Top 10 jeollabukdo Attractions You must Visit
In this article, we will share the list of best attractions you must visit as you travel jeollabukdo, South Korea. Make sure you read this to the end and visit each one of them if you plan to travel Jeollabukdo, South Korea.
North Jeolla Province, also known as Jeonbuk, is a province of South Korea. North Jeolla has a population of 1,869,711 and has a geographic area of 8,067 km² located in the Honam region in the southwest of the Korean Peninsula.
Jeollabukdo History
During the Proto-Three Kingdoms period, Jeolla region was the center of the Mahan confederacy among Samhan. There were 15 tribal countries out of 54 in the region. During the period of the Three States, this region came to belong to Baekje when it absorbed Mahan. Baekje was destroyed by the Silla and Chinese Tang dynasty allied force in 660 (20th year of King Uija) and ruled by Tang. It became a part of Silla when Tang was expelled in 676 (16th year of King Munmu).
When there were nine states and five small capitals in Unified Silla in 685, there were Wansan-ju (present Jeonju) and Namwon-gyeong (present Namwon) in Jeollabuk-do in existence.
In 892, when General Gyeon Hwon founded Hubaekje (later Baekje), this area was the center of the country for about 50 years. In 936, during the rule of Singeom, it was attributed to Goryeo Dynasty. From 900 to the time when Hubaekje was attributed to Goryeo, Wansan-ju (present Jeonju) had been its capital, and the country ruled the whole Jeolla-do region.
During the Joseon Dynasty, as the administrative districts of the whole nation were organized in the Eight Provinces system in 1413 (13th year of King Taejong’s reign), Jeolla-do took charge of vast areas of one prefecture, four autonomous counties, four protectorates, 12 counties, and 31 counties covering present Jeollanam-do, Jeollabuk-do and Jeju-do.
In 1963, Geumsan-gun was incorporated into Chungnam, and Wido-myeon of Jeonnam was incorporated into Jeonbuk. Jeongju-eup and Namwon-eup were raised to cities in 1981 and Gimje-eup was raised to city status in 1989. Wansan-gu and Deokjin-gu were established in Jeonju-city in the same year.
Due to establishment of cities in the mixed type of city-farming area in 1995, Okgu, Jeungeup, Namwon, Gimje and Iksan-Guns were combined. Gimje and Iksan-guns were merged and Gunsan, Jeonju, Namwon, Gimje and Iri cities were integrated. Through repeated reorganizations of administrative districts, now the region consists of the administrative districts of six cities and eight counties.
Best Things to do in Jeollabukdo
- Jeonju Hanok Village
- Gunsan modern history museum
- Naejangsan National Park
- Maisan Provincial Park
- Taekwondowon
- Seonunsan Provincial Park
- Daedunsan Provincial Park
- Gochang Sin jae hyeo historic house
- Seonyudo Park
- Byeonsan Beach
Jeonju Hanok Village
Jeonju Hanok Village is located in the city of Jeonju and overlaps Pungnam-dong and Gyo-dong. There are 735 traditional Korean hanok houses. While the rest of the city has been industrialized, Hanok Village retains its historical charms and traditions.
The charm of Jeonju Hanok Village lies in the hanok buildings’ unique roof edges, which are slightly raised to the sky. Hanok houses are generally divided into two sections, anchae and sarangchae. Sarangchae is where the men dwell. Because men and women had to remain separated, anchae is situated deep inside the house so that it is secretive and quiet.
Another trait of hanok is that all the houses are heated with ondol, a unique floor heating system. Since Koreans enjoy sitting, eating, and sleeping on the floor, it needs to remain heated. To experience what hanok is like, visitors can either book a hanok accommodation or visit the Hanok Life Experience Hall.
Useful Informations
- Tour Course Information
[Half-day Tours]
– Exploring hidden gems of Hanok Village Course
– Experience alleys of Hanok Village Course
– Leisure walk Course
– Jeonju Hanok Village slow tour Course
– Joseon dynasty’s King Taejo history tour route (KBS drama “Jeong Do-jeon (2014)” filming sites)
[Hanok Village & Nearby Attractions Tour]
– 1 day Hanok village and vicinity tour
– 2 days Hanok village and vicinity tour - Address: 29, Eojin-gil, Wansan-gu, Jeonju-si, Jeollabuk-do
전라북도 전주시 완산구 어진길 29 일대 - Phone: +82-63-282-1330
- Homepage: hanok.jeonju.go.kr
How to get here:
By [Train + Bus]
From Jeonju Station, take Bus No. 12, 60 ,79, 109, 119, 142, 508, 513, 536 or 542 and get off at Jeondong Cathedral (Hanok Village) Bus Stop.
Gunsan Modern History Museum
First opened on September 30, 2011, the Gunsan Modern History Museum covers the history of Gunsan’s transformative role as an international trading port. The museum exhibits past images of Gunsan showing its rise and importance as a West Sea maritime distribution port.
Useful Informations
- Operating Hours: 09:00-18:00
Closed on Mondays, New Year’s Day, Mayor-designated holidays - Admission / Participation Fees
Individuals – Adults 2,000 won / Teenagers 1,000 won / Children 500 won
Groups – Adults 1,000 won / Teenagers 700 won / Children 300 won - Address: 240, Haemang-ro, Gunsan-si, Jeollabuk-do
전라북도 군산시 해망로 240 (장미동) - Phone: +82-63-454-5953
- Homepage: museum.gunsan.go.kr
How to get here:
By [Bus]
Take Bus No. 1 from Gunsan Station Bus Stop and get off at Gunsan Modern History Museum Bus Stop.
Naejangsan National Park
Naejangsan is a famous mountain in Jeollabuk-do, and the best mountain in Korea for viewing autumn’s crimson leaves. The park is 76,032 sq. km. in size and was designated a National Park on November 17, 1971. Because of the bright crimson leaves that blanket Naejangsan Mountain in fall, the mountain is also referred to as “Geumgangsan of Honam.”
Inside the park, there are famous waterfalls, such as Dodeokpokpo Falls and Geumseonpokpo Falls, and temples such as Baekyangsa Temple and Naejangsa Temple. If you follow the valley left of the ticket booth, you can see the waters of Dodeokpokpo Falls, cascading down the cliff. If you go further along the valley you can see the waters of Geumseonpokpo Falls where even the gods have supposedly bathed. Baekyangsa Temple is both majestic and serene, surrounded by gulgeori trees that retain their lush green leaves even in winter, and also the bija trees. Along with Baekyangsa Temple, Naejangsa Temple is the place to visit during fall for its lovely autumn leaves. Besides these, there are about 760 kinds of local plants, designated Natural Monuments, and various wild animals living inside the park.
Naejangsan National Park is beautiful not only in fall, but also in spring when the azaleas and cherry blossoms bloom, in summer when the mountain turns green, and winter when the rock cliffs cover themselves with snow. All throughout the year, different kinds of wild flowers bloom here.
Useful Informations
- Address: ongdeok-gil, Bokheung-myeon, Sunchang-gun, Jeollabuk-do
전라북도 순창군 복흥면 - Phone: +82-61-392-7288
- Homepage: www.knps.or.kr
How to get here:
By [Bus]
From Central City Terminal (Honam Line), take a bus to Jeongeup Intercity Bus Terminal.
Take Bus No. 171 and get off at Service Area.Naejangsan Bus Terminal Bus Stop.
Maisan Provincial Park
Maisan Provincial Park is located in Jinan-gun, Jeollabuk-do. The peak has a vareity of names depending on the season. In the spring, it is called Dotdaebong; in the summer, Yonggakbong; in the fall, Maibong; and in the winter, Munpilbong.
There are two main trails leading up Maisan Mountain, located on the southern side and the northern side. The southern course is very popular, showcasing the many stone pagodas of Tapsa Temple. This temple has around 80 tall stone pagodas that do not sway no matter how strong the winds may blow. Another attraction of the mountain is Eunsusa Temple, where King Taejo stopped to give a 100-day prayer during his trip to Seongsusan Mountain.
Maisan Provincial Park is also well-known as a leisure retreat. Of the many hiking trails, there is a three kilometer-long cherry blossom tunnel that blooms every year in mid-April. This cherry blossom tunnel serves as the venue for the annual Jinan Cherry Blossom Festival, with exciting performances and beautiful scenary.
Useful Informations
- Admission Fees
[Cultural Heritage Sites (Maisantapgun & Geumdangsa Temple)]
Adults: Individuals 3,000 won / Groups 2,800 won
Teenagers: Individuals 2,000 won / Groups 1,600 won
Children: Individuals 1,000 won / Groups 800 won - Address: 255, Maisan-ro, Jinan-gun, Jeollabuk-do
전라북도 진안군 진안읍 마이산로 255 - Phone: +82-63-430-8751~3
- Hiking Course
[Maisan Hiking Courses]
Hammisanseong Fortress → Gwangdaebong Peak → Gogeumdang → Biryongdae → Bongdubong Peak → Maisan Seoktapgun
Boheungsa Gwangdaebong → Gogeumdang → Biryeongdae → Bongdubong Peak → Maisan Seoktapgun
Southern Parking Lot → Gogeumdang → Biryongdae → Bongdubong Peak → Maisan Seoktapgun
Southern Parking Lot → Gogeumdang → Biryongdae → Maisan Tourist Resort Parking Lot
[Hiking Trails]
Maisan Tourist Resort Parking Lot → Cheonhwangmun Gate → Eunsusa Temple → Maisan Seoktapgun (Tapsa Temple) → Tapyeongje Pass → Geumdangsa Temple → Northern Parking Lot
Maisan Tourist Resort Parking Lot → Cheonhwangmun Gate → Ammaibong Peak → Cheonhwangmun Gate → Eunsusa Temple → Maisan Seoktapgun (Tapsa Temple) → Cheonhwangmun Gate → Northern Parking Lot
[Geographic Courses]
Southern Parking Lot→ Gogeumdang → Biryongdae → Seonghwangdang → Bongdubong Peak→ Maisan Seoktapgun (Tapsa Temple) → Eunsusa Temple→ Cheonhwangmun Gate→ Maisan Tourist Resort Parking Lot
Southern Parking Lot → Gogeumdang → Observatory → Bongdubong Peak→ Cheonhwangmun Gate→ Ammaibong Peak → Cheonhwangmun Gate→ Maisan Seoktapgun (Tapsa Temple) → Southern Parking Lot
[Long-distance Courses]
Maryeong (Wongangjeong) → Boheungsa Temple → Gwangdaebong Peak → Gogeumdang → Southern Parking Lot
Gogeumdang → Observatory → Bongdubong Peak → Maisan Seoktapgun
Bongdubong Peak → Cheonhwangmun Gate → Ammaibong Peak → Cheonhwangmun Gate → Maisan Seoktapgun → Southern Parking Lot
Deokcheongyo Bridge → Taejagul Cave → Gwangdaebong Peak
How to get here:
By [Bus]
From Central City Bus Terminal, take a bus to Jinan Intercity Bus Terminal.
From Jinan Intercity Bus Terminal, take a Nongeochon Bus bound for Jinan (Maisan) and get off at Maisan Bus Stop.
Taekwondowon
Taekwondowon is a place to practice “change” with the aim of cultivating the spirit of taekwondo through physical training and the endless quest to master the martial arts form. Some 45 training and hands-on experience programs are offered under the themes of experience, training, rest, and interest. The programs are open to anyone who is interested in training the mind and the body through taekwondo, including local and international taekwondo practitioners, business groups, students, and the general public.
Useful Informations
- Operating Hours
[March-October] Tuesday-Friday 10:00-18:00 / Weekends & public holidays 10:00-19:00
[November-February] Tuesday-Friday 10:00-17:00 / Weekends & public holidays 10:00-18:00 - Admission / Participation Fees
[Single-day Package Program]
– Adults (ages 19-64): Individuals 4,000 won / Groups 3,000 won (20 or more)
– Teenagers (ages 13-18) : Individuals 3,500 won / Groups 2,500 won (20 or more)
– Children (ages 6-12) Individuals 3,000 won / Groups 2,000 won (20 or more) - Address: 1482, Museol-ro, Muju-gun, Jeollabuk-do
전라북도 무주군 설천면 무설로 1482 - Phone: +82-63-320-0114
- Homepage: www.tpf.or.kr
How to get here:
By [Bus]
From Seoul Nambu Terminal, take an intercity bus to Muju Intercity Bus Terminal.
From the bus stop across the street from the terminal, take Local Bus (Muju-Seolcheon) and get off at Onpyeong Bus Stop.
Walk along the road in the direction the bus is going and the venue will be on your right.
Seonunsan Provincial Park
Seonunsan Mountain is famous for its sunrise views at Nakjodae Cliff and Cheonmabong Peak. The mountain is mostly comprised of a hard volcanic rock, creating a landscape of sharp cliffs softened by the forest vegetation.
Useful Informations
- Address: 158-6, Seonunsa-ro, Gochang-gun, Jeollabuk-do
전라북도 고창군 아산면 선운사로 158-6 - Phone: +82-63-560-2699
- Homepage: www.jbgeopark.kr
- Hiking Course
Course 1 (4.7km, about 3 hours for round-trip)
– Tourism Information Center → Dosolam Temple → Yongmungul Cave → Nakjodae → Cheonmabong Peak
Course 2 (6.1km, about 5 hours for round-trip)
– Tourism Information Center → Seoksangam → Maijae → Pogaenbawi Rock → Chamdangam Temple → Sorijae → Nakjodae → Cheonmabong Peak
Course 3 (10.8km, about 8 hours for round-trip)
– Tourism Information Center → Gyeongsubong Peak → Maijae → Suribong Peak → Guksabong Peak (Gyeonchisan Mountain) → Sorijae → Cheonmabong Peak
Course 4 (8.3km, about 10 hours for round-trip)
– Tourism Information Center → Dosoljae → Tugubawi Rock → Sajabawi Rock → Gwibawi Rock → Cheongryongsan Mountain → Baemaenbawi Rock → Nakjodae
How to get here:
By [Bus]
From Gochang Intercity Bus Terminal, take a direct bus or a local bus to Seonunsa Temple.
Daedunsan Provincial Park
Daedunsan Mountain is defined by the grandiose rock peaks of Macheondae Summit, Chilseongbong, Janggunbong, and Ambong Peaks, as well as surrounding strange rocks and lush trees that fill the area including Samseonbawi Rock, Yongmungul Cave and Geumgangmun Gate. The area spanning from Macheondae Peak to Nakjodae Peak along the northern ridge offers a magnificent view, especially of the sunrise and sunset from Nakjodae.
Since its designation as a provincial park in 1977, Daedunsan Provincial Park has served as a scenic site equipped with recreational facilities including cable cars and Geumgang Gureumdari (hanging bridge). A 5-minute cable car ride followed by a walk up the steep stairs leads to Geumgang Gureumdari, stretching 50 meters from Imgeumbawi Rock to Ipseokdae Pedestal. The park is also home to historic temples including Taegosa Temple of Jinsan, Ansimsa Temple of Unju, and Sinsounsa Temple of Byeolgok.
Useful Informations
- Address: Sanbuk-ri, Unju-myeon, Wanju-gun, Jeollabuk-do
Beolgok-myeon, Nonsan-gun, Chuncheongnam-do
전북 완주군 운주면 산북리 , 충남 논산군 벌곡면, 금산군 진산면 - Phone: +82-63-263-6621~3
- Homepage: www.daedunsancablecar.com
- Hiking Course
▲ Ticket office → Dongsimbawi Rock (0.6㎞) → Geumgang Gureumdari Bridge (0.4㎞) → Macheondae Peak (0.7㎞)
▲ Yongmungol ticket office → Chilseongbong Observatory (0.9㎞) → Yongmungol Samgeori (0.6㎞) → Macheondae Peak (0.5㎞)
▲ Ansimsa Temple → Ssangbawi Rock (0.8㎞) → Jijangpokpo Falls (0.8㎞) → Macheondae Peak (1.8㎞) - Facility Utilization Fees
[Cable Car]
Round-trip:
Individuals – Adults 10,500 won / Children 7,500 won
Groups – Adults 9,500 won / Children: 7,000 won
One-way:
Individuals – Adults 7,500 won / Children 5,500 won
Groups – Adults 7,500 won / Children: 5,000 won
How to get here:
By [Bus]
Take a bus from Central City Bus Terminal or Dong Seoul Bus Terminal to Jeonju Express Bus Terminal.
Walk to Jeonju Interctiy Bus Terminal and take a bus to Daedunsan
Gochang Sin Jae Hyeo Historic House
Sin Jae-hyo (1812-1884) is a legendary theorist and sponsor of pansori (epic chant). Sin spent his entire life in Gochang-gun, nurturing many disciplines, who later became masters of pansori. He also compiled and edited six pansori madangs (operas) titled Ttoggi Taryeong, Bak Taryeong, Simcheongga, Jeokbyeokga, Chunhyangga, and Garujigi Taryeong.
Useful Informations
- Address: 100, Dongni-ro, Gochang-eup, Gochang-gun, Jeollabuk-do
전라북도 고창군 고창읍 동리로 100 (고창읍) - Phone: +82-63-560-2943
- Homepage: www.gochang.go.kr
How to get here:
By [Bus]
Gochang Bus Terminal
Go straight along Jungang-ro in direction of Gochang County Office for about 510 m.
Turn right at the five-way intersection, and walk for about 290 m.
Seonyudo Park
“Located in the middle of Yanghwadaegyo Bridge, Seonyudo Park is the first ecological water park in Korea, repurposing a former water purification plant.
Built on area of 114,000㎡, the park consists of Water Purifying Botanical Garden, Aquatic Botanical Garden, an eco-friendly water playground, and more attractions where visitors can appreciate various aquatic plants and an ecological forest. There are also various things to see and areas to take a rest in the park, offering a great chance for visitors to learn about the ecosystem and to experience nature.
A pedestrian bridge connecting Seonyudo Island to the Yanghwa area is an ideal place to enjoy the beautiful views of the Hangang River, including the World Cup Fountain and World Cup Park. With colorful lights, the area is gaining popularity as a tourist spot to enjoy the nightscape near the Hangang River. An exhibition hall in the park displays photos of the Hangang River and has various convenient facilities including a computer room and restrooms.
Useful Informations
- Operating Hours
06:00-24:00 - Address: 343, Seonyu-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul
- Phone: +82-2-2631-9367~8
- Homepage: parks.seoul.go.kr
How to get here:
By [Subway]
Seonyudo Station (Seoul Subway Line 9), Exit 2.
– Walk straight for about 700 m.
– Cross the Seonyudo Bridge.
Hapjeong Station (Seoul Subway Line 2 or 6), Exit 8.
– Take Bus No. 604, 5712, 6712, 6716 and get off at Hanshin Apt Bus Stop.
– Cross the Seonyudo Bridge.
Byeonsan Beach
Byeonsan Beach, along with Daecheon Beach and Manripo Beach, is one of the three most popular beaches on the west coast of Korea. Byeonsan Beach is known for its white sandy beach and fir trees. It also visited by over a million people every year as a favorite summer vacation spot for its calm and shallow waters. Another draw to this beach is the lush pine forest along the beach. The beach is equipped with convenient facilities such as restrooms, shower facility, camping site, etc.
Useful Informations
- Address: 2076, Byeonsan-ro, Buan-gun, Jeollabuk-do
전라북도 부안군 변산면 변산로 2076 (변산면) - Phone: +82-63-580-4413
- Homepage: www.buan.go.kr
How to get here:
By [Bus]
Take an express bus bound for Buan at Seoul Gangnam Express Bus Terminal (Seoul Subway Line No.3).
From Buan Bus Terminal, take a bus bound for Gyeokpo.
Get off at Byeonsan Beach.
From Jeonju Intercity Bus Terminal, take an intercity bus bound for Gyeokpo.
Get off at Byeonsan Beach.
