When in Jeonju(Food): Bibimbap, Makgeolli, Gukbap

Bibimbap

One can even say that bibimbap is Jeonju and Jeonju is bibimbap. The authentic Jeonju bibimbap is very different from any other bibimbaps with the overwhelming taste of gochujang (red chilli bean paste) and sesame oil. The flavor of the authentic Jeonju bibimbap is much more delicate. The rice must be cooked in bone broth. As for topping, the dish must include the local bean sprouts and hwangpomook (yellow mung bean jelly), a local specialty. Other toppings are also prepared with care. Jeonju has many restaurants specializing in bibimbap, including Hangukjip, boasting the three-generations of history, Gajok Hoegwan, run by a government-recognised master, Sungmidang, Gogung, Jungang Hoegwan, and many more.

Hangukjip: Eojingil 119, Wansangu, Jeonju; 063-284-2224
Gajok Hoegwan: Jeollagamyoung 5gil 17, Wansangu, Jeonju; 063-284-0982
Sungmidang: Jeollagamyoung 5gil 19-9, Wansangu, Jeonju; 063-287-8800
Gogung: Songchunjungangro 33, Deokjingu, Jeonju; 063-251-3211
Jungang Hoegwan: Jeollagamyoung 5gil 19-3, Wansangu, Jeonju; 063-285-4288

Makgeolli (Korean rice wine)

In Jeonju, you order makgeolli (Korean rice wine) per kettle. The first kettle is served with a table-full of side dishes. Another round comes with more, but this time even better, dishes. The ‘makgeolli alleys’ of Jeonju are renowned nation-wide. You go there not only for the good makgeolli and tasty dishes, but also for the friendly and vibrant atmosphere.

Samchundong makgeolli alley
Seoshindong makgeolli alley
Pyeonghwadong makgeolli alley
Gyeongwondong makgeolli alley

 Gukbap (stew with rice)

Gukbap (stew with rice) is the Korean fast food. It’s inexpensive, fast-served, hearty, and delicious. Since ‘gukbap’ literally means stew-rice, there are various varieties. If you had too much makgeolli at one of the makgeolli alleys, the morning after solution must be kongnamul (bean sprouts) gukbap or soondae (Korean blood sausage) gukbap. You can easily find gukbap venues around Nambu Market or Jeonju Hanok Village.

Hyundaeok: Hwasancheonbyun 2gil 7-4, Wansangu, Jeonju; 063-282-7214
Waengijip (pronounced waeng-ee-jip): Dongmungil 88, Wansangu, Jeonju; 063-287-6980
Geutae Geu Jip: Pungnammun 2gil 47, Wansangu, Jeonju; 063-231-6387
Daol Kongnamul Gukbap: Pungnammun 2gil 49, Wansangu, Jeonju; 063-254-1727
Sinbangi (pronounced sin-baeng-ee): Gyeonggijeongil 153-9, Wansangu, Jeonju; 063-282-3030
Sambaekjip: Jeonjugaeksa 2gil 22, Wansangu, Jeonju; 063-232-0307
Jojeomrye Nammun Pisoondae: Jeondong 3ga 2-198, Wansangu, Jeonju; 063-232-5006
Yetnal Pisoondae: Pungnammun 2gil 63, Wansangu, Jeonju; 063-288-0082
Eommason Soondaeguk: Jeondong 3ga 2-98, Wansangu, Jeonju; 063-288-0677