Exploring west of the Jeonju hanok village, then north east by bus to Ajung Lake and had a dinner of pajeon.

DAY 4 OF my 7-day TRIP to Byeonsanbando and Jeonju

Another day of exploring, this time west of the hanok village, then north east by bus to a lake. I watched Top Gun: Maverick and had a dinner of pajeon. In the morning, I booked alternative accommodation since Romana was going to join me the next day and I didn’t want to subject her to the host’s peculiarities…

RiRi88 Brunch at Youth Market

I went to the Sijang Cheongnyeon (남부시장청년몰) to the upper floor / rooftop and found RiRi88 Brunch (리리88) for a western style brunch. The market area, also known as Youth Market, housed crafts shops, boutiques and a few restaurants and coffee shop. It reminded me a little of Sewoon Plaza, aka Maker City (세운상가) in Jongno, Seoul. There weren’t a lot of people about and I was the only customer. I sat by the window and ordered coffee and a bacon breakfast.

Pungnammum Gate

Near the market is Pungnammun Gate (풍남문) which now forms the centre of a roundabout. It has some historical significance but I didn’t stop to read about it. There’s no access inside either. There’s a statue representing the plight of the comfort women in the plaza area, along with some art sculptures.

Ajung Lake

After a quick nap at the accommodation, I took a bus to Ajung Lake (아중호수) in the north east of Jeonju. I bought a Dr Pepper (why?!) then took a short stroll. It was hot, and I was underwhelmed so decided not to hang around; I bussed it back to town to go and see Top Gun: Maverick at the cinema. Awesome flick!

I walked back through town (bumping into the host, who, again, invited me to drink with him; no thanks), then dropped by the hanok I’d be staying at from tomorrow. I asked the host if I could leave my suitcase there early tomorrow (as I was going to go hiking) and she agreed.

I bought some famous Jeonju choco pie and ate it down by the river. Back at the hanok, I packed and showered then went on the hunt for food. I had pajeon and makgeolli. Back at the accommodation, I sat on the porch. The host again came out and asked if I wanted to see the house he lived in. I wan’t really sure why he was so adamant but I went in. It’s a newer building behind the hanoks. The lounge was decorated with dark wood and the wall were covered with old photos (sepia and black and white) of his family and ancestors. Interesting but also a bit spooky to be honest! He seemed pleased I’d seen it, anyway. I went back to my hanok, had a beer on the porch, then went to bed.

Places visited this trip (click the ‘door’ icon to see a list):