The Jeonju World Cup Stadium was built just before the 2002 FIFA World Cup games. Its unique design comes from the Korean traditional fan, known as Hapjukseon in Korean. This fan (as seen in the picture below) represents the beauty of traditional Korean design. The stadium grounds cover an area of 562,929 m2, with 1 above ground level and 6 underground levels. This structure seats up to 42,477 people. The design of the stadium gives visitors a dramatic feeling as the rows of the stadium seems to blend effortlessly into the field.

Omokdae is located on top of a steep hill and is one of the places where Yi Seong-gye (who later became King Taejo, the first king of the Joseon Dynasty) stopped to celebrate his victory on his way home from a war with Japanese invaders at Hwangsan Mt, Unbong at the end of the Goryeo Era. It is also a place where Mokjo, one of Yi’s forefathers, had once lived.Across from Omokdae is Imokdae, which is located near the foot of Seungamsan Mountain where Chimyeongjasan, a holy Catholic monument is placed. 80m down from Imokdae are memorial stones and a memorial house.Imokdae is the place where Mokjo (forefather of King Taejo) had played war games as a child with his friends, a simple action which appears in ‘Yongbieocheonga’ (a 15th century ballad narrating national longevity and cultural achievement). Mokjo left the Jeongju area and moved to Hamgyeong-do as a result of a feud with the Jeonju Busa (public governing official). Yi Seong-gye (King Taejo) believed that Mokjo’s move to Hamgyeong-do five generations before his birth was a sign from heaven pointing to his founding of the Joseon Dynasty.

Located in Mt. Byeonsan Peninsula National Park, Wolmyeongam Hermitage was originally built in 692 AD. Since then, it has been destroyed and renovated several times, and what remains is a small hermitage. The site is a popular attraction not only because of the temple, but because of the magnificent sunsets viewed from this spot.The breathtaking view from Wolmyeongam as the sun sinks into the sea cannot be expressed in words.

Located to the west of Byeonsan Peninsula, Wido Island was once the lonely destination of exiled government officials during the Goryeo Dynasty (AD 918-1392). Wido is more famous for its salt-water fishing than for its sightseeing, and has maintained its pristine beauty because it has few visitors. Most impressive is the vast sand beach known as Wido Beach. Among other attractions are Chido Village, where “Moses Miracle” occurs twice a day, as well as other splendid coastal scenery little known to the public. For those who bring their cars, the coast road offers a stunning drive along the blue sea.

Gochujang (고추장) is the famous traditional sauce/garnish used in almost every dish in Korea. The one prepared in the Sunchang region, is well-known in Korea for being especially tasty. The Sunchang Gochujang Village (순창 고추장마을) is located at the foot of Mt. Amisan in Sunchang City, Jeollabuk-do. The village has a population of just 149 people who live in 46 Hanoks (traditional Korean style houses). When you first walk into the village you will notice rows of traditional hang-a-ri (large clay jar) all lined up everywhere you go transporting you back into Korea’s past. Actually, it has not been long since Sunchang Gochujang Village was established. Gochujang-making artisans from all over Sunchang-gun (county) in one village came together and started up this village.Every year in early November the village hosts the Sunchang Gochujang Festival drawing many visitors to the place for the many attractions nearby. The places include the Hoemunsan Natural Forest, a lovely woody area and historical site; Gangcheonsan County Park; Baegyangsa temple, beautifully scenic in the snowy winter; Churyeong Jangseungchon, a village where visitors can see various forms of jangseung (Korean totem poles made of wood); Hyangga Yuwonji, a public park famous for being the place where scholars would come to boat and live a peaceful life in these inspiring surroundings; and Naejangsan, a mountain that turns into a vision of fiery autumnal shades in the fall. 

Opened in 1997, the Mireuksaji Relics Exhibition Museum was established in order to celebrate the culture of the Baekje Dynasty (18 BC-660 AD). The museum has roughly 19,200 relics (about 400 of which are on permanent display) that were unearthed from the site of Mireuksa Temple (Historic Site No. 150), the largest temple of the Baekje Dynasty.The museum is shaped like the stone pagoda of Mireuksa Temple and was built on low ground so as not to block the view of the temple site. Main exhibition areas include the Central Hall, Overview Hall, Relics Hall, and the Buddhist Fine Arts Hall. Some of the most treasured pieces on display at the museum are the Mireuksaji Stone Pagoda (National Treasure No. 11) and Mireuksaji Dangganjiju (flag poles; Treasure No. 236). The museum also offers various cultural events and programs, including on-site education, historical and cultural lectures, and summer culture school. Cultural movies are screened throughout the year.

The Gusipo Haesu World provides a diverse selection of jjimjilbang facilities. There is a “Haesuyakjjim (Medicinal Seawater Bath)” full-body bath, where special healthy ingredients are added to heated seawater. This is believed to effectively treat neuralgia, arthritis, and obesity.This process extracts unnecessary substances from the skin, creating a more beautiful radiance. There are also other enjoyable facilities such as the indoor sand bathing room and a green tea spa. 

As the only temple in Jeoksangsan (or Mt. Jeoksang), Anguksa Temple was built in 1227 (during the 3rd year of King Chungryeol’s reign) by Monk Wolin. A secret historical archives, called Sagak, was built to store Joseonwangjo Sillok (annals of the Joseon Dynasty) in 1614 (during the 6th year of King Gwanghaegun’s reign) within the mountain, while Seonukgak was built in 1641 (during the 19th year of King Injo’s reign) to store Seonwonrok (royal genealogical records). The two sites were designated as Jeoksangsan Historical Archives during the Joseon Dynasty. Hoguksa Temple was also built at that time to prevent accidents from affecting the archives. The temple, along with the existing Anguksa Temple, was used to house monk soldiers who protected the archives.Because of the construction of Muju Power Plant, Anguksa Temple was relocated to the Hoguksa Temple site and rebuilt in 1995. Consisting of 15 buildings, the temple is surrounded by Sanjeong Lake. Boasting exquisite fall foliage, the temple can be easily reached by vehicle along a paved road. The nearby attractions include Muju Resort and Muju Gucheondong Valley. 

The city of Jeonju prides itself on its rich local culture and history of tradition. Residents are passionate about their heritage, especially when it comes to the arts. The Sori Arts Center of Jeollabuk-do exemplifies and celebrates these community values by regularly offering a full program of visual arts shows. An excellent venue for leisure activities, events, and gatherings, the building itself boasts a stunning architectural style that underscores the institution’s desire to increase art appreciation worldwide. * Foundation: September 21, 2001