Jeonju, Korea 전주

From 99’ to 01’ this beautiful city in western South Korea was my home and the only time I grew up in Korea. This summer I visited my Korean childhood home in over 20 years as a stranger, foreigner. My cousin and his family wonderfully greeted me and made sure I had a fulfilling trip. Jeonju is known for its history, the Hanok Heritage Village.

One of my favorite experiences was the walkway path of the village, the left side designed with a curving small stream with a sidewalk and parallel, a less, undefined path with more exposure to gifts and fortune telling shops. I noticed how on the left, there were much more children, strollers, and families and on the right, more couples and adults. The two paths are not far apart nor evidently divided but a cohesive blend, and I absolutely loved it. This allowed children to enjoy their long walks by entertaining their feet and hands in sensory play of the water, a slower pace experience while their parents snacked and enjoyed each others company. While on the other side, the couples can walk at their desired speed without worrying about stepping on little ones. The young adults also would step into shops much more often as nothing obstructing them, just acting on their curiosity. This is also great for the shopkeepers to bring in the right customers with their more delicate goods. Zooming out, despite the rather small pathway, both sides seemed to be in good harmony no matter what age, gender, or dynamics.