10 Best Free Things to Do in Jeonju

At Jeonju Hanji Museum, you can learn about the culture and excellence of Korean traditional hanji. You can also examine in detail how hanji is made through cute models made with hanji. In addition to hanji, the museum also exhibits the kind of media that were used in the four major civilizations of Mesopotamia, Egypt, the Mediterranean Sea and China prior to the invention of paper. According to the exhibition, paper was not originally invented to record. It will be interesting to see for what purposes paper was invented and when it began to be used for recording.

In addition to the permanent exhibit, the special exhibit hosts an invitation event featuring the works of hanji craftsmen where you will experience something different to enjoy. You can also participate in the hanji making experience for free, so don’t miss out.

Pungnammun Gate, a symbol of Jeonju, is the only gate preserved to date among the east, west, north and south gates of the fortress surrounding Jeonju, which is why it is designated as Treasure No. 308. It was first built in the Goryeo period but was damaged during the period of the Joseon Dynasty. Thanks to recent repair work and renovation, it has been restored to its original appearance. The shape of Pungnammun is similar to Sungnyemun Gate in Seoul. A Statue of Peace sits in the plaza on the opposite side and it will be a meaningful time if you check it out as well.

Enjoy the beautiful view of Pungnammun at night. You will feel a different vibe of the gate with elegant lighting that illuminates the structure brightly. The gate itself boasts splendour. You can’t climb up onto the fortress wall or go inside but you can take selfies of your lifetime with the beautiful night view of Pungnammun in the background. Savour the mood of Pungnammun Gate, proudly protecting Jeonju, in various ways.

In Jeonju Hanok Village, you can experience the culture and traditions of the old Joseon Dynasty for free. This village, which is home to around 700 hanoks forming a community in the Pungnam-dong area of Jeonju, features many cultural facilities throughout the town, which enables visitors to encounter different elements of the culture including hanok, Korean food, hanji and hanbok in a single location.

The cultural commentary tours exploring the Hanok Village are available for free and run each hour. There are eight courses under different themes providing you with a wide range of choices. However, you need to inquire about the schedule and make reservations in advance. Feel different vibes in every corner of Hanok Village and enjoy the beautiful scenery. If you go on a stamp tour, you will be able to enjoy the attractions of Hanok Village to the fullest.

Constructed in the early 20th century, Jeondong Catholic Cathedral is one of the most beautiful buildings in Korea, combining Byzantine and Romanesque styles. It is the largest and oldest Western-style building in the Honam region, and is also the site where many Catholics, including the first martyrs in Korea, were executed.

Across the street from Jeondong Catholic Cathedral, a holy place of the Catholic Church, stands Gyeonggijeon, which is considered as a shrine from the Joseon Dynasty, and also Pungnammun Gate of Jeonju Fortress. When visiting the area around the cathedral, you will be able to see a unique combination of eastern and western architecture. Since there is no entrance fee, feel free to visit and take memorable pictures with the unique cathedral in the background. You can spend some valuable time looking back on history while enjoying the splendid, antique cathedral.

Deokjin Park, located in the centre of downtown Jeonju, is a park that holds the vast Deokjinho Lake. The lake is embroidered with lotus flowers every July, gaining huge popularity among not only Jeonju citizens but also tourists from all over the country. The lotus flowers of Deokjinho are called “Deokjip Chaeryeon” and are regarded as one of the Eight Scenic Views of Jeonju. You can enjoy an outstanding view of the lake while crossing Yeonhwagyo Bridge, a newly built marble bridge, and you can also savour the tranquil atmosphere of the lake at the wooden Yeonjigyo Bridge and Yeonjijeong Pavilion. You shouldn’t leave out the musical fountain that unfolds before you in the lake.

In this place that is filled with the scents of lotus flowers, look for monuments of poets who brought honour to the literary history of Jeonju. You will be able to feel moved when you encounter statues of various poets including Shin Seok-jeong and Kim Hae-gang and a line from a collection of poems.

Located in the southeastern part of Jeonju, Moaksan Mountain is designated as a provincial park, and Geumsansa Temple located on the mountain boasts excellent spring scenery, which is considered one of the Four Scenic Views of Honam. Legend has it that the name “Moak” comes from a rock at the top, which resembles a mother holding a baby. Particularly in spring, the entire mountain is covered with dark pink cherry blossoms and azaleas that produce quite a spectacle. Once you walk past Daewonsa and Suwangsa Temples and climb up a slightly steeper path to the top, you will be able to overlook downtown Jeonju and the Honam Plains in a single view.

Geumsansa, a famous temple built during the Baekje period, also lies on Moaksan. Geumsansa houses around 10 treasure-level relics, so make sure to visit and study the radiant Buddhist arts.

Jeonju Korean Traditional Wine Museum is a place that continues the existence of Gayangju and enables visitors to experience various Korean traditional wines. Gayangju refers to the liquor, or the culture behind the liquor, brewed by each household in the traditional method without any chemical additives. The museum, which offers free admission, is divided into two spaces - Gyeyeongwon that displays and sells various traditional wines from all over the country and Yanghwadang that exhibits wine brewing tools and process.

Through the permanent program, you can listen to a simple commentary for free and also participate in a traditional wine tasting experience. If you pay a small fee, you can also try brewing wine or making Gayangju yourself. There are also many other experience programs available, so it would be nice to check them out in advance before you visit. Do not miss the opportunity to enjoy traditional wine with both your eyes and mouth.

Jeonjuhyanggyo is a place where you can take a peek at the kind of education Confucian scholars received during the Joseon Dynasty. At the centre of hyanggyo stands Daeseongjeon Shrine, where tablets of the five saints of Confucianism - Confucius, Yan Hui, Zisi, Zengzi and Mencius - are enshrined. Located behind Daeseongjeon is Myeongnyundang Lecture Hall, which was used for education, and, on the left and right are Dongjae and Seojae, which were dormitories for Confucian scholars. Magnificent ginkgo trees that are around 400 years old stand tall in the front yard of Daeseongjeon and Myeongnyundang. The ginkgo trees symbolise the upright nature of Confucian scholars since they are not harmed by insects or do not rot easily. They continue to attract many people who come to see the yellow ginkgo trees in autumn.

Jeonjuhyanggyo is also a famous location for the dramas, “Love in the Moonlight” and “Sungkyunkwan Scandal.” The road around the wall surrounding hyanggyo is perfect for enjoying the Korean atmosphere with a tranquil vibe. Located inside the Hanok Village, Jeonjuhyanggyo is easily accessible without any additional admission fee. Make sure to stop by and feel the relaxing atmosphere.