Omokdae and Imokdae Pavilions

Omokdae and Imokdae are two traditional wooden pavilions set on a forested hillside at the southeastern edge of the Hanok Village, looking out over the city. They are among the most historically resonant sites in Jeonju: Omokdae is where Yi Seonggye, founder of the Joseon dynasty and ancestor of the royal Yi clan from Jeonju, celebrated his military triumph in 1380.

The pavilions themselves are classic Joseon-era structures — open-sided wooden frames with curved roofs, set on stone plinths, shaded by ancient pine trees. The view from Omokdae across the Hanok Village rooftops is one of the finest in the city and best appreciated in late afternoon when the light catches the curved tiles. The walk up through the forest takes about fifteen minutes from the village centre.

Both pavilions are free to visit and rarely crowded — most visitors to the Hanok Village don't make the climb.

things to do sight
A story
Omokdae is where Yi Seonggye — the general who founded the Joseon dynasty in 1392 — celebrated his first major military victory in 1380, defeating a Japanese pirate force that had ravaged the region. He held a victory banquet here, looking out over the city he would eventually rule. Twelve years later, he was king.