The Gingko Tree Spots of Jeonju Hanok Village

The autumn breeze is getting colder. But we can still enjoy the fascinatingly colorful trees under the clear blue sky. Jeonju Hanok Village is also covered with yellow and red. The gingko trees of Gyeonggijeon Shrine and Jeonju Hyanggyo (Confucian School) have literally colored the premises yellow. If you haven’t seen the elegant yellow gingko leaves falling over giwa (Korean black roof tile), here’s what it’s like!

Stone wall alleyway of Gyeonggijeon Shrine

The stone wall alleyway of Gyeonggijeon Shrine is considered one of the most ‘instagrammable’ spots in Korea. Every autumn, the gingko trees rising above the stone wall turn yellow, peaking in November. When the visitors in hanbok take photos against the stone wall, the autumn breeze blow the yellow leaves over their heads.

Jeonju Hyanggyo (Confucian School)

Jeonju Hyanggyo is a regional Confucian educational institution dating back to 1354. Hyanggyo is equivalent to today’s high school.

Jeonju Hyanggyo has appeared in various television dramas and movies, including Sungkyunkwan Scandal (2010) and Moonlight Drawn by Clouds (2016). There are three spots famous for gingko trees.

The first spot is between Manhoeru and Ilwolmun Gate. It’s the gate into Jeonju Hyanggyo. The gingko trees are on both sides and the ground is covered in gingko leaves as if someone rolled out a yellow carpet. Many visitors take photos here before entering the premise.

The second spot is Daesungjeon, the main building paying homage to Confucious. To the right and left of the building are over 600 years old giant gingko trees. The third spot is Myungryundang, the lecture hall. On a breezy day, sit on the building’s maru (ridge) and you’ll be fascinated by the yellow gingko leaves falling.

The spring and autumn seem rather short these days. Before the autumn of 2020 is over, visit Jeonju Hanok Village for the yellow gingko trees.