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Eat, Pray, Sleep: A Foodie's Guide to Jeonju Hanok Village

· 3 min read
Elena Vance
Elena Vance
Editor-in-Chief & Logistics Expert

When Koreans think of "Food", they think of Jeonju. Designated a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, this city is the spiritual home of Korean cuisine. But the jewel in its crown is the Jeonju Hanok Village, a slow-living district with over 700 traditional houses.

Here is how to spend a perfect 24 hours eating your way through history.

Eat, Pray, Sleep: A Foodies Guide to Jeonju Hanok Village

1. The Hanok Village Experience​

Walking into the village feels like entering a K-Drama set. There are no skyscrapers here, just endless rows of curved black-tile roofs.

Rent a Hanbok​

You will see thousands of visitors wearing colorful Hanbok (traditional dress).

  • Why do it? It’s fun, makes for great photos, and gets you free or discounted entry to palaces. Rental costs ~10,000 KRW for 2 hours.

Jeondong Cathedral​

A stunning red-brick church built by French missionaries in 1914. It stands right at the entrance of the village, creating a unique mix of Romanesque and Korean architecture.

Omokdae​

A hilltop pavilion. Climb the wooden stairs for the famous panoramic view of the village roofs. The best time is sunset.

2. The Great Jeonju Food Crawl​

You don't need a map. Just follow your nose.

Lunch: Jeonju Bibimbap​

This isn't just rice mixed with veggies. It features raw beef (Yukhoe), mung bean jelly, and nearly 20 ingredients.

  • Where: "Gajok Hoegwan" or "Gogung".

Street Snacks​

  • Gilgeoriya: A baguette hollowed out and stuffed with spicy pork and veggies. A fusion masterpiece.
  • PNB Choco Pie: A palm-sized chocolate cake filled with marshmallow and strawberry jam. Buy a box as a gift.
  • Grilled Cheese: Mozzarella cheese on a stick, grilled and topped with condensed milk.

Dinner: Makgeolli Alley​

Located in "Samcheon-dong," a taxi ride away. In Jeonju, you don't order food. You order a kettle of Makgeolli (Rice Wine).

  • The Magic: With every kettle you order, a new wave of side dishes arrives for free (Kimchi pancake, boiled pork, even soy crabs).

The Morning After: Kongnamul Gukbap​

Jeonju's legendary hangover cure. A hot, clear soup made with bean sprouts.

  • How to eat: Crack the poached egg into the soup or slurp it separately.

3. Sleeping on the Floor: Hanok Stays​

Forget hotels. In Jeonju, you stay in a Hanok. This means sleeping on the floor on a thick mattress ("Yo") with the "Ondol" heating system warming your back. It is incredibly cozy in winter, though it might be a bit hard for those with back issues.

4. Perfect 24-Hour Itinerary​

  • 12:00 PM: Arrive at Jeonju Station (KTX). Head to Hanok Village.
  • 1:00 PM: Lunch (Bibimbap).
  • 2:00 PM: Rent Hanbok & Explore Gyeonggijeon Shrine.
  • 5:00 PM: Hike (5 mins) to Omokdae for sunset photos.
  • 7:00 PM: Taxi to Makgeolli Alley for a feast.
  • Next Morning: Bean Sprout Soup & Buy Choco Pies before leaving.

Jeonju is a small city, but it has a big appetite.