Traditional Korean food bibbimbap from Jeonju

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Jeollabuk-do

The small south-western province of Jeollabuk-do (전라북도) punches above its weight. At the centre is the capital Jeonju, famous for its hanok maeul, a village of hundreds of traditional tile-roofed buildings that house restaurants, cafes and teahouses. Koreans also call Jeonju, a Unesco-listed 'City of Gastronomy', the country's number-one foodie destination: eat once in Jeonju, they say, and you're spoiled for life. It makes sense: this fertile green province is an agricultural heartland whose fresh produce stars in local dishes.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • Jeonju Hanok Village with over 800 traditional Korean houses remaining in central Jeonju. Jeonju, Jeollabuk-do, South Korea.

    Jeonju Hanok Maeul

    Jeonju

    This maeul (village) has more than 800 hanok (traditional wooden homes), making it one of the largest such concentrations in the country. Virtually all of…

  • Samseon Bridge

    Samseon Bridge

    Jeollabuk-do

    It's only 36m long, but it feels much longer once you reach the middle of this steel-cable bridge shooting up to the sky at a 51-degree angle. A fantastic…

  • Deogyusan National Park

    Deogyusan National Park

    Jeollabuk-do

    This national park is a hiker's playground and home of Deogyusan Muju ski resort. Gucheon-dong, a small tourist village, marks the start of the park’s…

  • Naeso-sa

    Naeso-sa

    Jeollabuk-do

    Compared to many temples in Jeollabuk-do, Naeso-sa is a bit underwhelming. Originally built in AD 633 and last renovated in the 19th century, its…

  • Seonun-sa

    Seonun-sa

    Jeollabuk-do

    This Zen temple, founded in 577 and last rebuilt in 1720, is nestled among verdant hills. Just behind the temple is a 500-year-old camellia forest (동백 나무…

  • Moaksan Provincial Park

    Moaksan Provincial Park

    Jeollabuk-do

    This park, which contains Moaksan (794m), is a popular destination for hikers on weekends. The main attraction is the temple, Geumsan-sa, which dates to…

  • Jeondong Catholic Church

    Jeondong Catholic Church

    Jeonju

    The easiest landmark to find around the hanok village is a tall, red-brick church built by French missionary Xavier Baudounet where Korean Catholics were…

  • Gyeonggijeon

    Gyeonggijeon

    Jeonju

    This palace is home to shrines, storehouses and guardrooms relating to the Confucian rituals once held here. There is also a replica portrait of Yi Seong…

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Jeollabuk-do and beyond

Beyond Jeollabuk-do
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