Jeollabuk-do South Korea Travel Guide
These are indispensable for navigation. Google Maps has limited functionality. Download either for accurate, real-real-time bus tracking and route planning. Switch to English in settings.
Naver's translation app is excellent for Korean-English translation. It offers text, voice, and image translation, helpful for restaurant menus, signs, or communicating.
This is the leading app for hailing taxis and ride-sharing. See estimated fares, track your driver, and pay via the app.
The most widely used messaging app. While not strictly needed for tourists, it can be useful for guesthouse hosts or local tour operators.
The official tourism app from the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO). It delivers general tourist information, attractions, and event listings across Korea, including Jeonju.
English.visitkorea.or.kr. This is the official and most comprehensive source for tourism information across all of South Korea, including detailed chapters on Jeonju.
Www.jeonju.go.kr/eng/ (look for the English version). This website shares specific information about Jeonju, local events, festivals, and detailed guides.
Www.letskorail.com. The official website for booking KTX high-fast train tickets and other train services. It has an English interface.
Www.hikorea.go.kr. The official Korean Immigration Service website. Use this for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding visa requirements and entry procedures.
Follow official KTO accounts (e.g., @imagineyourkorea on Instagram) for general inspiration, beautiful photography, and updates. Search Instagram for hashtags like #Jeonju, #JeonjuHanokHamlet for user-generated content.
While specific Jeonju guidebooks are rare, comprehensive South Korea guidebooks (e.g., from major travel publishers) possess dedicated parts on Jeonju. Free, detailed tourist maps of Jeonju are typically at Tourist Information Centers and Hanok guesthouses. These aid navigation of narrow alleys.
"Honbul" (Spirit Fire) by Choi Myeong-hee provides deep insight into classic Korean life, customs, and culture. The Choi Myeong-hee Literary House in Jeonju is dedicated to her. Explore other non-fiction books on Korean history, art, or cuisine for background to your visit.
Look for free tourist brochures, event calendars, or small local magazines at tourist information centers, hotels, or cafes. These share up-to-recent data on local happenings, festivals, and new attractions, enhancing your immediate travel plans.
Police: 112, Ambulance/Fire: 119, Korea Travel Hotline: 1330.
Jeonbuk National University Hospital, Jeonju Jesus Hospital.
Use local navigation, carry cash, watch air purity.
During spring and sometimes winter, air pollution can be a concern. Check daily forecasts and consider wearing a KF94 mask on high pollution days.
Some smaller vendors, especially in traditional markets or very local eateries, may prefer or only accept cash. Always keep some Won on hand.
Most places take credit cards in larger places and large retail stores.
Inform your bank and credit card companies of your travel dates and destinations to prevent your cards from being flagged for questionable behavior.
Free public Wi-Fi is common in many cafes, hotels, and public areas.
Purchasing a local SIM or ESIM for South Korea upon arrival provides reliable data and call services.
Apps like Papago are valuable for Korean-English translation.
Plan your Hanok Village exploration in a sensible loop. Start at a main entrance (like near Gyeonggijeon Shrine), explore primary points of interest, then branch out to areas like Jeondong Catholic Chapel and Omokdae, all walkable.
Using the city bus setup with a T-Money card is the most economical way to move around Jeonju. It offers a slight fare reduction and, importantly, free transfers connecting buses within a set time.
Kakao T is the dominant app for hailing taxis. It allows you to see estimated fares, track your driver, and often pay via the app, for convenient travel around the city.
Download and familiarize yourself with crucial apps like Naver Map/Kakao Map, Papago, and Kakao T before you depart.
