaurants. In this post, putting aside desserts and cafes for a moment, I have gathered places where you can have a hearty 'proper meal' with family, lovers, and friends.

Before choosing a restaurant, there is one thing I would like to mention. The older and more famous a shop is, the lower its Google or Naver ratings might be due to accumulated reviews. Even my regular spots have days when the food doesn't quite hit the mark, as the taste of food depends on the ingredients of the day, the condition of the cook, and the eater's preference or mood.

So, rather than objective judgment, this list is filled with 'regular spots' that have consistently led my footsteps while visiting relatives for 20 years. Here is the list of 20 places revealed right now.

Ondam

Signature Menu: Kkakduk Moksal (Cube Pork Neck) (14,000 KRW / approx. $10 USD), Onbaeksal (14,000 KRW / approx. $10 USD)
Address: 210, Jeonjucheon-dong-ro, Wansan-gu, Jeonju-si, Jeonbuk
Opening Hours: 16:00 ~ 22:30 (Weekdays), 12:00 ~ 22:30 (Weekends)

This is a BBQ restaurant where you grill meat over charcoal. The signature menu, 'Kkakduk Moksal', features pork neck cut into thick cubes, boasting a soft texture due to the high quality of the meat. The 'Onbaeksal', sold together, is a special cut marinated in soy sauce, offering a chewy texture that even children enjoy. It is a great place to dine with family in a neat atmosphere.

Jeongdong (Jeonju Gaeksa Branch)

Jeongdong Jeonju Gaeksa Branch

Signature Menu: Assorted Katsu (17,000 KRW / approx. $12 USD), Cheese Katsu (14,500 KRW / approx. $10.50 USD)
Address: 46-41, Jeonjugaeksa 3-gil, Wansan-gu, Jeonju-si, Jeonbuk
Opening Hours: 11:00 ~ 20:30 (Break time 15:00 ~ 16:30)

This is the first place I look for when I want to eat proper Tonkatsu (Pork Cutlet) in Jeonju. Despite its thickness, the meat is not dry but tender, and the thin batter allows you to fully taste the meat itself. Besides the cutlet sauce, they provide truffle salt and Himalayan salt, allowing you to enjoy various flavors. There is often a waiting line during meal times, so please keep this in mind when visiting.

Gohyangyeok (Jeonju Gaeksa Main Branch)

Gohyangyeok Jeonju Gaeksa Main Branch

Signature Menu: Charcoal Grilled Pork Belly (Ogyopsal) (15,800 KRW / approx. $11.50 USD)
Address: 1F, 264-3, Jeonjucheon-dong-ro, Wansan-gu, Jeonju-si, Jeonbuk
Opening Hours: Daily 12:00 ~ 24:00

This is a Samgyeopsal (Pork Belly) house I visit when I want to enjoy a drink with dinner. It features a large cauldron lid grill where you cook meat along with kimchi and bean sprouts. The signature menu, Charcoal Grilled Ogyopsal (Five-layered pork), has no gamey smell and a savory taste. Side dishes like soybean paste stew and steamed eggs are also decent. Many customers consider the fried rice cooked on the cauldron lid after finishing the meat as a delicacy.

Hasukyoung Cauldron Bibimbap

Signature Menu: Yukhoe (Beef Tartare) Bibimbap (18,000 KRW / approx. $13 USD), Bibimbap (15,000 KRW / approx. $11 USD)
Address: 19-3, Jeollagamyeong 5-gil, Wansan-gu, Jeonju-si, Jeonbuk
Opening Hours: 11:00 ~ 20:30 (Break time 15:30 ~ 17:30)

There are countless Bibimbap restaurants in Jeonju, but this is the one I visit most often. Its main feature is that the rice is served in a hot cauldron (Gamasot). The signature Yukhoe Bibimbap comes with fresh beef tartare and more than 8 generous portions of seasoned vegetables. The 13 neat side dishes served as standard suit the tastes of people of all ages. If you finish by pouring water into the cauldron to make savory Nurungji (scorched rice soup), it completes a hearty and satisfying meal.

Ilpumhyang

Signature Menu: Muljjajang (Water Jjajang) (9,000 KRW / approx. $6.50 USD), Fried Dumplings (8,000 KRW / approx. $6 USD)
Address: 10, Jeonjugaeksa 3-gil, Wansan-gu, Jeonju-si, Jeonbuk
Opening Hours: 11:00 ~ 21:00 (Break time 15:00~16:30, Closed every Tuesday)

This is a heritage restaurant famous for 'Muljjajang', a special Chinese dish you can only taste in Jeonju. Unlike standard black bean noodles, it features a thick white sauce made with soy sauce and starch instead of black bean paste (Chunjang). The signature Muljjajang is filled with various seafood and vegetables, offering a mild yet deep savory flavor. It's not spicy or stimulating, making it a great menu item for everyone from children to the elderly.

Mongyudo

Signature Menu: Low-temp Aged Pork Belly (16,000 KRW / approx. $11.50 USD), Low-temp Aged Pork Neck (16,000 KRW / approx. $11.50 USD)
Address: 37, Jeonjugaeksa 2-gil, Wansan-gu, Jeonju-si, Jeonbuk
Opening Hours: 16:00 ~ 24:00

This BBQ house specializes in pork belly and neck aged at low temperatures. It is characterized by the soft texture and rich juices unique to aged meat. The meat is grilled on a large cauldron lid with kimchi and bean sprouts. Since the staff grills the meat for you, you can dine comfortably. The fried rice cooked on the cauldron lid after the meal is also very popular.

Mito

Signature Menu: Mackerel Stick Sushi (23,000 KRW / approx. $16.50 USD), Mito Futomaki (23,000 KRW / approx. $16.50 USD)
Address: 71, Jeonjugaeksa 2-gil, Wansan-gu, Jeonju-si, Jeonbuk
Opening Hours: 17:00 ~ 03:00

This is an Izakaya (Japanese-style pub) selling various dishes like sashimi, nabe (hot pot), and skewers. The signature menus are 'Mackerel Stick Sushi' topped with grilled mackerel and 'Mito Futomaki', a large Japanese rice roll filled with tuna and salmon. There are various menu items suitable for both dining and drinking, such as 'Beef Shank Bone Broth Nabe' and charcoal grilled skewers.

Sambaekjib

Signature Menu: Kongnamul Gukbap (Bean Sprout Soup Rice) (8,000 KRW / approx. $6 USD), Fried Chili Dumplings (6,000 KRW / approx. $4.50 USD)
Address: 22, Jeonjugaeksa 2-gil, Wansan-gu, Jeonju-si, Jeonbuk
Opening Hours: 24 Hours (Open all year round)

When people think of Jeonju Bean Sprout Soup Rice, they often think of Hyundaiok or Nambu Market, but near Gaeksa, Sambaekjib comes to mind first. It's a place I visit ritually when I have a hangover or crave hot soup. The signature Kongnamul Gukbap features a raw egg cracked into the boiling clay pot. The broth is clear and refreshing, perfect for a hangover cure, and pairing it with crispy fried chili dumplings makes for a hearty meal.

Dongchang Galbi

Signature Menu: Dongchang Galbi (14,000 KRW / approx. $10 USD)
Address: 51-1, Jeonjugaeksa 4-gil, Wansan-gu, Jeonju-si, Jeonbuk
Opening Hours: 11:30 ~ 22:00 (Weekdays, Break time 15:00 ~ 17:00) / 11:30 ~ 22:00 (Weekends)

This is a nostalgic heritage shop that anyone who grew up in Jeonju would have visited at least once holding their parents' hands. You grill the meat directly on a gridiron over strong charcoal fire, infusing the meat with a deep smoky flavor. The signature 'Dongchang Galbi' is familiar yet delicious with the savory taste of its special marinade sauce. A downside is that you might smell like BBQ smoke after dining, but even that feels nostalgic here.

Seoul Soba

Signature Menu: Soba (Buckwheat Noodles) (11,000 KRW / approx. $8 USD), Noodle Refill (4,000 KRW / approx. $3 USD)
Address: 17-2, Jeollagamyeong 3-gil, Wansan-gu, Jeonju-si, Jeonbuk
Opening Hours: 11:00 ~ 19:30

This is a Soba specialty store that adheres to the old ways to maintain an unchanging taste. Although it is far from the modern trend of flashy and diverse foods, it is a place that steadfastly keeps its spot. It didn't leave a big impression on my first visit, but after several visits, it has become the food I think of first in summer. It features a rich anchovy broth and buckwheat aroma, offering a taste faithful to the basics without pretension.

Nobel Banjeom

Signature Menu: Muljjajang (9,000 KRW / approx. $6.50 USD), Jjamppong (8,000 KRW / approx. $6 USD)
Address: 99, Pungnam-mun 2-gil, Wansan-gu, Jeonju-si, Jeonbuk
Opening Hours: 11:30 ~ 18:00 (Closed 1st & 3rd Sun / 2nd & 4th Mon of every month)

Although slightly away from Gaeksa, this place is indispensable when talking about Jeonju Muljjajang. From its humble exterior, you can feel its long history, and it is a famous heritage shop always crowded with customers during meal times. The signature Muljjajang features a white sauce thickened with starch without Chunjang, filled generously with seafood and vegetables. It has a deep flavor without being stimulating, making it easy for first-timers to enjoy.

Yangsikdang

Signature Menu: Lasagna (25,000 KRW / approx. $18 USD), Roasted Potato Gnocchi with Cream Sauce (19,000 KRW / approx. $13.50 USD)
Address: 26, Pungnam-mun 3-gil, Wansan-gu, Jeonju-si, Jeonbuk
Opening Hours: 11:40 ~ 21:30 (Break time 14:30 ~ 17:30, Closed every Monday)

This is an Italian restaurant I visit when I crave something special other than Korean food. The signature menus are 'Lasagna' made with ragu sauce simmered for over 5 hours and 'Potato Gnocchi' kneaded and roasted in-house. Especially, the potato gnocchi is characterized by a nutty taste added by cream sauce and truffle oil. Other menus like salads and pizzas are also faithful to the basics, making it a good place to visit with a group and taste various dishes.

Seongmidang

Signature Menu: Yukhoe Bibimbap (17,000 KRW / approx. $12 USD), Jeonju Bibimbap (15,000 KRW / approx. $11 USD)
Address: 19-9, Jeollagamyeong 5-gil, Wansan-gu, Jeonju-si, Jeonbuk
Opening Hours: 11:00 ~ 20:00 (Weekdays Break time 16:00 ~ 17:30, No break on weekends, Closed every Monday)

This is one of the historic restaurants mentioned along with the history of Jeonju Bibimbap. Having been introduced in various TV programs like Baek Jong-won's Top 3 Chef King, it is visited by both tourists and locals. The signature menus are 'Yukhoe Bibimbap' topped with fresh beef tartare and the traditional 'Jeonju Bibimbap'. When ordered, it is served neatly in a brass bowl with various vegetables and garnishes. It is good to visit when you think of a healthy bibimbap that brings out the natural taste of ingredients without being stimulating.

Jinsu Gopchang

Signature Menu: Special Jinsuseongchan (19,900 KRW / approx. $14 USD)
Address: 1F, 88, Jeonjugaeksa 1-gil, Wansan-gu, Jeonju-si, Jeonbuk
Opening Hours: 17:00 ~ 01:00 (Daily)

This is the main branch of the 'Jinsu Gopchang' franchise, which has branches in various regions. Since the staff grills the intestines directly at the table, you can enjoy the meal comfortably. The savory grilled intestines (Gopchang) are popular for dinner or as a side dish for drinks, and the assorted menu allowing you to taste various parts together is popular.

Haeyuldam

Signature Menu: Garomaksal (16,000 KRW / approx. $11.50 USD), Premium Beef Tongue (36,000 KRW / approx. $26 USD)
Address: 16, Hyeonmu 1-gil, Wansan-gu, Jeonju-si, Jeonbuk
Opening Hours: 16:00 ~ 22:30 (Weekdays) / 12:00 ~ 22:30 (Weekends & Holidays)

This is a place I visit when I want to eat meat in a slightly special atmosphere. It features rare cuts that are hard to find elsewhere, such as 'Garomaksal' (special pork cut) and 'Beef Tongue'. The table staff grills all the meat and places it on a warm stone plate, allowing you to focus comfortably on your meal. The meal menu '140-degree Perilla Oil Makguksu' has a pleasant nutty aroma of perilla oil, making it great to pair with meat.

Kkyodon

Signature Menu: Pork Cutlet Set (32,000 KRW / approx. $23 USD), Cheese Pork Cutlet (14,000 KRW / approx. $10 USD)
Address: 25, Jeonjugaeksa 4-gil, Wansan-gu, Jeonju-si, Jeonbuk
Opening Hours: 11:30 ~ 20:00 (Break time 14:30 ~ 17:00, Closed Mon, Tue)

This is a place where you can taste old-school Korean-Western style pork cutlets (Gyeongyangsik Tonkatsu) that bring back memories. The signature menu is the 'Pork Cutlet Set' (for 2 people). The batter is thin and crispy, and the sauce is sweet and sour with a fruity scent. The portion is quite large, so you can have a hearty and filling meal.

Geuttaesanjib

Signature Menu: Pufferfish Soup (Clear or Spicy) (20,000 KRW / approx. $14.50 USD)
Address: 79-5, Jeonjugaeksa 2-gil, Wansan-gu, Jeonju-si, Jeonbuk
Opening Hours: 09:00 ~ 21:00 (Daily)

This is an old heritage restaurant where you can taste fresh pufferfish dishes even in the inland city of Jeonju. When I need a hangover cure, I often think of the clear pufferfish soup (Bokjiri) here. The signature pufferfish soup is full of water parsley and bean sprouts, making the broth refreshing, and the chewy texture of the pufferfish is alive. The side dish, fried pufferfish, is also a delicacy.

Sinpo Our Mandoo

Signature Menu: Jjolmyeon (Spicy Chewy Noodles) (8,000 KRW / approx. $6 USD), Meat Dumplings (6,000 KRW / approx. $4.50 USD)
Address: 24-5, Jeonjugaeksa 4-gil, Wansan-gu, Jeonju-si, Jeonbuk
Opening Hours: 10:30 ~ 20:30 (Closed every Tuesday)

This is a snack bar that started in the Jeonbuk region and became a nationwide franchise. It offers various menus at affordable prices, making it a burden-free place to visit. It's a place I look for when I remember the taste of spicy and sweet Jjolmyeon I ate during my school days, or when I want hot dumpling soup in the cold winter. Among many branches, the ones in Jeonju have particularly good food quality.

Taebongjib

Signature Menu: Siraegi Haejangguk (Dried Radish Greens Hangover Soup) (8,000 KRW / approx. $6 USD), Pufferfish Soup (19,000 KRW / approx. $13.50 USD)
Address: 43-14, Jeonjugaeksa 5-gil, Wansan-gu, Jeonju-si, Jeonbuk
Opening Hours: 07:00 ~ 21:00 (Daily)

This is a heritage shop with a friendly atmosphere that has kept its place for a long time. In the evening, they sell relatively expensive seafood dishes like pufferfish soup or steamed monkfish, but many customers visit for breakfast. The 'Siraegi Haejangguk', sold only until 11 AM, allows for a hearty breakfast at an affordable price. Thanks to the kind and generous owner, I always have a pleasant meal whenever I visit.

Waeng-i Bean Sprout Soup Rice

Waeng-i Bean Sprout Soup Rice

Signature Menu: Waeng-i Gukbap (9,000 KRW / approx. $6.50 USD)
Address: 88, Dongmun-gil, Wansan-gu, Jeonju-si, Jeonbuk
Opening Hours: 07:00 ~ 21:00 (Daily)

This is a long-standing restaurant counted as one of the top 3 Bean Sprout Soup Rice places in Jeonju. Unlike other famous places, it is characterized by operating only the main branch without franchising. The signature 'Waeng-i Bean Sprout Soup Rice' is served using the 'Toryeom' method, where hot broth is poured over the rice repeatedly to warm it up. The broth is not scalding hot but maintains an appropriate temperature, and poached eggs (Suran) are served separately.

Jeonju is a city with great pride in its food since ancient times. The 20 restaurants in Jeonju Gaeksa introduced this time are places organized based on my long experience, but this is probably not all of Jeonju's delicious food.

Finding another hidden gem in Gaekridan-gil alleyways yourself will also be a great fun of Jeonju travel. I hope this article will be a small help to your enjoyable gourmet trip.