Encompassing lively cities, historic villages and rugged national parks, Jeollabuk-do sprawls along South Korea’s south-west. It’s home to the designated “Slow City” of Jeonju and the “City of Love” Namwon, which served as the setting for the famous Pansori tale of “Chunhyangjeon”.
Things to do in Jeollabuk-do
Experience a beautiful sunset at Byeonsanbando National Park, South Korea’s only national park to encompass both the mountains and the sea. Follow the hiking trail to the picturesque Jikso Falls and through the Bongnae Valley, where the park’s three uniquely shaped peaks offer magnificent coastal views.
Stroll through Namwon’s historic Gwanghalluwon Garden where the lovers in a well-known Korean folktale first met. You can learn more about this Korean Romeo and Juliet story at Chunhyang Theme Park, which offers an engaging and interactive look at the lovers’ first encounter and their tragic end.
Discover Korea’s Pansori genre of musical storytelling at the Holy Land of Korean Traditional Music, located in the small village of Unbong. It celebrates the life of the “King of Korean traditional music”, Master Heung-rok Song, while also showcasing traditional instruments and costumes.
Visit the Jeonju Hanok Village, home to more than 800 traditional Korean hanok houses. Learn about the division of hanok houses into Sarangchae and Anchae sections and their unique subfloor heating systems, then sample traditional Korean foods, such as the mixed rice dish of bibimbap.
Getting around Jeollabuk-do
The capital of Jeollabuk-do, Jeonju, is around 1.5 hours by train from Seoul and just under three hours from Incheon International Airport. Trains connect cities throughout the province, while buses access smaller towns and villages.