Jeonju-si, in South Korea’s North Jeolla Province, is widely associated with preservation rather than spectacle. The city’s identity is closely tied to its role as a former provincial capital during the Joseon Dynasty and as the birthplace of the royal Yi family. This history remains tangible in shrines, academies, and the enduring importance of Confucian tradition in local culture.
The city’s landscape blends low hills with river corridors and compact urban neighborhoods. Jeonju Hanok Village, with its dense concentration of traditional wooden houses, sits at the center of this setting, not as an isolated relic but as part of the everyday city. Beyond it, rice fields and agricultural land stretch outward, reinforcing Jeonju’s connection to the fertile Honam Plain.
Jeonju’s atmosphere is measured and reflective. It is known for food culture rooted in regional farming, as well as for arts, paper-making, and traditional performance.
Seoul, the capital of South Korea, is a city where history and modernity coexist. Ancient palaces like Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung stand amid skyscrapers and contemporary architecture, offering a glimpse into the country’s rich heritage. The city’s neighborhoods, from Insadong’s traditional streets to Gangnam’s sleek districts, showcase its cultural and economic diversity.