Jeonju And Sunchang Experience with HiBA
One cozy fall weekend, on October 17-18, I got a chance to be a part of a very interesting event held by the Busan Adventures club. Together in a team of 29 people, both foreigners and Koreans, we travelled to two historical locations – Jeonju-city and Sunchang-town.
On October 17 we took a 4-hour ride from Busan to Jeonju by a comfortable coach. The trip was worth waking up at 6AM. 😊 A very friendly Korean guide was waiting there for us and immediately captivated us with stories about the city and its history. Jeonju is known as the ancestral home of the Yi clan, who founded the Joseon Dynasty. Because of the royal heritage, the city was chosen to house the Joseon Wangjo Sillok (The Annals of the Joseon Dynasty, which is also UNESCO Memory of the World, and it’s also designated as a Korean National Treasure). After having a brief walk, we went to Jeonju Hanok Village – another famous spot there. If you’re a fan of Korean cuisine, it’s a must for you! Jeonju is also considered to be the birthplace of bibimbap, and you can try to make a traditional bibimbap (and eat it too for sure!). Jeonju is full of fascinating locations to take photos. One of the most popular places for locals to wear hanboks and take couple and family photoshoots is the Gyeonggijeon Shrine, located right in the heart of the Jeonju Hanok Village. Coming here will guarantee you to spend peaceful time, because this place is way quieter than other palaces in big cities like Seoul. Oh, and if you ever appear in Jeonju – don't hesitate to try the famous Jeonju chocopies!
The next day, on October 18, we had a great opportunity to participate in the Fermented Food festival in Sunchang. The story behind is deeply intertwined with 600 years of Korean royal heritage, unique geography, and a modern preservation movement. This festival includes not only stalls and food market zones, but also different activities and funny competitions! 😀 And even the rain didn’t stop us from enjoying our time there. That day was full of interacting with local people, dancing, watching performances dedicated to the harvest, and getting along with the culture. And a lifehack for you – while visiting the Sunchang festival don’t forget to wear something red!
From the very beginning I could feel that organizers are passionate enough to make all the participants feel safe and involved. This trip brought us a lot of fun, inspiration and experience and broadened our horizons.