Jeonju is well known for its traditional crafts, especially fans and other items made from hanji (paper made from mulberry). Historically, Jeonju was known for making the best bamboo and mulberry paper fans in Korea, and has been home to master fan makers called Seonjajang for centuries. Cheap paper fans can be found all over the city, but for higher-end crafts, try the Crafts Exhibition Center, 1-65 Gyo-dong Wansan-gu, or the larger Jeonju Masterpiece Shopping Center (tel. 063/285-0002), which sells a variety of traditional handicrafts. Both centers are open daily 10am to 7pm; the latter is closed on Mondays.
If you want to do some upscale clothes shopping, stop by the Core Department Store (next to the Core Hotel; tel. 063/280-1111). It has six floors of (primarily) fashion, rising above a supermarket and food court.
If you're an early riser or late sleeper, you can browse the Nambu (Southern) Market (tel. 063/284-1344), which is open daily from midnight to 9pm. It has been the largest market in the Honam region since 1905 and is a living history of the people of this region. Most goods sold here are agricultural in nature, but there are other items for sale. Take a bus to Paldal Road or the Nambu Market. Other traditional markets include the Joong-ang (Central) Market, which is open daily from 6am to 9pm, and the newer Dongbu (Eastern) Market, which has rotating items on sale daily (blankets, Korean traditional clothing, and rice cakes on Mon; school uniforms on Tues; produce on Wed; and so forth).
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
