Buljeongsa Temple is a Korean Buddhist Taego Order temple located on Godeoksan Mountain in Jeonju. It is known for its beautiful sunset views to the west, and the rounded shape of the mountain behind the temple resembles the Buddha's head, which is how the temple got its name. Originally called Bulgwangsa, meaning 'temple where Buddha's teachings shine,' the name changed to Buljeongsa at some point. The temple is set deep in shaded forest and feels ancient due to the moss-covered surroundings. The Daeungjeon Hall, Sanshingak Shrine, and bell pavilion all depart from traditional architectural styles. Stone monuments and statues are scattered throughout, adding to the temple's charm, with the mountain and trees partially visible around it. Inside the Daeungjeon Hall is an Amitabha Buddha seated statue typical of the 17th century late Joseon period. It features a square, expressionless face with half-closed eyes, three folds depicted on the neck, and simplified robes creating a stiff appearance. The vertically layered collar at chest height reflects late Joseon Buddha statue characteristics. Notably, the right arm appears as if pulled out from the sleeve, a style element after the 17th century. Buljeongsa, reachable by a winding but not difficult path, offers stunning sunset views and a harmonious blend of the neat temple buildings with late Joseon Buddha statues suited to the mountain landscape.
Jeonghyesa in Jeonju is a temple where nuns of the Bomunjong lineage pray and study. Jeonghyesa was originally established in 1899 when Mr. Choi Hyang-gwan built a small Chilseonggak under Wansan to pray for the birth of a son, enshrined Buddhist statues, and purchased an adjacent thatched house to create the temple, naming it Jeonghyesa and conducting prayer rituals. In 1921, Monk Jeong Myeong-ju established a Buddhist propagation foundation and built Bogwangjeon with 15 rooms and Yonghwajeon with 1 room. Additionally, Myeongbujeon, Nahanjeon, Wansan Seonwon, Sadaecheonwangmun, and monastic quarters were constructed to focus on practice and propagation. A Buddhist training center was also established to train disciples. Since then, Monk Baek Hyemyeong and the current head monk, Jeong Hyeil, have repeatedly led reconstruction and renovation projects, shaping Jeonghyesa’s present appearance.
Wansan Chilbong is so representative of Jeonju that when you think of Jeonju, you think of Wansan Chilbong. It has been the lifeline of Wansan, continuing with the thousand-year-old city of Jeonju, flowing into the Honam Plain, and becoming the origin of the three cities of Iksan, Gunsan, and Jeonju. It embraces the historic Chilseongsa Temple and mineral spring. From the octagonal pavilion observatory at the summit of Wansan Chilbong, the whole land lies below hesitating. Wansan Chilbong, where a fierce battle took place during the Donghak Peasant Movement, is now maintained as a forested citizen park.
About 200 meters from Jeonju National University of Education on the way to Namgosanseong Fortress, Chunggyeongsa appears under a steep mountainside. Chunggyeongsa is a shrine dedicated to the meritorious deeds of the militia leader Lee Jeong-ran during the Imjin War. Lee Jeong-ran gathered over 700 militia members in Jeonju, deploying ambush troops at Namgosanseong and Mangyeongdae to repel Kobayaga's invasion, earning the posthumous title Chunggyeonggong. After retiring from office, when the Japanese army swept the country and pushed into Honam during the Imjin War, Lee Jeong-ran vowed to defend Jeonju Fortress, rode on horseback at age 64, marched through Jinan and Soyang, and defeated about 300 Japanese soldiers, helping to protect Jeonju. Later, during the Jeongyu War, rumors of Lee’s defense caused the Japanese army to retreat swiftly. In honor of Lee Jeong-ran’s courage and loyalty, King Sunjo bestowed the posthumous title Chunggyeonggong. Today, a road crossing Jeonju east to west is named Chunggyeong-ro to commemorate his spirit.
This place was traditionally called Seungamsan (Jungbawisan), but since Catholic martyrs were buried at the mountain summit, it has been more commonly called Chimyeongjasan or Rugaldas산. Here are the tombs of seven people buried together: Yu Hang-gum (Augustino), who first spread the gospel in Honam and was executed, his wife Shin Hui, eldest son Yu Jung-cheol (John), daughter-in-law Lee Soon-i (Rugalda), second son Yu Moon-seok (John), younger brother-in-law Lee Yuk-hui, and nephew Yu Jung-seong (Matteo). During the Sin-yu Persecution of 1801 (Sunjong year 1), from September over four months, they were executed outside Jeonju South Gate (now Jeondong Seondang), Jeonju Prison, and Supjeong, annihilating their family. Surviving servants and relatives secretly collected the bodies but could not bury them in their hometown Namgye-ri, Iseo-myeon, Wanju-gun; they were temporarily buried at Baowibaeki in Jaenam-ri, across the field. On April 19, 1914, Father Bodune of Jeondong Church and believers enshrined them at this mountain summit. Currently, there is a pilgrimage information center, pilgrim church, summit memorial church, ongigama chapel, clergy cemetery, observatory, and Jesus-Maria rock.
Located in Jeonju, Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province, Wansan Bunker The Space was originally an air-raid shelter built in 1973 for wartime administrative evacuation and has been remodeled into a cultural tourism facility using media art. The exhibition progresses with the concept of a closed multiverse connection passage, where visitors explore a secret space. It consists of a total of 10 themed content rooms, including Secret Enter, Secret Story, Map of the Universe, Door of Dimension, Portal, and more, as well as experiential content rooms such as a multiverse space where live sketching is possible. The dazzling LED lights meet mirrors, offering a unique visual experience that feels like escaping reality. At the end of the exhibition space, there is a cafe and souvenir shop where visitors can rest briefly.
