Jeonju National Museum

The Jeonju National Museum is the major repository for artefacts from North Jeolla Province, covering the region's history from prehistoric times through the Joseon dynasty. The collection ranges from Bronze Age tools and Three Kingdoms-era gilt bronzeware to Goryeo celadon and Joseon ceramics — all displayed in a handsome building set in spacious grounds.

The prehistoric and early history galleries cover the region's role as one of Korea's most fertile and culturally rich areas. The Joseon section is particularly strong given that the royal Yi family came from this region: there are genealogical documents, royal portraits, and objects related to the founding of the dynasty displayed with good English-language labels.

Admission is free, the museum is rarely crowded, and the grounds — with a small outdoor sculpture garden — are pleasant for a short walk between the central exhibits and the car park.

things to do museum
A story
Among the museum's most prized possessions is the Goryeo celadon collection — a series of jade-green ceramics from the 10th–14th centuries that represent one of the high points of Korean craft. Goryeo celadon was so refined that Chinese potters, then the best in the world, openly acknowledged its superiority in colour and glaze.