Jeonju, the food capital of South Korea. Well-known for its street foods and generous side dishes, there is no possibility of going on hunger in this city. There is, however, a big concern for travellers like us.
True delicacies of the city are being buried by the street foods whose popularity is blown up by the internet. So let’s say you are looking for something outside of the tourist epicentre (also known as Jeonju Hanok Village), you’re in the right place.
Most places don’t speak English and have no English menu but good things come to those who go out and earn it so don’t worry about the language barrier. Go ahead and indulge in Jeonju’s good food – a guide on what to order in each restaurant included below.
What to eat in Jeonju?
1. Nobel Banjeom 노벨반점
What to eat: Watery Black Bean Noodles (Muljjajang 물짜장) 6,000 won
It’s called black bean noodles and it should be black. However, there might be a twist in this traditional restaurant in Jeonju, who is still insisting on cooking a special version of the black bean noodles called muljjajang, literally translates to watery black bean noodles.
If you are a seasoned Korean-Chinese cuisine eater, you might think muljjajang is in fact closer to the typical jamppong which is spicy seafood noodles. This starchy bowl of noodles is filled with assorted seafood, a mild spicy kick and a deep savoury flavour which is nothing like your typical black bowl of jjajang myeon. It’s unique in a good way!
A queue is formed before the opening hours so make sure you are part of the first seatings if you want to skip the queue!
Address
56-1 Jeonong 3(sam)-ga, Wansan-gu, Jeonju-si, Jeollabuk-do, South Korea
Google Maps | Naver Map
2. Jeonil Super 전일슈퍼 / 전일갑오
What to eat: Dried Pollack (Hwangtae-po 황태포) 10,000 won, Rolled Omelette (Gyeran Mari 계란말이) 7,000 won
This place must be the locals’ best kept secret.
I would never have guessed that this supermarket is the hottest place for an after-work drink. There is no food menu as they are supposedly a “supermarket” but everyone knows what to order!
First, hwangtae po which is dried pollack that is once again toasted over briquettes for extra crispiness. Important to know that the special sauce that is served alongside is something we never knew we needed in our lives – thick mayo, white sesame seeds, green onions and a sweet-tasting sauce. The sauce is refillable but self-serve.
Second, an exceptional thick gyeran mari which is rolled omelette that would impress any Korean. For drinks, you can get anything that is available in a typical supermarket here.
Address
13-12 Gyeongwondong 3(sam)-ga, Wansan-gu, Jeonju-si, Jeollabuk-do, South Korea
Google Maps | Naver Map
3. Owonjib 오원집
What to eat: Briquette Pepper Paste Grilled Pork (Yeontanbul Gochujang Dwaeji gu-ee 연탄불고추장돼지구이) 8,000 won, Seaweed Rice Roll (kimbap 김밥) 2,000 won
Another restaurant that’s perfect for locals’ after-work drinks or just supper. The concept of wrapping a slice of kimbap and grilled pork inside of a piece of lettuce is proven successful. Though the first bite wasn’t impressive, to be brutally honest.
Just strangely, there is something about the combination that will make you crave for it one bite after another. Perhaps, it is doing the simple things great – like a good roll of kimbap and well-marinated pork cooked over briquette to retain juiciness. We ended up ordering additional servings!
Address
10-9 Taepyeong-dong, Wansan-gu, Jeonju-si, Jeollabuk-do, South Korea
Google Maps | Naver Map
4. Jungang Hoegwan 중앙회관
What to eat: Korean Mix Rice with Raw Beef (Yukhwe Bibimbap 육회비빔밥) 15,000 won
I bet you can’t leave Jeonju without a full bibimbap meal. We get it.
Having bibimbap in its home ground is a whole different story – you don’t just get bibimbap. You get to enjoy a whole new dining experience, an extravagant set of side dishes including fish, deep-fried chilli, glass noodles, fermented bean soup and many more.
Most traditional bibimbap restaurant would serve the rice in a hot stone bowl and the ingredients in another bowl.
Here’s how to get started and end your bibimbap experience: scrap the rice from the stone bowl and put it together with the rest of the ingredients. There will be a layer of scorched rice left in the stone bowl. Pour the brownish rice tea, usually served together with your bibimbap, into the stone bowl, just enough to cover the layer of scorched rice inside. When you are done with your meal, this bowl will serve as an after-meal dish (or dessert you may call it).
Address
19-3 Jeollagamyeong 5-gil, Jungang-dong, Wansan-gu, Jeonju-si, Jeollabuk-do, South Korea
Google Maps | Naver Map
5. Geum Am Pi Soondae 금암피순대
What to eat: Blood Sausage Soup with Rice (Pi soondae gukbap 피순대국밥) 12,000 won
Probably one of the best representative foods of Jeonju known to Koreans but I will have to say I am personally not a fan of blood sausages since my first bite in a street food cart.
Maybe if you like to try some exotic flavours, this restaurant should definitely be at the top of your list.
Address
729-3 Geumam 1(il)-dong, Deokjin-gu, Jeonju-si, Jeollabuk-do, South Korea
Google Maps | Naver Map
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