Jeonju Travel: A Hidden Relaxing Destination Like Treasure

A local gem in Jeonju, Saekjang-dong: exploring from “Wonsaek Myeonghwa Village” to ” Saekjang Rice Mill.”

• A local relaxing space for Jeonju travel: “Wonsaek Myeonghwa Village” in Saekjang-dong

At the time when Usu (Rain Water), a solar term for signaling the onset of spring and the end of winter, I paid a visit to “Wonsaek Myeonghwa Village”.

Located near Jeonju Hanok Village, this village has recently garnered attraction from travelers, yet there remains much to be discovered in this buried regional attraction in Jeonju.

On stepping inside, you can see a guardian tree that stands tall splendidly at the village entrance welcoming visitors. There are colorful pinwheels whirling in the wind, and as I came closer for inspection, it turned out that this public art pieces were recycled from PET bottles, plastic, and other materials.

I’ve always craved to visit Jeonju, and now that I’m finally here to come Wonsaek Myeonghwa Village, it feels even more reposeful and quiet than I imagined.

I looked up the meaning behind the name “Saekjang-dong” out of curiosity and discovered that the term “Saekjang” refers to a military installation, a defensive fence designed to guard against enemies, from the Joseon Dynasty.

As you go further inside, “Mural Alley” stretches out before you. The drawings and inscriptions appear to be expressed to blend harmoniously with the dated houses.

The walls decorated fully with shiny flower paintings and refined calligraphy are captivating.   

I’ve visited many other mural villages during my trips, but the murals of Wonsaek Myeonghwa Village in Saekjang-dong touched my heart so deeply because they possessed such a distinct charm as evoked a sense of old-time nostalgia.

Seeing the yellow flower mural street that arouse a sense of the arrival of spring, I felt excitement for welcoming the new season.

If you’re planning a trip to Jeonju, make sure to drop by Saekjang-dong to take some memorable photos and capture lasting memories.

I felt truly impressed by the heartwarming words and messages of comfort written on the murals.

After leaving the mural alley, I took a stroll down the biking path and found notable artwork murals depicted along the roadside wall.

Saekjang-dong is also one of the best cycling destinations where you can enjoy a scenic surrounding view while biking on the well-designed bike path.

My recommendation for a cycling route is the course staring from Jeonju Hanok Village and passing through Chimyeongjasan Holy Ground before reaching Saekjang-dong. You can rent a bike for free at Jeonju Hanok Village to experience a leisurely ride, basking in the joy of your trip to Jeonju.

As a rural tourist hub, Wonsaek Myeonghwa Village in Saekjang-dong operates a relaxing space, “Wonsaek Maru”, which is equipped with a restaurant and an experience center on the first floor and guesthouses on the second floor.

At the entrance of the village, a small space is provided for reading a book, making it a perfect spot to find delight in reading or take a rest for a moment.

After saying goodbye to the adorable finger mural, I headed to “Saekjang Rice Mill”, a cozy café located on the right side of the roadway leading into Saekjang-dong.

• Jeonju Travel: ‘Saekjang Rice Mill’, one page from a Saekjang-dong fairytale

“Saekjang Rice Mill” is a Saekjang-dong based café.

This place has been renovated from a rice mill, which was once used for milling grains for over 70 years, to create a comfortable café.

Also serving as a venue for community-based art and art exhibitions, this café has gained popularity for its second-floor rooftop photo zone, which evokes memories of a scene from a comic story, attracting travelers visiting Jeonju.

Inside the structure, there are multiple antiques and folk items from the past besides numerous vintage props, giving me the chance to bring back memories of old times.

They say that the antiquities are both for sale and exhibition at Saekjang Rice Mill, which gives off the vibe of a serene countryside house.

The iconic rooftop photo zone of Saekjang Rice Mill is accessible when you climb the inside stairways to the second-floor attic to sit on the window ledge for a picture spot. The rare appeal of the tin roof feels so unique, making this place one of the best snapshot locations in Jeonju.

As night falls, the lightings of the café illuminate, building up atmospheric mood of Saekjang Rice Mill.

Today, I made a trip to Saekjang-dong, exploring from “Wonsaek Myeonghwa Village” to Café “Saekjang Rice Mill”.

A home to the brilliant murals, the leisurely bike paths, village alleys and the unique cozy café, Saekjang-dong is a truly comforting and restful neighborhood that makes me want to visit often on warm days.

If you’re scheduled to visit Jeonju, you want to come to Saekjang-dong, a hidden tourist attraction, to experience the liberating natural scenery and heartwarming murals. You will soak up the relaxing atmosphere and take home unforgettable memories.

📍Wonsaek Myeonghwa Village

📍Saekjang Rice Mill

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