Jeonju Hanok Village

Getting to the start

KTX from Yongsan to Jeonju, then a city bus to the village. Everything inside is on foot, and the lanes are narrow — leave large bags in a station locker.

The route

1. 1

   Gyeonggijeon Shrine

   Jeonju Hanok Village · 1h

   The shrine holding the portrait of Taejo, founder of the Joseon dynasty, right in the middle of the hanok village. Step inside the wall and the noise of the crowded lanes stops abruptly. Bamboo and old trees keep it shaded even in midsummer.

2. Walk3m

   The main gate of Gyeonggijeon opens onto the village's central lane. Follow Taejo-ro and turn into any side street — one block off the main road the crowds thin out sharply.

   2

   Jeonju Hanok Village

   Jeonju · 2h 30m

   Around 700 hanok houses, the largest such cluster in the country. Unlike Bukchon in Seoul it was developed commercially, so the lanes are lined with shops and hanbok rentals — and crowds to match. Come early or on a weekday and it is a different place.

   

   Official site →
3. Walk5m

   Follow Taejo-ro back toward the main gate of Gyeonggijeon and the red brick bell tower is across the road — one crossing away. You cannot go in during Mass, so check the notice at the door first.

   3

   Jeondong Catholic Church

   Hanok Village, Jeonju · 40m

   A brick church completed in 1914 on the site of Korea's first Catholic martyrdoms. It stands one road across from the main gate of Gyeonggijeon, so tiled roofs and a Romanesque bell tower land in the same frame. Mass is still said here: keep quiet inside, and expect access to be closed during services.

   

   Official site →

Map

• Gyeonggijeon Shrine →
• Jeonju Hanok Village →
• Jeondong Catholic Church →