Jeonju in South Korea may be just a two-and-a-half-hour bus ride from Seoul, but the city feels a world apart from the country’s capital. A third of the size of Seoul, Jeonju is the capital and largest city in North Jeolla province – or Jeollabuk-do in Korean – but has a population of only around 650,000. The city has been an internationally certified “slow city” since 2011, meaning its urban planning and infrastructure are designed to encourage residents to live a slower pace of life.
But the main draw to visitors is its long and rich history. For many centuries, Jeonju has been the administrative centre of the Korean peninsula’s “breadbasket” region (an area that produces large quantities of wheat or other grains). It is also the hometown of Yi Seong-gye (King Taejo), who founded Korea’s last dynastic kingdom, the Joseon dynasty, in 1392.
One of the main attractions and points of interest in the city is the Jeonju Hanok Village. A hanok is a traditional Korean house originating in the Joseon dynasty that is characterised by beautifully curved roofs and architecture that emphasises harmony with its surrounding natural environment. The Jeonju Hanok Village is the largest of its kind in South Korea, with more than 900 hanoks , and has been a popular tourist destination for decades.
Many famous historical Korean dramas have been filmed there, including The King’s Affection (the first Korean drama to ever receive a US Emmy award), The Red Sleeve , Sungkyunkwa.