Korea’s Agricultural Heartland & Cultural Heritage Province
Jeollabuk-do (전라북도), also known as North Jeolla Province, is South Korea’s traditional cultural powerhouse, celebrated for its rich cuisine, hanok culture, Buddhist temples, fertile farmlands, and slow-paced rural lifestyle.
Located in the southwest of Korea, Jeollabuk-do is known for its warmth, hospitality, and deep historical roots.
🏛️ Formation & Historical Background
Jeollabuk-do has been a cultural center for millennia, especially during the Baekje Kingdom.
It later became a stronghold of Confucian learning and agricultural innovation.
Key Historical Timeline:
| Period | Major Event |
|---|---|
| 18 BCE – 660 CE | Baekje Kingdom cultural and political hub |
| 935 | Integrated into Goryeo Dynasty |
| 1413 | Joseon creates Jeolla Province |
| 1896 | Province split into Jeollabuk-do & Jeollanam-do |
| 2010s–2020s | Development of high-tech agriculture & renewable energy |
Jeollabuk-do represents Korea’s food culture, history, and rural heritage.
🧭 Basic Provincial Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Name | Jeollabuk-do (North Jeolla Province) |
| Korean Name | 전라북도 |
| Capital City | Jeonju |
| Major Cities | Jeonju, Gunsan, Iksan |
| Area | ~8,067 sq km |
| Population (2025 est.) | ~1.8 million |
| Climate | Mild, coastal-influenced; warm summers |
| Time Zone | UTC +9 |
| Dial Code | +82 63 |
| Top-Level Domain | .jb.go.kr |
| Provincial Motto | “Food, Culture & Innovation” |
⚖️ Government & Leadership
| Position | Officeholder (2025) |
|---|---|
| Governor | Kim Kwan-young |
| Provincial Assembly | Jeollabuk-do Provincial Council |
| Administrative Divisions | 6 Cities (Si) + 8 Counties (Gun) |
🗺️ Administrative Structure
Jeollabuk-do includes:
6 Cities (시 Si)
8 Counties (군 Gun)
Perfect for linking each administrative unit on your AFP site.
🏙️ List of Cities (6)
| City | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Jeonju (전주시) | Capital city; Jeonju Hanok Village; UNESCO City of Gastronomy |
| Gunsan (군산시) | Coastal port city with modern history |
| Iksan (익산시) | Baekje Buddhist sites (UNESCO) |
| Jeongeup (정읍시) | Naejangsan Mountain foliage |
| Namwon (남원시) | Home of Korean love folktale Chunhyang |
| Gimje (김제시) | Great Korean Plains, rice farming |
🏞️ List of Counties (8)
| County | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Wanju-gun | Surrounding Jeonju; eco-living & agriculture |
| Jinan-gun | Mai Mountain & Tapsa Temple |
| Muju-gun | Muju Ski Resort & Deogyusan National Park |
| Jangsu-gun | Highland farming & equestrian culture |
| Imsil-gun | Famous for Imsil Cheese Village |
| Sunchang-gun | Korea’s traditional gochujang (red paste) |
| Gochang-gun | Gochang Dolmen UNESCO Site |
| Buan-gun | Byeonsanbando National Park; Seonunsa Temple |
🌐 Geography & Environment
Terrain: Fertile plains, mountains, coastal regions
Coastline: Yellow Sea along Gunsan & Buan
Major Mountains: Naejangsan, Deogyusan
Rivers: Mangyeong River, Seomjin River
National Parks: Byeonsanbando, Naejangsan
Climate: Mild & favorable for farming
Jeollabuk-do is Korea’s agricultural treasure and environmental jewel.
🧩 Development Focus & Innovation
Jeollabuk-do leads in:
Smart agriculture & food tech
Renewable energy (solar & offshore wind)
Biotech & agricultural R&D
Cultural tourism development
Traditional food export (gochujang, kimchi, crafts)
Its vision is to become the global capital of Korean food culture.
🛡️ Law Enforcement & Safety
| Department | Role |
|---|---|
| Jeonbuk Provincial Police | Urban & rural safety management |
| Fire & Disaster HQ | Wildfire response & coastal emergencies |
| Marine Patrol (Gunsan) | Coastal safety and port security |
🕊️ Religion, Language & Culture
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Major Religions | Buddhism, Christianity, Confucian traditions |
| Dialect | Jeolla dialect (musical, soft) |
| Cultural Identity | Warm, traditional, food-centered |
| Iconic Dishes | Jeonju Bibimbap, Imsil Cheese, Gochujang |
Jeollabuk-do is widely known as Korea’s food capital.
📈 Economy & Key Sectors
| Sector | Description |
|---|---|
| GDP (2025 est.) | ~$55 billion USD |
| Main Industries | Agriculture, food processing, ports, energy |
| Technology Zones | Saemangeum Smart City Project |
| Exports | Food products, machinery, seafood |
The Saemangeum Development Project is one of Asia’s largest land reclamation plans.
🎓 Education & Healthcare
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Major Universities | Jeonbuk National University, Woosuk University |
| Education Strengths | Agriculture, culture, tourism, biotechnology |
| Healthcare | Jeonju National University Hospital & regional hospitals |
| Life Expectancy | ~84 years |
✈️ Transport & Infrastructure
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Rail | High-speed KTX Iksan hub |
| Air | Nearby airports: Gunsan Air Base & Gwangju Airport |
| Highways | Honam Expressway, Saemangeum Coastal Roads |
| Ports | Gunsan Port (major exporter) |
| Mega Projects | Saemangeum Renewable Energy Zone |
Infrastructure development focuses on the Saemangeum coast.
🏞️ Tourism & Attractions
Jeonju Hanok Village (UNESCO Gastronomy City)
Naejangsan Mountain (fall foliage)
Gochang Dolmen UNESCO Site
Muju Deogyusan Ski Resort
Tapsa Temple (Jinan)
Byeonsanbando National Park (Buan)
Imsil Cheese Village
Jeonju Bibimbap Festival
Jeollabuk-do is beloved for food, nature, and traditional culture.
🌍 Global Role & Relations
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Cultural Recognition | UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy (Jeonju) |
| Economic Projects | Saemangeum Free Economic Zone |
| International Festivals | Jeonju International Film Festival |
| Sustainability Goals | Green energy, low-carbon farming |
📝 Summary
Jeollabuk-do is South Korea’s cultural, agricultural, and culinary heartland, blending fertile plains, ancient heritage, and vibrant food-centered lifestyle. From UNESCO sites to global gastronomy, Jeollabuk-do represents the warm, traditional soul of Korea.
📢 News & Articles
“Jeonju Bibimbap: From Local Dish to Global Brand”
“Saemangeum – Korea’s Future Smart Coastal City”
“Exploring Naejangsan: Korea’s Best Autumn Destination”
🎯 Our Mission
This profile is part of the AFP Global Knowledge Hub, offering consistent, accurate, and easy-to-use global region profiles.