Within Seoul there are a number of Hanok villages and the more prominent one is Bukchon Hanok Village. Bukchon Hanok Village is closer to Gyeongbokgung Palace and it is also a residential area. The last time I was there, I constantly see signage asking visitor to lower their volume and once I overhear a residence telling a group of tourist in front of me to “shh” as they were rather loud.

For this trip, I prefer to visit a Hanok village where is not primary a residential area and hopefully not too many foreign tourist. I chance upon Jeonju Hankok Village while doing my research; however, it was outside Seoul. The thought of taking public transport and travelling outside Seoul sound very daunting to me. I did not consider private hire as the impression that I have was it might be more expensive.

Saw Klook offered a day trip to both Jeonju Hanok Village and Jangtasesan Forest. The price seem affordable and it is totally fuss free. I had purchased numerous day trips with Klook and the experience has been wonderful. So I went ahead to secure my reservation for this day trip.

Jeonju region is approximately 4 hours outside Seoul (depending on traffic conditions), our assemble time was rather early. Thankfully, we choose to stay around Myeong Dong area which was one of the popular pickup point and we do not need to wake up too early and take the subway to the pickup point.

We had a slight hick-up at the start of our trip. Our coach captain did not go to the 3rd pick up point to pick up more guests. I think there was a miscommunication between the guide and the captain or the captain was not brief on various pick up points before hitting the highway. From Myeong Dong to Dongdaemun the distance is not very far. However, it took our guides (1 English Speaking guide + 1 office staff (I believe) to assist with Chinese translation) a good 30mins before she realized (I think) or some guests called her. By that time it was already too late as we were at the highway and traffic was starting to build up.

The coach captain was not too please and his voice kept increasing and his driving started to be slightly reckless. My tian ~ it was not professional. The detour took an additional 30 minutes and by the time we hit the highway for the second time it was already 7ish. It kind of defeats the purpose that the guests wake up really early to gather at the pick-up point and yet not able to depart on time.

Somehow I felt the company which organized the day trip was not very professional or maybe they are saving cost. I think they shortchange the guests who opted for Chinese speaking guide. Like I mention earlier there was 1 office staff (no tour guide license) which assisted with the translation; HOWEVER, her translation was nowhere closed to what the English guide was delivering. At times she will say “I am sure you all understand the English delivery, I will briefly share in Chinese.” My Chinese is not too fabulous either, but I could pick up that translation was so brief and the key historic part were not shared. I really pity those who could only understand Chinese as they could not get any insight from the translation.

In any case enough of my grumbling, the coach ride to Jeonju was a smooth sailing. One thing good about the roads in Korea, there is a dedicated bus lane. The lane is free from traffic and the coach captain was able to cruise down the highway smoothly.

Halfway through our journey, we had a quick stop at one of those highway rest stations. Korea service area are usually very well equipped. As I was walking towards the service area side entrance, I found it very familiar. I was trying to recall where I had saw it before. Then it struck me I saw it via the 2D1N Korean variety show! The next moment, a delicious smell was waffling in the air. Following the smell, I was a standee of the celebrity who had visited this service area and tried whatever the stall was selling.

The smell was so incredible that I was telling myself I gotta try whatever the celebrities was trying after visiting the washroom. Haha ~ lo and behold my dad beat me to that. He too could not resist and brought 1 packet to try. Everything in the machine was in Korean and we had a hard time trying to figure out how to order and make payment. Thankfully, the staff notice that we were struggling and came out to assist us. It was so good that I bought another packet to munch in the coach.

It was then I learned that the name of the service area was – Jeongan Albam Service Area and that area was famous for their Gongju Chestnut Bread. This chestnut bread is almost like a choux pastry texture but firmer. When I take a bite I can see layers of the bun. The chestnut was sweet and we could not stop eating. I am searching for the recipe and hoping to recreate it at home one day. If you happen to find a recipe similar to the delicious chestnut bread do share with me!

From the service area it take another 1.5 hour-ish to reach Jeonju Hanok Village. As the coach could not entered the village, we alighted at the main entrance and take a stroll down to one of the museum entrance which will be our meeting point. We were given about 3.5 hours to explore the village and settle our lunch. There was an option to join a free guided tour around the village however we chose to explore ourselves.

The region of Jeonju is rich with history as it used to be an old capital city. Till date many historical building still remains throughout the city. And if you look at the map of Jeonju, you will realised that Jeonju Hanok Village is centrally located within the city.

Jeonju Hanok village houses at least 700 traditional Hanoks and it is the largest traditional hanok village in Korea. These Hanoks serves as Air BNB, eateries, photo booths, artsy stuffs, etc. There were so much to explore and everything was so exciting. Unfortunately, the weather was not so nice. It was drizzling and it was rather cumbersome to carry the brolly around while taking photos. 

The view from Omokdae Hill top is beautiful. You get to see a mix of old and modern roofs. Different season brings about different charm to this quaint and serene location. I read that this was a popular spot for the locals to rest after their morning walks.

We also got to admire the historical Omokdae Pavilion and Imokdae. According to history this was a rest stop for General Yi Seong-gye the founder of Joseon Dynasty (who later become the King Taejo) where he and his army celebrated their victories in defeating the Japanese. This was also the place where the ancestors of King Taejo once live.

Pungnam Gate (across the church) was built during the Joseon Dynasty. It was the southernmost gate leading to the city of Jeonju back in the days and the structure of the gate was infact restored twice due to damaged from fire and war. As I wonder around the city, I was drawn to the architecture and the traditional tiles. It was so mesmerising and I was wowing in awe of the beauty and taking so many photos.

There were also many hanbok rental shops for anyone who wants to rent or take photo of Korean traditional clothes against these beautiful backdrop. And if you feel that walking around the village is a task, you can also opt to rent a golf cart and explore the village. If you are interested, there is a 600 years old Gingko Tree within the village. It was huge and majestic and had to use a wide angle lenses to take a photo of the whole tree.

Food wise the eateries/Café along the main road were slightly pricey, as we explored deeper into the village nearer stream the prices were more reasonable. Hardly do I come across beef pancake in Seoul / Singapore, as such when I saw it in one of the café I simply must give it a try. The egg batter + thinly slices beef combination is simply mouthwatering. This was such a simple dish and brought us so much joy. If you know where I can try in Seoul please let me know! I also asked the office staff where I could get it in Seoul, she said that it was her favourite but could not tell me where I can try it in Seoul. 😑

Another good food that I kept thinking after our trip was the prawn mandu. It was absolutely DEVINE, the prawn filling was so generous and the meat of the prawn is firm and juicy. It also appear that shop they have won some awards of sort.

I tried a honey ice-cream which I think it was ordinary – nothing to rave about. Tried a Jeonju region version of their Choco pie, I got both the blueberry and the chocolate version. Taste wise, not too bad.

3.5 hours flew by so fast, we truly enjoyed ourselves at the village and will definitely come visit this place again in our next trip to Seoul. If you would like to know more about Jeonju Hanok Village and the details direction and maps of do check out the official web link – https://hanok.jeonju.go.kr/

See you in the next one.

XOXO