Jeonju, a city in North Jeolla Province, has rapidly emerged as one of South Korea’s most sought-after filming destinations, attracting both domestic and international filmmakers. Known for its fusion of tradition and modernity, Jeonju offers cinematic charm through iconic sites like the Hanok Village and its advanced film production infrastructure.
A recent collaboration with New Zealand’s Kumeu Film Studios — the force behind global hits like Avatar and Mulan — reflects Jeonju’s ambition to become a global hub for film. The city already houses the Jeonju Cine Complex, launched in 2009, which supports comprehensive production and postproduction services.
“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.”
For over two decades, Jeonju has prioritized the film industry, and its efforts are reinforced by the annual Jeonju International Film Festival, a major attraction since 2000. Its cinematic roots date back to the 1950s with classic films like Arirang and Piagol, and its profile rose further when Bong Joon-ho’s Parasite filmed key scenes there.
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.
With seamless support services, incentives, and strong community backing, Jeonju has firmly positioned itself as a “filmmaker-friendly” city where creativity thrives.
