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

Getty Images

Jeonju Hanok Maeul

Top choice in 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 them contain guesthouses, restaurants, cafes, and hanbok (traditional clothing) rental shops. Though super-duper touristy, the cobblestone lanes and unusual architectural lines coupled with wisps of smoke from octopus grills all come together to create an enchanting experience, especially at dusk when an orange hue paints the village with a soft light.

If the thought of afternoon crowds makes the journey here seem less fun, escape to less-explored areas in and around the village. Head to Girin-daero, cross the road and admire the street art in Jaman Village. Walk down the hill and turn right on to the path that runs along the north side of the river. Take time to explore the back alleys and discover hidden gems like Cho Ga Jib. Continuing down the main path beyond Cheongyeonru's gazebo, head to the 2nd floor of the Nambu-sijang for a drink or meal.

Some places in the village host workshops (on making traditional paper or alcohol, for example). These usually require advance reservations and a minimum of two people; ask at a tourist information centre.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Jeonju attractions

1. Omok-dae

0.12 MILES

On a hill overlooking the entire village is a pavilion where General Yi Seong-gye celebrated a victory over Japanese pirates in 1380, prior to his…

2. Jeonju Korean Paper Institute

0.13 MILES

See sheets of hanji (handmade paper) being manufactured in this institute, housed in a gloriously atmospheric hanok (traditional wooden home) down an…

3. Gyeonggijeon

0.17 MILES

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…

4. Imok-dae

0.19 MILES

This underwhelming monument commemorates one of the ancestors of Joseon dynasty founder Yi Seong-gye. It's located across the bridge from Omok-dae.

5. Traditional Wine Museum

0.2 MILES

Housed in a beautiful hanok (traditional wooden home), this museum has a gosori (traditional still), displays (in Korean) explaining the process of making…

6. Jeondong Catholic Church

0.2 MILES

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…

7. Gangam Calligraphy Museum

0.22 MILES

Houses the artwork and art collection of a well-known 20th-century calligrapher, Song Sung-yong (pen name, Gangam).

8. Jaman Village

0.25 MILES

Eclectic, colourful murals adorn the walls of this shantytown, on a hill overlooking Jeonju's hanok maeul. It's slowly gentrifying, meaning several spots…