Things to do in  Jeonju

Eighty stone pagodas defy gravity around the grounds of Tapsa Temple, a secluded Buddhist temple on the slopes of Maisan Mountain near Jeonju. These stone towers, including the 44-foot (13.5-meter) high Cheonjitap tower, are believed to have been built by one lone scholar—a feat that piques many visitor's interests.

Streets and alleys run between quaint houses of traditional Korean architecture at the Jeonju Hanok Village. Among this historic residential area full of old-fashioned homes, known as hanok, lie equally preserved landmarks, such as shrines and schools, that allow this part of Jeonju to look as if it has skipped the centuries of advancement that have shaped the city around it.

Although built in the 16th century, Soswaewon Garden remains a textbook example of a traditional Korean garden. Soswaegong Yang San-bo built the garden after the death of his mentor, and 15 generations later, his descendants continue to care for it. The garden features a variety of tree types, two ponds, a small waterfall, and a bamboo grove.

Just as the name suggests, Taekwondo Park is dedicated to all things Taekwondo—a martial art form that relies on unarmed self-defense and originated in Korea. The sprawling campus is the world’s largest training space for Taekwondo practitioners. In addition to multiple practice spaces, the facility features a panoramic observatory overlooking Mt. Baekun, traditional Korean gardens, and the National Taekwondo Museum.

Sitting at the heart of Jeonju’s historic center is the Gyeonggijeon Shrine. This 15th-century shrine was built to house the portrait of King Taejo, founder of the Joseon Dynasty who would go on to rule Korea for over 500 years. Its main hall is set in a shaded park of bamboo and ginkgo trees with several ornate gates leading up to it.