Top 5 Places to Eat in Jeonju

Written by Andrew Turner, Min-jun Park
21/08/2025
Beautiful autumn scene at Jeonju Hyanggyo with traditional Korean architecture.
Yanto Sam, Pexels

Jeonju's dining scene is a vibrant showcase of authentic Korean cuisine, particularly celebrated for its signature bibimbap, hearty bean sprout soup, and elaborate traditional full-course meals.

1. Hankookjib

Cuisine: Jeonju Bibimbap

Hankookjib has been a cornerstone of Jeonju's culinary landscape for generations, proudly serving its acclaimed bibimbap since 1952. Stepping inside, one experiences a traditional atmosphere, where the focus remains on the high-quality, locally sourced ingredients that make their bibimbap unique. The rice is cooked in beef broth, adding a depth of flavor to the visually appealing mix of seasoned vegetables, meat, and a fried egg. It is a harmonious blend, neither too salty nor overly rich.

Price: Approximately ₩16,000 per person (around $12-13 USD).

Getting There: Located within walking distance from Jeonju Hanok Village. Address: 119 Eojin-gil, Wansan-gu, Jeonju-si.

2. Hyundaiok (Nambu Market Branch)

Cuisine: Kongnamul Gukbap (Bean Sprout Soup with Rice)

For a comforting and authentic taste of Jeonju, Hyundaiok at Nambu Market is a must-visit. The bustling atmosphere, often filled with locals, speaks to its popularity. The signature kongnamul gukbap, a clear, refreshing, yet deeply flavorful bean sprout soup with rice, provides a satisfying meal, especially as a breakfast or hangover cure. Adding a raw egg to the hot soup and mixing in the provided seaweed and chili is a local custom that enhances the experience. You can even refill bean sprouts and rice.

Price: Approximately ₩7,000 per bowl (around $5-6 USD).

Getting There: Conveniently located in Nambu Market, which is walking distance from Jeonju Hanok Village. Address: 88 Dongmun-gil, Wansan-gu, Jeonju-si.

3. Damun

Cuisine: Hanjeongsik (Traditional Korean Full-Course Meal)

Damun offers an elegant and immersive hanjeongsik experience, a traditional full-course Korean meal that is both a feast for the eyes and the palate. Situated within a beautifully renovated hanok, the restaurant provides a refined atmosphere perfect for special occasions or experiencing a grand array of Korean dishes. Each course is presented with precision, showcasing a variety of seasonal ingredients and traditional flavors. It is a journey through Jeonju's rich culinary heritage.

Price: Expensive (typically ₩30,000 - ₩70,000+ per person depending on the set, around $23-55+ USD).

Getting There: Located deep inside Jeonju Hanok Village. Address: 74-8 Eunhaeng-ro, Wansan-gu, Jeonju-si.

4. Veteran (Veterans Kalguksu)

Cuisine: Kalguksu (Noodle Soup) & Mandu (Dumplings)

Veteran is a casual eatery celebrated for its distinctive kalguksu, a creamy and comforting noodle soup generously topped with perilla seeds, red pepper powder, and seaweed. The noodles are hand-cut, adding to the hearty texture. Beyond the signature kalguksu, their chewy jjolmyeon (spicy cold noodles) and savory mandu (dumplings) are also highly recommended. It is a bustling spot, popular among locals for its simple yet deeply flavorful offerings and generous portions.

Price: Approximately ₩8,000 per dish (around $6-7 USD).

Getting There: Located near Gyeonggijeon Shrine and Jeonju Hanok Village, making it easily accessible on foot. Address: 135 Gyeonggijeon-gil, Wansan-gu, Jeonju-si.

5. Samchun-dong Makgeolli Alley

Cuisine: Makgeolli (Rice Wine) & Shared Korean Dishes

Exploring the Samchun-dong Makgeolli Alley is a unique and vibrant social dining experience. Here, rather than ordering individual dishes, patrons order kettles of makgeolli, and a continuous spread of diverse side dishes appears. Each additional kettle brings new culinary surprises, ranging from hearty stews and pancakes to roasted fish and various Korean delicacies. It creates a festive atmosphere perfect for groups to share laughter and good food. Yetchon Makgeolli is one of the well-known establishments in the alley.

Price: Mid-range (cost varies by kettle/set, typically starting around ₩30,000 for a set, best value for 2+ people, around $23 USD and up).

Getting There: The alley is located in the Samchun-dong District. A taxi would be the most convenient way to reach it from Jeonju Hanok Village, taking approximately 15-20 minutes, with fares around ₩7,000-₩10,000 (approx. $5-8 USD).

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