Why Jeonju is now Korea's hottest filming location?

Actors Go Min-si, left, and Kang Ha-neul are seen in a scene from Genie TV series “Tastefully Yours,” a drama of which over 80 percent was filmed in Jeonju, North Jeolla Province. Courtesy of Genie TV

Korean filmmakers and streaming giants are turning their cameras to Jeonju, a city where tradition and cinematic innovation meet, making the city in North Jeolla Province one of the hottest filming locations for movies and dramas.

From the bustling Hanok Village — a cluster of traditional Korean houses — to the city’s film studio complex, Jeonju’s blend of history, culture and modern infrastructure is drawing the attention of both domestic and international production teams.

The city’s recent partnership with New Zealand’s Kumeu Film Studios — famed for producing global blockbusters like “Avatar” and “Mulan” — signals Jeonju’s growing ambitions as an international film industry hub. The agreement, made last year, includes plans for Asia’s second Kumeu Film Studios and a virtual production facility.

“Jeonju has made film and video production one of its core development priorities for over 20 years,” an official from Jeonju City Government's culture, sports and tourism bureau said.

“The city’s Hanok Village and tranquil atmosphere make it an ideal location for filming. We opened the Jeonju Cine Complex in 2009 to provide essential facilities for production and postproduction, including sound mastering and color grading studios.”

Kumeu is just one example of how Jeonju is expanding its reach. The Jeonju International Film Festival continues to attract thousands of filmmakers and movie fans annually since launching in 2000, further cementing the city’s reputation as a center for cinematic creativity.

Director Bong Joon-ho’s 2019 movie “Parasite” is filmed at Jeonju Film Studio Complex in Jeonju, North Jeolla Province. Courtesy of Jeonju Film Studio Complex

Jeonju’s cinematic legacy stretches back to the 1950s and 60s, when director Lee Kang-cheon’s 1954 film “Arirang” and 1955 film “Piagol” helped establish the city as a cradle of Korean cinema.

In recent years, Jeonju gained international fame as a filming location for director Bong Joon-ho’s Oscar-winning “Parasite,” which shot many of its key scenes at the Jeonju Film Studio Complex. The city’s streets, markets and historic buildings have also featured in many hit Korean dramas, including the 2025 Netflix series “When Life Gives You Tangerines."

The Jeonju City Government said key scenes of the series were filmed on streets in Jeonju’s old downtown area to recreate the 1990s Seoul setting featured in Episode 12.

The official explained that Jeonju’s appeal lies in its harmonious mix of traditional architecture, scenic locations and modern production infrastructure.

“We offer one-stop location services, incentives and even office space for film crews. Our city is known among producers as a ‘filmmaker-friendly’ destination, and our residents and local businesses are always willing to cooperate with production teams,” he said.

Director Choi Kook-hee’s 2022 movie “Life Is Beautiful” is filmed at Jeonju Film Studio Complex in Jeonju, North Jeolla Province. Courtesy of Jeonju Film Studio Complex

Recent productions have made the most of Jeonju’s diverse settings. “Tastefully Yours,” which quickly climbed to the upper ranks of Netflix’s TV shows rankings, filmed over 80 percent of its scenes in Jeonju, using real locations like Nambu Market, Cheongyeonru Pavilion and the city’s famous foods such as "kongnamul gukbap" (bean sprouts soup with rice). The drama fully showcases the city’s unique combination of old and new.

To further solidify its status as the nation’s prominent film industry-friendly city, the city announced a 10-year, 575 billion won ($413 million) investment project last year to transform Jeonju into a global film and video industry center by 2034. This goal is not just to provide a friendly environment for filmmakers, but to invest further and attract companies, creating new jobs in the process.

The city’s 10-year vision includes building new production facilities, supporting independent filmmakers and fostering a thriving ecosystem for both local and international content creators.

“Our investment in film and video is an investment in Jeonju’s future as a global cultural and economic hub,” the official added.