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Eight Traditional Pavilions in Jeonju

When the tedious monsoon is gone, the hot sunny summer weather will take over. Jeonju has many traditional pavilions where people can take refugee from the sun and enjoy the cool summer breeze.

There are three kinds of traditional pavilions: ‘jeong’, ‘nu’ (or ‘lu’), and ‘dae’. Notice that the names of the traditional pavilions usually end with one of the three. ‘Jeong’ denotes a one-story pavilion (or rising similar to an adult’s height). ‘Nu’ (or ‘lu’) indicates a two-story pavilion (or rising higher than an adult’s height). ‘Dae’ indicates a flat piece of elevated land often used for a watch against enemies. This week, I’ll introduce all three kinds of traditional pavilions in Jeonju.

Taejoro Jeongja – the widest pavilion in Jeonju

The Taejoro Jeongja is the traditional pavilion located at Taejoro, the main street of Jeonju Hanok Village. It’s probably the most popular pavilion in Jeonju.

It’s Taejoro ‘Jeong’ja since its not higher than an adult height. The pavilion is usually bustling with visitors. However, in mornings, the pavilion is rather idle except for some elderly residents of the Hanok Village. I believe morning is the best time to feel the ambience of the Hanok Village from the pavilion.

Cheongyeonru – the pavilion built on the bridge

Rising over Jeonjuchun River, Cheongyeonru is a traditional pavilion built in the middle of a bridge. The bridge, Namcheongyo, the new landmark linking Jeonju Hanok Village and Seohak Artist Village.  Harmonizing the rainbow structure of the bridge and the Korean traditional pavilion, Cheongyeonru is probably the biggest pavilion in Jeonju.

The view from Cheongyeonru is incredible. Especially during sunset, you can see the Jeonjuchun River, the Hanok Village, and the mountains surrounding Jeonju turning orange and blue. Also, enjoying the summer breeze blowing over the river from the pavilion is a relief from the hot summer weather.

Omokdae – a grand pavilion on the top of a mountain

As the ‘dae’ at the end of its name indicates, Omokdae is built to guard against invaders. Hence, it has the view that overlooks every direction.

The history of Omokdae spans back to several hundred years. In 1380, Lee Sunggye, the founder of Joseon Dynasty, held a party at Omokdae after defeating a massive Japanese invasion. Unfortunately, the visitors are not allowed to hold party here anymore but encouraged to enjoy the atmosphere. Recently, the pavilion had undergone a repair work and will reopen in August.

Hanbyukdang – a pavilion over a cliff

The ‘dang’ of Hanbyukdang indicates a building with rooms and walls.

Hanbyukdang is a traditional pavilion built over a cliff. It’s overlooking Jeonjuchun River. Often, the fog rising from the river on a cool morning surrounds Hanbyukdang. The mysterious view of the foggy pavilion is considered one of the best in Jeonju.

Kirinbong Pavilion – rest area for hikers

This is the pavilion on the Kirinbong trail. Kirinbong is a mountain rising to the east of Jeonju. The mountain is seen from almost anywhere in Jeonju. The trail is frequented by the locals.

The pavilion appears when the breath is about to get short. The local hikers take a good care of this place, so that the pavilion is always clean. Everyone is welcome to use the outdoor exercise machines too.

Keep on hiking, there’s another pavilion near the top of Kirinbong. From the pavilion, you’ll have the whole city under your feet. The unforgettable view and the cool breeze from the mountain top are the rewards for the long sweaty summer hike. Enjoy!

Yeonjijeong – the pavilion surrounded by lotus flowers

Deokjin Park is the favorite urban park for all generations of the locals. Summer is the best time to visit the park since the lotus flowers are blooming.

Legend says that Deokjin Lake is built over a thousand years ago. The strong scent of the lotus flowers in full bloom dominates the park.

There are a few pavilions in Deokjin Park, but I recommend Yeonjijeong. Located in the middle of the bridge over the lake, the pavilion is surrounded by the lotus flowers. It seems as if I’ve just walked into a heaven.

Chunjiin Jeongja – the pavilion at Jeonbuk Provincial OFfice

Jeonju is where the Provincial Office of Jeollabuk-do is located. The provincial office always busy with people. In the middle of the busy plaza at the front of the main building is a traditional pavilion oozing the nice woody scent. In 2019, the provincial office built a traditional pavilion to commemorate the 1000th anniversary of the province.

The name of the pavilion is ‘Chunjiin (sky, earth, and human) Jeongja’. The name conveys the will to harmonize people.

Munhoeru of Jeonbuk National University

Munhoeru is a traditional pavilion located in Jeonbuk National University, the center of higher education and research in the region.

​The name ‘Munhoeru’ means ‘making friends through learning’, which is quite fitting for a pavilion inside a university. The beautiful wing-like curve of the eaves is very impressive. Also, Munhoeru is surrounded by water fountain and modern-style plaza I found this a perfect harmony of the old and new.

 

Traditional pavilion hopping in Jeonju

Taejoro Jeongja (Jeonju Hanok Village) – Cheongyeonru (Namchungyo Bridge) – Omokdae –  Hanbyukdang – Kirinbong Jeongja – Yeonjijeong (Deokjin Park) – Chunjiin Jeongja (Jeonbuk Provincial Office) – Munhoeru (Jeonbuk National University)

Keep in mind that the difference between ‘nu’, ‘jeong’, and ‘dae’ matters! When travelling Jeonjum I recommend some traditional pavilion hopping.

One interesting thing. It’s easier to make friends at the traditional pavilions. Maybe that’s why people built the pavilions in the first place.

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  • Jared Sandler

    Thanks for explaining about the 3 different types of traditonal pavilions built in Jeonju City. Now I know why pavilions built high up in the mountains are often referred to (in its name) as ‘dae’…such as Omokdae. And I can remember the Hanbyukdang photo from a previous blog posting.

  • Melissa

    Wow! So many beautiful pavilions! 🙂

  • Nic

    Can’t wait to visit. Thanks for the info!

  • Vickey Anand

    It is known as the most beautiful scenic spot in the state. To get here, you have to walk a short distance, crossing the bottom of the overpass and crossing the river. This location is also strange, as if hiding on a small hill beside the highway overpass. But here, the scenery of the platform is also very beautiful. But apart from this, there is nothing else.

  • Raquel Juarez Castro

    I believe JEONJU is so beautiful! I went there twice and still did not have the opportunity to visit this pavilions!!!! I guess I will have to visit it once more and try again the delicious fresh made choco pies!!

  • Kristina Ćoralić

    This is why i love Far East Asia, look at those creative made temples,i love Korean culture so much,and my biggest dream is to visit Korea someday.That’s what i live for.

  • 하자르

    Wow, everything about this place is beautiful

  • Kanna Orikasa

    If the weather gets better, I’m planning to visit Jeonju and takes lots of beautiful pictures and make my friends jealous ^^ Jeonju preserves traditional Korean beauty so well

  • Kamal Pandey

    WoW!!!Can’t wait to visit…

  • mb kumar

    Nice place. I want to visit

  • Ever Enrique Castillo Osorio

    It is very interesting to know about the different kind of Pavilions. Also I like to visit them because the design is always beautiful!.

  • Braelyn

    I recently visited Jeonju and saw some of these beautiful traditional pavilions. Jeonju is a great Korean city to visit and explore!