Credit: Korea Tourism Organization - Son Su-yeon

Recognized as Korea's first UNESCO City of Gastronomy, Jeonju is a city where history breathes and culture flourishes. Its unique charm has also made it the backdrop for numerous dramas, including “Twenty-Five Twenty-One,” “The King’s Affection,” and “The Red Sleeve.” Let’s enjoy a romantic Hallyu trip to Jeonju, the most traditional city in Korea.

| Ring-Making Experience at Jeonju Hanok Village, Somcdang

Credit: Ring-Making Experience at Jeonju Hanok Village, Somcdang

Credit: Ring-Making Experience at Jeonju Hanok Village, Somcdang

Credit: Ring-Making Experience at Jeonju Hanok Village, Somcdang

Located within Jeonju Hanok Village, Somcdang is a metalworking studio where you can create accessories like rings and bracelets by hand. It gained fame when MAMAMOO's Hwasa and Wheein, who spent their school days in Jeonju, made friendship rings with their initials on the TV show “I Live Alone.” Actress Kim Tae-ri, beloved for her role in “Twenty-Five Twenty-One,” also visited Jeonju, the location featured in the drama, and created a ring engraved with her name at this very spot. In addition to silver, you can use a variety of materials, such as threads, cords, and beads. The studio also offers a service to capture the process on camera, allowing you to cherish the memories of your experience.

| Jeonju Hanok Railbike

Credit: Jeonju Hanok Railbike

Credit: Jeonju Hanok Railbike

Credit: Jeonju Hanok Railbike

Just a 10-minute drive from Jeonju Hanok Village is a popular rail bike attraction visited by INFINITE’s Sung-kyu. Jeonju Hanok Railbike offers a 3.4-kilometer round trip at speeds of up to 20 km/h. With a new railway built alongside the old tracks, you might even catch the rare thrill of riding parallel to a KTX train. Sung-kyu visited this spot in the final episode of the web variety show “Tour Fairy,” where he pedaled through tunnels lit with dazzling lights and enjoyed the scenic railway views during a 30-minute ride. You can also snap some cool photos at the retro-themed photo spots around Ajung Station, the boarding area.

| Gaeksa-gil Street

Credit: Korea Tourism Organization

Credit: Korea Tourism Organization

Credit: Korea Tourism Organization

MAMAMOO’s Wheein shared a vlog where she enjoyed a date with her mom on Jeonju Gaeksa-gil Street. Known for its cozy restaurants and cafés, Gaeksa-gil Street is a downtown area in Jeonju, also called Gaengnidan-gil Street. At the heart of it lies the Pungpaejigwan Guesthouse (Treasure No. 583), a historic inn where officials and envoys in the Joseon Dynasty stayed. Today, it serves as a resting place for citizens. Nearby is Movie Street, which serves as the backdrop for the Jeonju International Film Festival. With a range of theaters, from large ones like CGV to Jeonju Digital Independent Cinema showcasing independent and art films, the area is bustling with movie lovers.

| Jeonju Nambu Traditional Market

Credit: Kim Eun-jin, DANIM 6th Gen

Nambu Traditional Market, located just a 5-minute walk from Jeonju Hanok Village, is the largest traditional market in Jeonju. Its signature dishes include bean sprout and rice soup and sundae with pork blood. In particular, the latter is a favorite among Koreans, with Girls' Generation's Taeyeon recalling its taste as "filled with memories of her mother" during her appearance on the variety show “Amazing Saturday.” Every Friday and Saturday from 5 PM, the night market opens, offering delicious street food such as pan-fried battered beef, grilled pork belly gimbap, deep-fried shrimp, and sweet rice puffs. The Youth Mall on the second floor, home to shops run by young, creative vendors, was also the filming location for the drama “Unintentional Love Story,” starring B1A4's Gongchan.

* This column was last updated in November 2024, and therefore information may differ from what is presented here. We advise you to confirm details before visiting.