Jeollabuk-do

Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province at a Glance

Located in the southwestern part of the Korean Peninsula, Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province is a fertile land where vast plains and the Yellow Sea harmonize. Once the center of Baekje and the capital of Later Baekje, this place holds the breath of deep history. Known as the home of taste, beauty, and sound, it is a place where one can vividly experience traditional culture. It is also an attractive region where the present and past coexist, having launched as a special self-governing province in January 2024 and dreaming of leaping forward as a 'Global Bio-Economy City'.

Recommended for

• History Explorers: Those who want to follow the footsteps of history, such as Jeonju, the capital of Later Baekje, and the World Heritage dolmen sites.
• Foodies: Those who want to taste local dishes representing the flavors of Korea, such as Jeonju Bibimbap and Kongnamulgukbap (Sprout Rice Soup).
• Nature Lovers: Those who want to enjoy the beautiful nature that changes throughout the four seasons, including the autumn foliage of Naejangsan and the snowscapes of Deogyusan.
• Traditional Culture Experiencers: Those who want to create special memories by wearing hanbok and strolling among the peaceful hanok in Jeonju Hanok Village.
• Family Travelers: Those looking for a travel destination with various sights, food, and activities that will satisfy everyone, regardless of age or gender.

Getting There and Access

• KTX/SRT: It takes approximately 1 hour 40 minutes to 2 hours by KTX from Seoul (Yongsan/Suseo) to Jeonju. From Busan, it is common to transfer at Iksan Station to reach Jeonju, taking about 2 hours 10 minutes in total.
• Express Bus: It takes about 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours from Seoul (Central City) to Jeonju. From Busan (Sasang), it takes about 3 hours 30 minutes.
• Air: While domestic flights operate at Gunsan Airport, KTX or bus may be more efficient when departing from Seoul or Busan.
• Local Transportation: Using buses or taxis is convenient in downtown Jeonju. If you plan to explore various cities and counties within Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province, renting a car is the most free and efficient option if you are comfortable driving.

Top 5-7 Attractions

• Jeonju Hanok Village: Korea's largest traditional hanok village, where approximately 700 hanok houses are densely clustered.
• Gochang Dolmen Sites: A UNESCO World Heritage site and a world-renowned repository of megalithic culture, where you can see various forms of dolmens.
• Maisan Provincial Park: Famous for its two uniquely shaped peaks resembling horse ears and the mysterious stone pagodas located beneath them.
• Naejangsan National Park: One of Honam's representative famous mountains, especially renowned for its beautiful autumn foliage.
• Deogyusan National Park: A place greatly loved by hikers for its snowscapes created by snow flowers (frost flowers) and rime ice in winter.
• Buan Naesosa Temple: An ancient temple from the Baekje era, famous for its beautiful fir tree forest path and the antique Daeungbojeon (Main Hall, Treasure).

Local Food & Specialties

• Jeonju Bibimbap & Kongnamulgukbap: Representative dishes of Jeonju that need no explanation, the warm rice and refreshing soup are excellent.
• Gochang Pungcheon Eel: Eel caught where seawater and freshwater meet, popular as a health-boosting food due to its chewy texture and clean taste.
• Namwon Chueotang (Loach Soup): Boasts a savory and rich soup flavor, made with loach from the pristine area of Jirisan (Mount Jiri) as its main ingredient.

Seasonal Recommendations

• Spring: Feel the bright spring atmosphere along the cherry blossom tunnel road of Jinan Maisan.
• Summer: We recommend a trip to cool off in the refreshing sea of Muju Gucheondong Valley or Buan Byeonsanbando (Byeonsan Peninsula).
• Autumn: Immerse yourself in a spectacular feast of colorful autumn foliage at Naejangsan, known as the 'Geumgang of Honam'.
• Winter: Enjoy winter hiking by climbing Deogyusan Hyangjeokbong Peak to admire the fantastic snow flowers (frost flowers) and rime ice.

Tips for Foreign Visitors

• Language: Major tourist attractions like Jeonju Hanok Village are well-equipped with English signs and information centers, but it can be useful to know some basic Korean in smaller cities or local restaurants.
• Payment: Credit card payment is possible at most restaurants, shops, and accommodations, but cash may be needed in traditional markets or small shops.
• Experience: There are many hanbok rental shops in Jeonju Hanok Village, allowing you to easily experience hanbok, and you can experience a special night through hanok accommodation.