South Korea Guide
Jeolla
Jeonju
JEONJU marked the beginning of one of the longest lines of kings that the world has ever seen. It was here in the fourteenth century that the first kings of the Joseon kingdom were born, and the dynasty went on to rule over Korea for over five centuries. Overlooked as the dynastic capital in favour of Seoul, Jeonju is not over-endowed with historical riches, but is well worth a visit. Gingko-lined streets help to create an ambience notably relaxed for a Korean city, while its splendid hanok village of traditional housing contains more than enough for a full day of sightseeing. Jeonju also has one of the greatest concentrations of cinemas in the country, and those who visit in the spring may be able to take advantage of JIFF ( 
eng.jiff.or.kr ), by far the most eclectic major film festival in the country; this usually runs for nine days between late April and early May.
It's food that Koreans most readily associate with Jeonju. Many of the differences are too subtle to be noticed by foreigners – and in the cheapest places, nonexistent – but you're likely to find a greater and more lovingly prepared number of banchan (side dishes) around your meal, and a slightly greater emphasis on herbal seasoning than the somewhat less cultivated tastebud-tinglers of salt and red pepper paste. Of particular interest is Jeonju's take on the tasty Korean staple, bibimbap.
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