Travel blogs about South Korea are always seemingly geared towards Seoul, or the surrounding areas. While there is a plethora of things to do in the capital, and you could easily spend 2 weeks exploring every corner.  Jeonju is the 16th largest city in the country and a very popular tourist destination. Located only 3 hours outside of Seoul and 2.5 hours from Pyeongtaek City, it definitely makes the perfect day or weekend trip.

The two biggest reasons that I think Jeonju deserves a spot on any expats' Korea bucket list is the fact that ancient culture is still alive, and the food scene is exquisite. It isn’t nicknamed, “the perfect region” for no reason, I can say that for sure. Now, here are seven reasons to visit Jeonju.

How to Get There:

Jeonju is very easy to get to by multiple modes of transportation.

From Seoul to Jeonju → car takes 2 hours and 11 minutes, KTX train via City Hall Station to Jeonju station is 2 hours, and bus via Seoul Central Bus Terminal direct to Jeonju station is 2 hours and 40 minutes. Expect to pay between 20,000-30,000 for this ticket round trip.

From Pyeongtaek to Jeonju → car takes 1 hour and 38 minutes, KTX train Mugungwha to Jeonju station takes 2 hours and 30 minutes. There are no buses available for this route. Cost for this ticket is 13,000 won per ticket round trip

From Busan to Jeonju → cars takes 2 hours and 33 minutes, Busan Sasang bus terminal direct to Jeonju station takes about 3 hours and 33 minutes, KTX train from Busan station, to Osong station (1 hour transfer), then to Jeonju is 3 hours and 34 minutes. Cost for this will be around 30,000+ per ticket round trip

KTX train is your best bet transportation wise for any of these routes because it’s both faster and more affordable. You can use these fantastic sites as a reference for planning your transportation route for any trip. 

If you want to avoid planning altogether, consider a private Jeonju taxi charter for 5 hours — a perfect choice if you're already in Korea and want flexible, door-to-door access to Jeonju’s top attractions.

Where to Stay in Jeonju:

I didn’t do an overnight trip when I went to Jeonju, because it’s not that far from where I live. However, there are a variety of places to stay inside of the hanok village. Many of the hotels are simply called guest houses. Below I will list some options:

The Hanok Jeonju: 4.5 stars, rate is 60,000 won per night, offers free wifi and breakfast

Geunsu’s Chogajip: Top rated guest house in the village with a garden, free wifi, breakfast, private bathroom, living room, and more, rate is between 50,000-60,000 won per night

Laon Hanok Gguljiam: Another highly rated guest house in the village, private bathroom, air conditioning, continental breakfast, and wifi, rate per night is 67,000 won.

Want more options? Use our interactive map to explore top-rated Jeonju hotels and find the best deals on your travel dates.

Reason 1: Jeonju Hanok Village – A Living Museum

A hanok is a village with very traditional Korean houses. I have only been to one hanok village before, which was in Seoul. However, the one in Jeonju Hanok Village South Korea completely blew me away. There was so much more to it, and it takes time to get through. It has a variety of shops, restaurants, street food, and hanbok rental shops. You can rent this traditional Korean clothing for 10,000–15,000 won ($8–$12 USD) for up to three hours. During my visit, I saw many girls and guys walking around the village in these extravagant garments and taking pictures. I would definitely be mindful of the seasons, because in the summer those things can drench you in sweat.

If you're visiting from Seoul and want a comprehensive experience, there’s an excellent 8-hour small-group tour that covers both Jeonju Hanok Village and the breathtaking Maisan Mountain — home to Tapsa Temple and its mysterious stone pagodas.

Reason 2: Incredible Local Cuisine – Don’t Miss Jeonju Hyundaiok and Gogung

Jeonju is an absolute paradise for foodies. There are street food stalls and a variety of restaurants on every corner. But, they are actually famous for having some of the best Bibimbap in Korea. This dish with beef, rice, egg, and a variety of vegetables is so delicious and filling.

One standout restaurant is Gogung, located in the beginning part of the village. It feels like a mom-and-pop shop and has been serving Bibimbap since 1986. My friend and I ended up getting Set B, which came with a spring onion and shrimp-filled pancake. This place was absolutely phenomenal.

For a taste of Jeonju’s traditional flavors, you can also try Jeonju Hyundaiok, a favorite among locals for their authentic Jeonju-style hanjeongsik (full-course Korean meal).

Reason 3: Jeonju Weather – A City for All Seasons

The Jeonju South Korea weather plays a big role in its charm. Spring offers cherry blossoms, autumn is filled with red and gold leaves in the mountains, and winter gives the Hanok rooftops a beautiful snow-dusted look. Each season adds a new personality to the city.

Planning your visit around the ideal season? Use our travel planner to check weather forecasts and find seasonal experiences that suit your vibe.

Reason 4: Art and Views at Omokdae and Jaman Mural Village

The Omokdae Viewpoint provides a spectacular, panoramic view overlooking the Hanok village and the mountains that surround it. It’s a little bit of a hike to get to this point, thankfully there are stairs to climb.

Just across from Omokdae is the Jaman Mural Village. I will warn you that it’s super hilly, but the artwork is worth the climb. There’s a mix of old art depicting ancient history, and modern art referencing popular media. It’s an Instagram-worthy spot not to miss.

Reason 5: Taste Jeonju – PNB Bakery & Tea Culture

Besides bingsu being one of the most popular desserts in Korea, Jeonju also has something else to offer. Be sure to stop by PNB Bakery, located in the village, for their famous chocolate whoopie pies. You can get them in flavors like double chocolate, green tea, and more.

I also visited a local tea house where I sat on a pillow, sipping a steaming cup of herbal tea in a traditional hanok setting. The tea will be served traditionally, and the peaceful ambiance is something you’ll carry with you long after the trip. If you’re into authentic Korean tea culture, Gyodong Tea Garden is another tranquil spot to check out.

Reason 6: Jeonju from Seoul – An Easy Escape

Whether you're traveling by KTX or express bus, Jeonju from Seoul is incredibly convenient. You can even turn your trip into a fulfilling experience by joining a guided day trip.

Consider exploring Jeonju Hanok Village + Maisan Mountain on a small-group, 8-hour tour. Maisan, appointed by the Michelin Guide, and Tapsa Temple, recognized by CNN, offer a striking contrast to the village’s wooden charm. The natural and man-made wonders combined into one tour provide the perfect essence of Jeonju.

Alternatively, the 12-hour day trip from Seoul that includes both Jeonju and Jangtaesan’s lush metasequoia forest is ideal for travelers wanting to pair cultural immersion with natural serenity.

Reason 7: Jeonju Café Scene – Aesthetic Meets Aroma

This cafe actually isn’t in the Hanok village; it’s the opposite way. Cafe Manoa is a 30-minute taxi ride from Jeonju Station. It looks like an abandoned Catholic church adorned with flowers and stuffed bears, offering an unmatched visual and taste experience. I ordered the Dalgona latte paired with a delectable French toast muffin. It’s not just about drinks—it’s about the experience.

Whether you're in love with culture, food, weather, art, or coffee—or just looking for an easy getaway from Seoul—Jeonju delivers on every front.