Jeonju(Korean:전주,Korean pronunciation:[t͡ɕʌɲ.d͡ʑu],lit. 'Perfect region')[a]is the capital andlargest cityofNorth Jeolla Province,South Korea. It is both urban and rural due to the closeness ofWanju Countywhich almost entirely surrounds Jeonju (Wanju County has many residents who work in Jeonju). It is an important tourist center famous for Korean food, historic buildings, sports activities, and innovative festivals.
Jeonju
전주시 | |
|---|---|
| Korean transcription(s) | |
| • Hangul | 전주시 |
| •Hanja | Toàn châu thị |
| •Revised Romanization | Jeonju-si |
| •McCune–Reischauer | Chŏnju-si |
 Flag  Logo | |
 Location in South Korea | |
| Coordinates:35°49′N127°09′E/ 35.817°N 127.150°E | |
| Country |  South Korea |
| Region | Honam |
| Administrative divisions | 2Gu,40dong |
| Government | |
| • Type | City government |
| • Mayor | Woo Beom-ki (Democratic) |
| • Council | Jeonju City Council |
| Area | |
• Total | 206.22 km2(79.62 sq mi) |
| Population (September 2024[1]) | |
• Total | 638,019 |
| • Density | 3,164/km2(8,190/sq mi) |
| • Dialect | Jeolla |
| Time zone | UTC+9 |
| ZIP codes | 560011-561870 |
| Area Code | +82-63-2xx |
| Website | Official website |
In May 2012, Jeonju was chosen as a Creative City forGastronomyas part ofUNESCO'sCreative Cities Network.This honour recognizes the city's traditional home cooking handed down over thousands of years, its active public and private food research, a system of nurturing talented chefs, and its hosting of distinctive food festivals.[2]
Jeonju is a city with over 1,300 years of history and culture. The city has produced many scholars and has a developed publishing industry.[3]
Cityscape
edit- Gallery
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Gyeonggijeon -
Street of Baekje-Daero (2014)
Geography and administrative divisions
edit
Administrative divisions
editJeonju is divided into two wards,Deokjin DistrictandWansan Districtthat, in turn, are divided into approximately 40 neighborhoods.
Climate
editJeonju has a cooler version of ahumid subtropical climate(Köppen climate classificationCwa), with winter being warm enough to avoid being classified as anhumid continental(Dwa) if the 0 °C isotherm is used.
Jeonju, like all of Korea, has four distinct seasons (spring, summer, fall, and winter). The winters can have a mix of days that are cool to days that are quite cold. The colder days are often influenced by a high pressure front that brings cold air from Siberia.
In the summer, the humidity of Southeast Asia comes over the Korean peninsula from June through September. Temperatures in spring (late April and through May) and fall (after September 25 and through October) are often in the mid-20s°C and with low humidity.
| Climate data for Jeonju (1991–2020 normals, extremes 1918–present) | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Record high °C (°F) | 18.3 (64.9) |
22.9 (73.2) |
28.2 (82.8) |
31.2 (88.2) |
35.1 (95.2) |
35.8 (96.4) |
38.6 (101.5) |
38.9 (102.0) |
35.5 (95.9) |
31.5 (88.7) |
28.0 (82.4) |
23.0 (73.4) |
38.9 (102.0) |
| Mean daily maximum °C (°F) | 4.8 (40.6) |
7.5 (45.5) |
13.0 (55.4) |
19.7 (67.5) |
25.0 (77.0) |
28.4 (83.1) |
30.6 (87.1) |
31.3 (88.3) |
27.4 (81.3) |
21.7 (71.1) |
14.4 (57.9) |
7.1 (44.8) |
19.2 (66.6) |
| Daily mean °C (°F) | 0.0 (32.0) |
2.0 (35.6) |
6.8 (44.2) |
12.9 (55.2) |
18.5 (65.3) |
22.8 (73.0) |
26.2 (79.2) |
26.5 (79.7) |
21.9 (71.4) |
15.4 (59.7) |
8.8 (47.8) |
2.2 (36.0) |
13.7 (56.7) |
| Mean daily minimum °C (°F) | −4.3 (24.3) |
−2.8 (27.0) |
1.4 (34.5) |
6.9 (44.4) |
12.7 (54.9) |
18.2 (64.8) |
22.7 (72.9) |
22.9 (73.2) |
17.4 (63.3) |
10.1 (50.2) |
3.9 (39.0) |
−2.1 (28.2) |
8.9 (48.0) |
| Record low °C (°F) | −17.1 (1.2) |
−16.6 (2.1) |
−12.2 (10.0) |
−3.9 (25.0) |
2.2 (36.0) |
8.2 (46.8) |
12.1 (53.8) |
12.5 (54.5) |
4.0 (39.2) |
−2.7 (27.1) |
−8.4 (16.9) |
−15.0 (5.0) |
−17.1 (1.2) |
| Averageprecipitationmm (inches) | 26.9 (1.06) |
36.8 (1.45) |
53.7 (2.11) |
78.4 (3.09) |
82.8 (3.26) |
159.0 (6.26) |
302.8 (11.92) |
289.6 (11.40) |
128.2 (5.05) |
57.3 (2.26) |
49.8 (1.96) |
34.0 (1.34) |
1,299.3 (51.15) |
| Average precipitation days(≥ 0.1 mm) | 8.3 | 6.9 | 9.4 | 8.7 | 8.9 | 10.3 | 16.0 | 15.0 | 9.3 | 6.6 | 8.9 | 9.0 | 117.3 |
| Average snowy days | 8.3 | 5.0 | 2.3 | 0.2 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 1.4 | 7.2 | 24.4 |
| Averagerelative humidity(%) | 66.8 | 63.5 | 60.9 | 59.1 | 63.2 | 70.6 | 77.5 | 76.9 | 73.4 | 69.4 | 67.4 | 67.6 | 68.0 |
| Mean monthlysunshine hours | 151.2 | 162.3 | 191.7 | 209.7 | 220.5 | 168.1 | 133.1 | 153.1 | 169.6 | 198.7 | 158.1 | 142.9 | 2,059 |
| Percentpossible sunshine | 48.7 | 51.3 | 50.1 | 53.9 | 50.0 | 39.6 | 30.8 | 38.4 | 45.1 | 55.6 | 50.0 | 47.0 | 46.2 |
| Source:Korea Meteorological Administration(percent sunshine 1981–2010)[4][5][6] | |||||||||||||
Demographics
edit| Year | Pop. | ±% |
|---|---|---|
| 1950 | 83,000 | — |
| 1955 | 123,000 | +48.2% |
| 1960 | 182,000 | +48.0% |
| 1965 | 213,000 | +17.0% |
| 1970 | 255,000 | +19.7% |
| 1975 | 308,000 | +20.8% |
| 1980 | 363,000 | +17.9% |
| 1985 | 431,000 | +18.7% |
| 1990 | 511,000 | +18.6% |
| 1995 | 561,000 | +9.8% |
| 2000 | 612,000 | +9.1% |
| 2005 | 623,000 | +1.8% |
| 2010 | 648,000 | +4.0% |
| 2015 | 658,000 | +1.5% |
| 2020 | 663,000 | +0.8% |
History
editSamguk (1C BC–7C AD)
editTheBaekjekingdom was located in southwestern Korea which included the area Jeonju is now located. It is believed that Jeonju was founded as a market town within Baekje around 57 BC.[7]
Jeonju (along with Baekje in general) was conquered by the kingdom ofSillain 660 AD. It soon became part of the Silla kingdom and in 685, Jeonju became one of the ninechu(a provincial capital of the kingdom). From 889 and onward, peasant revolts (caused from over taxation) became widespread throughout the kingdom and it also spread to Jeonju where it became the headquarters of one of the most powerful rebel leaders of the time, Gyeon Hwon. In 892 (or 900), Gyeon Hwon renamed the city Wansan and established it as the capital of theLater Baekjekingdom. From Wansan, Gyeon Hwon campaigned against Silla which climaxed with the destruction ofGeumseong(the capital of the Silla kingdom) and the assassination of KingGyeongaein 927. With the decline of Silla, Gyeon Hwon andWang Geon(of theGoryeokingdom) waged battle for control of the peninsula. However, Wang Geon and his forces invaded Later Baekje in 934 and Jeonju surrendered to him in 935.[7]
Goryeo (918–1392)
editUnderGoryeorule, Jeonju reverted to being a provincial capital and enjoyed relative stability and economic growth. However, in 1182, the city was taken by peasant rebels with the aid of governmental troops stationed there who resented being forced to do heavy labor along slaves. The rebellion was soon suppressed forty days after it began.[7]
Joseon (1392–1897)
editTheJoseondefeated Goryeo and founded a new dynasty in 1392 and took all their possessions including Jeonju. The Joseon considered Jeonju their ancestral home (an ancestor ofYi Seonggyeof Joseon may have fled Jeonju after the 1182 peasant revolt). During the Joseon period, Jeonju became the capital of a reorganized Jeolla (one of the eight provinces of the Joseon). In 1413, Jeonju (along with three other cities) was given the honor of safekeeping copies of theAnnals of the Joseon Dynastywhich still survives extant in the former Confucian academy in Jeonju.[7]
The town was occupied by theDonghak Peasant Revolutionin 1894.[8]Jeonju wasoccupied by the Japanesebeginning from 1910 to 1945, and was renamed to Zenshū during the period. The ancient walls of the old city were destroyed by the Japanese authorities with the gate Pungnammun (풍남문) being the only remnant left today. Jeonju's population grew between 1925 and 1949 when it reached 100,000 inhabitants.[7]Jeonju was given metropolitan status in 1935, and the city was founded in 1949. During theDivision of Korea,Jeonju was not in the immediate frontline of the war but by the armistice signing in July 1953, Jeonju (along with many other cities) suffered bombardment and the loss of many male residents who fought during the war.[7]
Today
editJeonju was given its modern boundaries and government system in 1963. It has since then industrialized rapidly.[7]Since the Joseon dynasty period, it was a metropolis, but it did not experience industrialization in the 20th century compared to other parts of Korea. It does not have the industrial infrastructure, manufacturing, or heavy industries found in other major Korean cities. Today, traditional tourism and sightseeing is a major industry in the city.
Public services
editFirefighting
edit
Fire stations in Jeonju:[9]
- Seobu 119 Safety Center
- Jeonju Wansan Fire Station
- Kyodong Fire Station
- Jeonju Deokjin Fire Station
Library
editLibraries in Jeonju:[9]
- Jeonju City Library
- Rainbow Small Library
- Gunji Library
- Geumam Library
- Sinseo-dong Library
- Peace City Library
- A-joong Library
- Ongdalsaem Small Library
- Hyoja library
- Nosongjakeun Library
- Samcheon Public Library
Education
editJeonbuk National UniversityandJeonju National University of Educationare the public universities in Jeonju.
Transportation
edit
Many city buses and taxis are available in Jeonju. However, tourists are often advised to walk between points of interest, as many attractions are near each other.[10]
Railways
editBuses
edit- Jeonbuk Shuttle Bus[11]
Culture
editCuisine
edit- Jeonjubibimbap(전주비빔밥), a traditional local food, is well known across South Korea. There are several very popular vegetarian restaurants serving Jeonju style food and pine wine.[12]
- Kongnamulgukbap(콩나물국밥), a rice soup with bean sprouts, which is eaten a lot in winter[13]
- Yukjeon(육전), a kind of pancake that is baked meat with dough[13]
- Memilnaengmyeon(메밀냉면)[13]
Attractions
edit- Jeonju International Film Festivalusually runs from the end of April to May for one week annually.[14]
- TheNational Jeonju Museumexhibits ancient relics from theBaekjedays.
- There are extensive royal museums, temples, a castle fortress on a hillside, and a well-known paper museum, as well as an annual paper fashion show highlighting the latest styles and traditional Korean clothing made of paper.
- TheJeonju Hanok Village(Hanok Maeul) is a traditional-style village in the heart of Jeonju, housing over 800 traditional "hanok" style buildings. It contains many traditional tea shops, souvenir shops, and restaurants.[15]
- Jeongdong Catholic Churchwas built on 1908–1914 by French priest Xavier Baudonet on the site of the Korean Catholic martyrs in 1791 and 1801. This Byzantine and Romanesque church has been designated Korea National Treasure No. 288.
- TheJeonju International Sori Festivalwas amongSonglines' 25 Best International Festivals in 2014.
- TheJeonju International Film Festivaldraws about 50,000 visitors annually.
- Jeonju is the hometown of thebreakdancingcrewLast for One,internationalBattle of the Yearchampions.
- Gyeonggijeon is a place to enshirine the portrait of Lee Sunggye called the first king of the Chosun dynasty.
The local mountains and parks are popular for outdoor recreation due to its rural location. There are historical sites in the area. The city has a zoo, a park, and the Hanguk Sound and Culture Hall, a large, modern concert complex on theJeonbuk National Universitycampus.
- Attractions in Jeonju
-
-
-
-
Gyeonggijeon Shrine
Sports
edit
Jeonju hostsK League 1teamJeonbuk Hyundai Motors.The team's home ground is theJeonju World Cup Stadium.[16]Jeonju also hosts a semi-professional football team,Jeonju Citizen,which plays in theK4 League.Their home ground is theJeonju Sports Complex Stadium.
In addition, Jeonju was the home city of theJeonju KCC Egis,a professional basketball team of theKorean Basketball League,between 2001 and 2023, when they relocated toBusanafter the city of Jeonju postponed the construction of a new gymnasium.[17]
Notable people
editPolitician
edit- Han Duck-soo,prime minister
Celebrities
edit- Defconn(born Yoo Dae-joon 1976), rapper and TV personality
- Lee Min-woo(born 1979), singer and member ofShinhwa
- Kim Kyu-jong(born 1987), singer and member ofSS501
- Yoon Kyun-sang(born 1987), actor
- Taeyeon(born Kim Tae-yeon 1989), singer and member ofGirls' Generation
- Kim Sung-kyu(born 1989), singer and member ofInfinite
- Hwasa(born 1995), singer and member ofMamamoo
- Wheein(born 1995), singer and member of Mamamoo
- Choi Yu-jin(born 1996), singer and member ofCLCandKep1er
- Choi Byung-chan(born 1997), singer and member ofVicton
- Bae In-hyuk,(born 1998), actor
- Na Jae-min(born 2000), singer and member ofNCT
- So Yi-hyun(born 1984), actress
- Lee Yoo-mi(born 1994), actress
- YEJI (born 2000), singer and member of ITZY
Athletes
edit- Lee Chang-ho(born 1975), professional Go player
- Yang Hong-seok,(born 1997), basketball player
Sister cities
edit
See also
edit
Notes
editReferences
edit- ^"Population statistics".Korea Ministry of the Interior and Safety.2024.
- ^"Jeonju's Gastronomic Greatness Recognized by UNESCO".The Chosun Ilbo.May 16, 2012.Archivedfrom the original on May 19, 2012.RetrievedMay 23,2012.
- ^"Jeonju, Republic of Korea".UNESCO.Archivedfrom the original on April 21, 2024.RetrievedApril 21,2024.
- ^ "Climatological Normals of Korea (1991 ~ 2020)"(PDF)(in Korean). Korea Meteorological Administration. Archived fromthe original(PDF)on January 29, 2022.RetrievedApril 4,2022.
- ^순위값 - 구역별조회(in Korean). Korea Meteorological Administration.Archivedfrom the original on October 7, 2021.RetrievedApril 4,2022.
- ^ "Climatological Normals of Korea"(PDF).Korea Meteorological Administration. 2011. Archived fromthe original(PDF)on December 7, 2016.RetrievedDecember 8,2016.
- ^abcdefgSchellinger, Paul; Salkin, Robert, eds. (1996).International Dictionary of Historic Places, Volume 5: Asia and Oceania.Chicago: Fitzroy Dearborn Publishers. pp. 195–197.ISBN1-884964-04-4.
- ^신형식 (January 2005).A Brief History of Korea, Volume 1.ISBN9788973006199.Archivedfrom the original on April 4, 2023.RetrievedOctober 2,2020.
- ^ab"Public Services in Jeonju-si, North Jeolla".openalfa.Archivedfrom the original on April 21, 2024.RetrievedApril 21,2024.
- ^"Travel Highlights".VisitKorea.or.kr.Archived fromthe originalon December 11, 2014.RetrievedDecember 7,2014.
- ^ab"Transportation Guide | Jeonju".Creatrip.Archivedfrom the original on April 21, 2024.RetrievedApril 21,2024.
- ^"Jeonju bibimbap, the most popular traditional Korean dish among foreigners".Archivedfrom the original on November 29, 2018.RetrievedNovember 29,2018.
- ^abc"9 Best Local Dishes From Jeonju".Expedia.Archivedfrom the original on April 21, 2024.RetrievedApril 21,2024.
- ^"Jeonju Int'l Film Fest to Open This Week".The Chosun Ilbo.April 23, 2012.Archivedfrom the original on April 26, 2012.RetrievedApril 23,2012.
- ^Jeonju Hanok VillageArchived2013-01-21 at theWayback Machine.Visitkorea.or.kr. Retrieved on 2013-07-12.
- ^"Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors".April 14, 2016.Archivedfrom the original on August 31, 2017.RetrievedApril 14,2016.
- ^"KCC Egis leave Jeonju for Busan as stadium woes continue".Korea JoongAng Daily.August 31, 2023.Archivedfrom the original on October 25, 2023.RetrievedOctober 19,2023.
External links
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