Jeonju Future Heritage Teahouses: Haengwon and Bisabeolchosa

Last year, the city of Jeonju designated 38 modern historic sites of as “Jeonju Future Heritage”. They are the artifacts and sites from the modern & premodern era significant enough to represent Jeonju in 100 years. Today I’ll introduce two of the heritages, both of which are famous local teahouses.

Café Haengwon

My first destination is Café Haengwon, located near Pungnammun Gate (next to Jeonju Hanok Village). Café Haengwon is famous for holding traditional Korean music concert every Saturday 4pm. I immersed myself in the traditional Korean artistic mood.

Café Haengwon has a long history. It started as an academy for kisaeng (courtesans from the past that provided artistic entertainment). It was once a high-end restaurant too. Now it’s a traditional teahouse.

The café has the quiet but elegant atmosphere of traditional Korean culture. The courtyard has a small pond and a garden. Inside the building are antique furniture, traditional Korean paintings, porcelains, and other things from the past harmonizing with each other.

The barista of Café Haengwon is someone who won a prize for reproducing the coffee of the King Gojong of Joseon Dynasty (he’s known as the first person to drink coffee in Korea). I can’t drink coffee but instead ordered other tea-based drinks and smoothies. Apart from coffees, on the menu are saenggangcha (ginger tea), ssanghwacha (herb tonic tea), susubukumi (millet pancake), cakes, and the like.

​I visited on Saturday afternoon so that I can attend the traditional Korean music concert. On the day of my visit, a local traditional Korean music group “Nanirae” held concert. With the music and drink, I felt as if I’ve gone back in time.

If you want to rest your mind with traditional Korean music and coffee/tea in thequiet but elegant mood, I recommend Café Haengwon.

Haengwon

Address: Pungnam

mun 3gil 12, Wansangu, Jeonju

Opening hours: 10:00-22:00 every day

Contact: 063-284-6566

Bisabeolchosa

Bisabeolchosa used to be the home of a famous poet Sin Seok Jeong. “Bisabeol” is the old name of Jeonju, and “chosa” means a thatch-roofed house.

The old house and lush garden are preserved as they were when the poet was still alive.

The poet’s favorite magnolia tree is still there.

These are the poet’s living room and study. I could share his taste.

Now Bisabeolchosa is a teahouse. I recommend “Bisabeolchosa Cha (tea)” made from acacia flowers. You can also order dumpling, if you feel hungry. I ordered “kot ssanghwatang” (flower herbal tonic tea)” and “yigangjocha (pear and ginger tea)”. They were served with rice cakes and rice snacks.

​Because of the poet Sin Seok Jeong was often inspired by the house and garden, many artists and students still frequent Bisabeolchosa. Mr. Kim Nam Yong, the current owner, gives people guided tour of the place.

“Jeonju Future Heritage” sites are the hidden gems of the city! Discover the local culture and history at Café Haengwon and Bisabeolchosa.

Bisabeolchosa

Address: Gwanseon 4gil 42-9, Wansangu, Jeonju

Contact: 063-231-3118