Jeollabuk-do Travel Guide

Mt. Maisan Provincial Park is located in Jinan-gun, Jeollabuk-do. During the Silla Kingdom, it was called Seodasan, during the Goryo Dynasty, Yongchulsan, and finally named Maisan during the Joseon Dynasty. Maisan is referred to by different names depending on the season. In the spring, it is called Dotdaebong, in the summer, Yonggakbong, in the fall, Maibong, and in the winter, Munpilbong.There is a myth that has been passed down through the generations regarding Mt. Maisan. It tells of two gods that came down from the sky, had a child and lived on earth for a while. As they were going back up to the sky, a village woman saw them ascending, and were trapped on earth and were transformed in to a rock mountain. Even today, you can see the father peak and the child peak, and the mother peak on the other side. The pagodas atop Mt. Maisan were built from native rocks and the top of these towers look as sharp as nails. On the south side of the mountain, it is said that there were over 120 of these pagodas, but only about 80 exist today. There is also something very mysterious about these pagodas. No matter how bad the weather, even during storms, they somehow do not sway or fall. Another interesting thing about Mt. Maisan are the icicles. If you put water into a bowl during the winter, the water freezes into a pole reaching for the sky. No one knows why or how this happens, but it makes Maisan just that much more mysterious and interesting to visit. 

The Jeonju Korean Traditional Wine Museum offers visitors the unique chance to explore the world of traditional Korean liquor and engage in related hands-on experience programs. At the museum, visitors can see the tools and machines used in the making of alcohol and get a closer look at the different types of Korean traditional wine. Some of the most interesting displays at the museum are the alcohol preparation room and the fermentation room. Thanks to speakers located in these two rooms, visitors are able to hear the amplified sounds of the fermentation process.

Mireuksa was the largest Buddhist temple of the ancient Baekje Kingdom (18 BC-660 AD). According to Samgukyusa (historical records published in 1281), King Mu (30th king of Baekje, in power 600-641 AD) and his wife Queen Seonhwa were said to have seen a vision of Mireuksamjon (the three Sanskrit) emerging from a large pond. At the time of their revelation, the king and queen were on their way to visit a Buddhist monk in Sajasa Temple on Yonghwasan Mountain (now known as Mireuksan Mountain). In response to their vision, the king drained the nearby pond and established Mireuksa Temple. The temple is believed to have shown the most advanced architectural and cultural skills of Baekje, Silla, and Goguryeo (the three main kingdoms at that time). Records indicate that King Jinpyeong of Silla even sent his craftsmen over to assist with the temple construction.The two main features of the Mireuksa Temple Site are the stone pagoda (Mireuksaji Seoktap) and the flagpole supports (Mireuksaji Dangganjiju). The 14.24-meter-high west stone pagoda (National Treasure No. 11) is the oldest and largest Korean stone pagoda in existence. The west pagoda currently has only six tiers, but is estimated to have originally had nine. The nine-story east stone pagoda (27.67m in x_height) was restored to its original stature in 1993 based on historical records. Other surviving landmarks include the flagpole supports (Treasure No. 236) to the south of the stone pagodas. The 395 centimeter-tall poles are estimated to have been created during the Unified Silla period (676-935 AD) and are set 90 meters apart from east to west.

Byeonsan Beach along with Daecheon Beach and Manripo Beach, is one of the three most popular beaches on the west coast of Korea. Byeonsan Beach is known for its white sand beach and fir trees. Since the water is tranquil and not very deep, this beach is a favorite summer vacationing spot for over a million people every year. What really draws the crowds to this shore is its 2km-long white sand beach and Bangpungrim, the windbreaker fir forest. The low tide lets the white sand beach extend out so far that you would have to walk a good 30 minutes to reach the end. During the summer, the Bangpungrim provides cool shade, and during the winter, acts as a buffer against the cold wind. The beach looks especially beautiful during low tide.You can taste the fresh fruits and vegetables that are produced in the surrounding mountain areas. You can also have fresh seafood from the nearby fishing villages. The only drawback of Byeonsan Beach is that accommodations are limited and you might be better off staying in the neighboring town of Gyeokpohang.

Seonunsa Temple was built during the Baekje Dynasty (18 BC-678 AD). It was originally a very large temple, but much was lost during the Jeongyujaeran (the 2nd Japanese Invasion in 1597). Seonunsa Temple includes the treasured relics of Daeungbojeon, Manseru, Yeongsanjeon, and Myeongbujeon Pavilions, together with four additional Buddhist grottos that include Dosoram.Soenunsa Temple is famous for its camellia flowers. On the low hill behind the Daeungbojeon Pavilion, there are numerous camellia trees. In the spring, the brilliant camellias shower Seonunsa Temple in vibrant colors. These flowers, which frequently appear in literature as well, are designated as Natural Monuments. Seonunsa temple is also known for its beautiful surroundings throughout the year. In the spring, cherry blossoms, and in the summer sangsa flowers decorate the road to the Dosoram area, and fall leaves and winter sceneries are beautiful as well.The Budo Field, a gathering place for monks' relic is another must-see spot at Seonunsa Temple. There are Budo fields at other larger temples, but those in Seonunsa Temple are located in a lush grove with several small Budo towers that blend beautifully with the surrounding trees. You can also see Jinheung Cave and the huge Maaebul (rock-carved Buddha) when you visit the Dosoram area.

Damun (다문) is housed in several hanok (traditional Korean buildings) in the Hanok Village of Gyo-dong, Jeonju-si. In business at the same location for over four decades, Damun serves cuisine that is completely free of MSG and made using only fresh seasonal ingredients. All dishes are made to order, ensuring only the freshest quality and taste. The restaurant is famous throughout Jeonju for its simple yet delicious food.

Jeonju Express Bus Terminal is visited by more than 5,000 passengers every day, going to Seoul, Dong Seoul, Sangbong, Incheon, Sungnam, Goyang, Busan, Ulsan, Deagu, Daejeon (Government Complex), Gwangju and Osan (Gwanmyeong, Cheolsan) Terminals. These 12 routes are the most frequented from Jeonju Express Bus Terminal, with 300 deparures a day for the destinations.

Hankookjib literally means 'Korean house.' The restaurant serves Jeonju bibimbap, kongnamul haejangguk (spicy bean sprout soup), sagol gomtang (thick beef bone soup), doenjang jjigae (soybean paste stew), and samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup). Many well-known figures, including former presidents of Korea, have been sited as enjoying the authentic Jeonju bibimbap here.  

Jeonju, also known as the 'flavorful city of Honam region' has a lot to offer when it comes to Korean traditional food as well as royal cuisines. 'Goong' is one restaurant that serves royal cuisine. Located in Jeonju Hanok Village, Goong serves rich, flavorful royal dishes using quality ingredients and natural seasoning from the Honam region. The distinguishable recipes Goong uses came from the late Hwang Hae-seong, who was the master of Korean royal cuisine. These special recipes have been passing down and adding to with the local taste of Jeonju. All cuisines are served in quality brassware made by Lee Bong-ju (Important Intangible Cultural Property holder) who was appointed as one of the country's great cultural assets. Taste the true flavor of Korean cuisine at Goong while visiting Jeonju Hanok Village, which was dubbed ‘Creative City of Gastronomy’ by UNESCO. The place is sure to provide you with a unique and tasty experience with authentic and healthy local food that will please your five senses!