Jeonju Hanok Village

The Jeondong Catholic Church in Jeonju (Historic Site No. 288) was completed in 1914 and was designed by Priest Poinel, who also designed the famous Myeongdong Cathedral in Seoul. It is the largest and oldest western-style structure in the Jeollanam-do and Jeollabuk-do provinces. The church was built where the first Korean Catholic martyr, Yun Ji-chung (1759-1791), died.[6] It is one of South Korea's three Catholic Churches, including the Myeongdong Cathedral in Seoul and the Gyesan Catholic Church in Daegu. The architectural style of the Jeondong Cathedral is a mixture of the Romanesque and Byzantine styles and is considered one of the most beautiful buildings in Korea.[7]

Omokdae

Located on the east side of Hanok Village is the place where Lee Seonggae, founder of the Joseon Dynasty, gave an outdoor banquet in Jeonju during his triumphant return to Gaegyeong after a victory over Japanese coastal invaders at Hwangsan Mt.[8] It is located at a high elevation, making it a good place to view the surrounding scenery. Many tourists start their journey here.[9]

Daeseongjeon (shrine hall) at the Jeonju Hyanggyo

The Jeonju Hyanggyo was a Confucian temple and school for students in Jeonju during the Joseon Dynasty period.[10] It was first built by the King of Gongmin in 1354, during the Goryeo Dynasty period. It was originally located at the Gyeonggijeon Shrine site in Jeonju; however it was relocated twice after two wars. The main room in the shrine area, the Daeseongjeon (Confucian Shrine Hall), in located in the front, while the main room in the teaching area, the Myeongyundang (lecture hall), is located in the rear. This is an unusual configuration for a hyanggyo. In all, there are 99 rooms at the Jeonju Hyanggyo.[11] It is the Korean Historical Treasure #379.[12]

Inside of the Gyeonggijeon

Gyeonggijeon is the hall where the portrait of Lee Seonggae is enshrined. It was built in 1410, in the 10th year of King Taejong's rule.[13] Gyoenggijueon is designated as the Private Historical Landmark of Korea #339, while the portrait of Lee Seonggae itself is designated as the National Treasure #317.[14] Gyeonggijeon is located in front of the Jeonju Hanok Village, which is why many tourists come to see it first. Gyeonggijeon was once larger than it is now. The west side of Gyeonggijeon and its annex were demolished to make room for a Japanese elementary school during the period of Japanese Colonialism.[15] The remaining building is a simple structure that connects a set of outer and inner gates.

Pungnam Gate

Pungnam Gate is the south gate of the city wall that enclosed Jeonju during the Joseon Dynasty.[16] It was the only remaining gate after the destruction of the wall. Pungnam Gate was designated as the National Treasure #308 on 21 January 1963.[17] Jeonju was the provincial governor's capital during the Joseon Dynasty, so it had a set of fortifications to enclose the city. It had gates in all 4 directions, but all of them were demolished in 30th year of King Seonjo's rule (1597).[18] After 3 years of repair work starting in 1978, the Pungnam Gate was restored. The column arrangement of the gate, especially the part located on the second story, is a very rare Korean building style.[19]

Traditional hanji (Korean Paper) is reproduced by hanji production techniques at the traditional Hanji Center. Authentic hanji is made here, and 80% of production is exported to Japan. The rest sold in Korea. Visitors can participate in various papermaking programs that include designing patterns for the paper.[20]