Ten Best Photo Zones in Jeonju Hanok Village

Every year, more than ten million tourists visit Jeonju Hanok Village. The low hill surrounding the South-eastern side of the Hanok Village is Omokdae Pavilion. The view from the pavilion seems like time travelling back to several hundred years ago.

Omokdae Pavilion is where Taejo, the founder of Joseon Dynasty, held the banquet to celebrate the victory of the major Japanese invasion of 1380. The trail from the Hanok Village to the pavilion is one of the locals’ favorite relaxing pastime.

Omokdae Pavilion and Jeonju Hanok Village Monument

The stone monument heralds the beginning of Jeonju Hanok Village. I recommend focusing the lens on the hangeul, Chinese, and English calligraphic engravings. It’s also nice to include the stone steps in the photo frame.

The trail to Omokdae Pavilion is very green. All I can hear were the sounds of wind, trees, and birds. There is the slope but it’s short. Keep continuing and the trail will be flat soon. You’ll be rewarded with an amazing view.

The black tile roofs of Jeonju Hanok Village

There’s a resting spot in the middle of the trail. The view overlooks the Hanok Village. Lean against the handrail, and include the Hanok buildings and people in one frame. Pretend you’re a Joseon Dynasty yangban (Confucian aristocrat).

The trail to Omokdae Pavilion is easy to walk: level and tided. I look forward to what’s at the end of this trail.

Omokdae Pavilion

At the end of the trail is Omodae Pavilion. Visitors can enter the pavilion and rest, but shoes must be taken off before entering. I recommend taking photos between the two buildings for the best view from the top.

I met a centipede on the way down. I used to be scared of it when I was young, but now I just find it interesting. I heard that centipedes are also used in oriental medicine. I’m walking down towards Jeonju Hyanggyo (Confucian School). The view of the Hanok roofs beyond the wooden stairs is awesome.

Jeonju Hyanggyo (Confucian School)

Jeonju Hyanggyo is at the edge of the Hanok Village. It used to stand where Gyeonggijeon Palace is now. Jeonju Hyanggyo is famous for the over 500 years old huge gingko tree. Although it’s no longer producing Confucian scholars and officials, Jeonju Hyanggyo today runs various cultural experience programs for the locals and tourists. There are many instagrammable spots in Jeonju Hyanggyo.

Hanbyeokdang Pavilion

Hanbyeokdang Pavilion is built on a cliff overlooking Jeonjuchun River. The stunning view from the pavilion has inspired many famous poems throughout the history. The view is rather mystical when there are fogs. I recommend taking photos from both below and inside the pavilion.

Jeondong Cathedral

Built over a century ago in 1914, Jeondong Cathedral is probably the most popular attraction in the Hanok Village. It takes a bit of luck to take the full shot of the cathedral, since it’s a rather busy place. From the main entrance of the cathedral premise, such frame is possible, but better be careful of the cars.

Gyeonggijeon Palace

Gyeonggijeon Palace is a shrine hosting the royal portrait of Taejo, the founder of Joseon Dynasty. It was burnt down during the Japanese Invasion of 1592, but was rebuilt in 1614. There are many instagrammable spots in the palace that will satisfy different tastes, but I especially recommend taking photos with the tablet stone in the square.

Jeonju Korean Traditional Wine Museum

The poetry says: ‘weather, no matter how cold you get, I’ll buy wine rather than cloth’. Quite funny.

Jeonju Gukak (Korean traditional music) Broadcasting System

At the photo zone of Jeonju Gukak (Korean traditional music) Broadcasting System, you can take radio-concept photos. It’s even better if you’re wearing hanbok (Korean traditional costume).

The monument next to Jeonju Sori Cultural Center

There are two huge monuments marking the entrances into Jeonju Hanok Village. The monument I introduced earlier is horizontally long, but this monument is vertically long.

So, today we have visited the monument at the entrance to Omokdae Pavilion trail, the view from Omokdae Pavilion, Jeonju Hyanggyo, Hanbyeokdang Pavilion, Jeondong Cathedral, Gyeonggijeon Palace, Jeonju Korean Traditional Wine Museum, Jeonju Gukak Broadcasting System, and finally, the monument next to Jeonju Sori Cultural Center.

These are the ten photo zones of Jeonju Hanok Village. I recommend exploring the Hanok Village for your own secret photo zone!