The historic city of Jeonju is a popular tourist destination, even among Koreans. Filled with captivating attractions, including the Hanok Village, and delicious food, Jeonju is a charming tourist destination where you can appreciate the beauty of both tradition and modernity. The city’s fabulous daytime scenery transforms itself into a marvelous and completely different sight at night. So, why not have a fantastic time exploring the city’s major attractions?

Gyeonggijeon Shrine

Located south of the Hanok Village, Gyeonggijeon Shrine is a must-see historic site in the city. The shrine is home to the Jeonju Historical Archives, which enshrines the portrait of King Taejo, Joseon Dynasty’s founder. It was also where the Veritable Records of the Joseon Dynasty were once kept, but it is now kept at the Kyujanggak Institute of Korean Studies in Seoul National University.

The shrine is known for centuries-old trees standing between the ancient buildings. In particular, the bamboo tree–lined passage is a popular photo spot for tourists dressed in hanbok (traditional Korean clothes).

Palbok Factory of Contemporary Arts

If you want to enjoy diverse experimental art exhibitions, the Factory of Contemporary Arts in Palbok is the perfect place for you to visit! It’s located in a deserted industrial complex from the 1960s and 1970s. The factory used to produce cassette tapes, and after being abandoned for 25 years, it was reborn as a culture and arts “power station.” Here, you can enjoy unique exhibitions and drink coffee in a café with a unique industrial interior.

The Palbok Factory of Contemporary Arts is an extensive venue with an indoor exhibition hall and artist studios. It is also operating an overseas artist-support program and features the former factory’s exterior and a red container acting as a bridge between the different buildings, creating a dynamic cultural space. Because of the unusual atmosphere created by the nearby railroad, it is also a well-known photo spot.

Korea Expressway Corporation’s Jeonju Arboretum

The Korea Expressway Corporation’s Jeonju Arboretum was built to recover the surrounding natural environment damaged during the nearby expressway’s construction. The vast arboretum includes a rose garden, silver grass field, greenhouse, and much more. Each space is teeming with beautiful green plants and trees.

If you love nature and plants, a visit to a botanical garden or arboretum is a great way to recharge. Jeonju Arboretum offers beautiful scenery, with seasonal plants blending with the hanok buildings. It is also the ideal place to appreciate nature’s splendors while strolling around and taking photos.

Hagindang House

Hagindang House is one of the oldest and largest (1,983 m2) hanok in Jeonju Hanok Village. It is a modern-style, two-story building with a large attic, unlike other traditional hanok. It is also known as a filming location for the Korean TV series “Mr. Sunshine (2018)” and the Jeonju Hanok Village’s only designated cultural heritage site.

Currently, only overnight guests are allowed to visit Hagindang, a highly recommended stop for anyone wishing to spend a night in a hanok. It also offers multiple entertaining programs related to traditional Korean culture, ranging from a traditional house stay experience to a dancheong (ornamental painting) design experience.

Craft Beer at Nomadic Beer Garden

Located in an alley on the way to Jeonju Hanok Village and the local Confucian school, the Nomadic Beer Garden’s splendid terrace captures the eyes of passersby. It offers microbrews from Nomadic Brewing Co.’s American brew master. Aside from its tasty beer, its beautiful garden and outdoor terrace attract many people craving a glass of cold craft beer on a warm day!

This pub fits in well with Jeonju Hanok Village’s surroundings. It offers diverse beer types, from its signature beer “Nomadica” to a fruit-flavored beer and a cream beer, and snacks, like deep-fried potatoes, guaranteed to satiate your thirst and hunger.

Omokdae Pavilion Overlooking the Hanok Village

If you walk up to Omokdae Pavilion, you will be greeted by a panoramic view of Jeonju Hanok Village, where the past, present, and future harmoniously coexist. From the Hanok Village, stroll past Gyeonggijeon Shrine and along Dullegil trail to find yourself in the pavilion at the top of the trail. Originally built to celebrate a war victory during the Joseon Dynasty, the pavilion is renowned for its fantastic nighttime view of the Hanok Village. You are sure to be charmed by the pavilion, illuminated by moonlight and soft nighttime lighting.

The view of Jeonju Hanok Village from Omokdae Pavilion creates a splendid sight, with lights and shadows emanating from the different hanok, giving visitors the impression that they’re traveling back to the past. Apart from its fabulous sunset and nighttime views, it commands an open view of Jeonju’s major attractions, such as Gyeonggijeon Shrine, Jeondong Cathedral, and Jeonjuhyanggyo Local Confucian School, making it a trendy photo spot.

Namcheongyo Bridge and Cheonyeollu Pavilion

Namcheongyo Bridge, the gateway to Jeonju Hanok Village, and Cheongyeollu Pavilion, with its hipped-and-gable roof built on the bridge, are the highlights of Jeonju’s nightscape. Namcheongyo Bridge is surrounded by soft, ambient lighting illuminating Jeonjucheon Stream beneath it, attracting many late-night walkers.

With its fantastic night view, Namcheongyo Bridge is a great destination to end your trip to Jeonju after enjoying the city’s traditional and modern sights. You’re sure to find peace while watching the beautiful sunset from here during a clear day.

* This column was written in November 2021, and therefore information may differ from what is presented here. We advise you to check the details before visiting.