Jeonju

Last weekend I wet on an overnight trip to Jeonju to see the Hanok village and city.

Jeonju is an old city in Jeolla-buk do. It makes for a great weekend trip, as it's less than 3 hours from Daegu and can reasonable be done in two days. We left from Seobu station at 930am and were in Jeonju by 12. Jeonju is the birthplace of the Joseon dynasty, which ruled Korea from the mid 14th century until 1910, when they were removed to Japan by the Japanese colonial government. King Taejo's birthplace and home are here (he founded the dynasty) in the Hanok Village. The city also boasts three universities including Cheonbuk, which is among the largest universities outside Seoul and has a beautiful campus.

First stop was the Hanok village, and old district of Korea that managed to escape both WWII and the Korean war, though most of the old style houses have been renovated. Then we went downtown to the university area for food and more sightseeing. Jeonju's downtown could actually give Daegu a run for its money despite Jeonju being such a small town (660,000 according to website). Anyway here are a few pics:

welcome

Part of Village

Kings of Joseon Korea

recreations are everywhere

Gate to House of King Taejo

Jeonju Catholic Church

South Gate

Shopping street on a Quiet Sunday Morning

New York Style Banana Restaurant. 

Homesick yet?

The Mighty Jeonju River 

I actually really like Jeolla-do. It is far more laid back and relaxed than Gyeongsan-do. In Daegu people can be very pushy, competitive and even aggressive. In contrast Jeolla people let their kids play and drink rice wine at two in the afternoon. I may have to look for a job at Cheonbuk University next year.