Jeonju

A couple of weeks ago, Robyn, Jeong Sook and I went on a trip to Jeonju, a smallish city a couple of hours south of Seoul. Jeonju is renowned for it's bibimbap, apparently the best tasting bibimbap in Korea. I was somewhat sceptical, but it seems they are right to blow their own trumpet, it was delicious!

Jeonju bibimbap

We stayed in a hanok, a traditional Korean style of building, in Jeonju's hanok village. We spent the day pottering around the hanok village and exploring Jeonju's main shopping area where I bought a fabulous leather satchel for about £27, bargain! We also drank omija berry tea in a traditional teahouse.

Our hanok and courtyard

Omija berries and tea

In the evening we went to Makkeoli town. Makkeoli is a type of milky rice wine served in a copper kettle and each round is served with a selection of side dishes. The more makkeoli you drink, the more elaborate the dishes become. Unfortunately for Robyn and I, most of the side dishes were seafood based and makkeoli is definitely an acquired taste, so we didn't proceed past the first kettle.

Makkeoli and side dishes

Blue skies in Jeonju

I would definitely recommend a weekend in Jeonju for those wanting to explore Korea. It was lovely to get away from the smog of Seoul and see clear blue skies again!