Last reviewed: · Prices are approximate and for orientation only.
Overview & City Profile
Gimje (김제) is a municipality in Gimje, North Jeolla (coordinates 35.8083°N, 126.9019°E; population 93,111). Visitors use Gimje as a base to explore North Jeolla's historic town centers, regional markets, and culinary specialties such as Jeonju Bibimbap, Kongnamul gukbap (bean sprout soup), Choco Pie & Hanok Village street food.
Within North Jeolla Region (Gimje region), Gimje (김제) serves as a administrative city / district in north jeolla region. Travelers exploring North Jeolla often combine a stop in Gimje with regional highlights such as Jeonju Hanok Village & Gyeonggijeon, Maisan Provincial Park, Naejangsan autumn foliage, Gunsan modern history district.
| Fact | Details for Gimje (김제) |
|---|---|
| South Korea Name | 김제 (Gimje) |
| Administrative Status | Administrative City / District in North Jeolla Region |
| Region & Capital | North Jeolla Region (Capital: Jeonju) |
| Region of South Korea | Gimje |
| Population | 93,111 residents |
| Total Area / Density | Regional km² · Urban/Town people per km² |
| Municipal Incorporation | Official Municipality |
| Coordinates | 35.8083°N, 126.9019°E |
Getting to Gimje & Getting Around
Via the regional hub (Jeonju Central Station (KORAIL KTX & SRT High-Speed Rail)): KTX Jeolla Line from Seoul/Yongsan to Jeonju (1h 35m), Iksan and Namwon.
- Local rail & IC cards: Once in North Jeolla Region, JR regional lines and local private railways connect Jeonju with Gimje. Nationwide IC cards (Transit Card, Pasmo, Icoca) work on major urban and JR commuter gates; for rural branch lines or local buses, keep ₩1,000 bills and ₩100 coins handy for the onboard fare box.
- Luggage & station lockers: Main stations in North Jeolla have coin lockers for day-trippers. If you are stopping in Gimje en route between larger bases, check your suitcase dimensions in our Luggage & Locker Checker or forward big bags ahead with Takkyubin.
- Driving & car rental: While city centers around Gimje are accessible by train and taxi, renting a car from a major KORAIL KTX & SRT High-Speed Rail station or airport in North Jeolla can be rewarding for reaching mountain gorges, coastal viewpoints, and countryside onsen. Read our Renting a Car in South Korea Guide.
What to Eat in Gimje & North Jeolla
Gimje shares the culinary traditions of North Jeolla Region and the wider Gimje region. Don't miss these local specialties during your visit:
- Jeonju Bibimbap — a signature specialty across North Jeolla Region.
- Kongnamul gukbap (bean sprout soup) — a signature specialty across North Jeolla Region.
- Choco Pie & Hanok Village street food — a signature specialty across North Jeolla Region.
- Jeonju makgeolli table feast — a signature specialty across North Jeolla Region.
For dietary restrictions or food allergies, open our South Korea Phrasebook & Show-to-Staff Cards to display clear South Korea dietary explanations at restaurants in Gimje.
Best Time to Visit & Seasonal Highlights
Best time to visit North Jeolla: Apr–May, Sep–Nov.
Regional highlights across North Jeolla Region that pair well with a visit to Gimje include: Jeonju Hanok Village & Gyeonggijeon, Maisan Provincial Park, Naejangsan autumn foliage, Gunsan modern history district.
Practical Travel Tips for Gimje
- Tourist information center (観光案内所): Look for the Kankō Annaijo counter inside or right outside the main train station in Gimje (or at Jeonju Central Station (KORAIL KTX & SRT High-Speed Rail)) for free walking maps, bus timetables, and festival calendars.
- Cash & ATMs: While hotels, chain stores, and convenience stores in Gimje accept international cards and IC payment, smaller family-run restaurants, shrines, and rural buses often prefer cash. 7-Eleven (Seven Bank) and South Korea Post ATMs accept foreign debit cards reliably.
- Dining hours: Outside major metropolitan hubs, lunch typically runs 11:30 AM–2:00 PM and dinner spots open around 5:30 PM, with earlier last orders (around 8:00–9:00 PM) in smaller cities.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Gimje (김제) located in South Korea?
Gimje (김제) is a administrative city / district located in North Jeolla Region in the Gimje region of South Korea (coordinates: 35.8083°N, 126.9019°E). It has a population of approximately 93,111 across an area of Regional km².
How do I get to Gimje by train?
Most visitors reach Gimje via the main prefectural gateway of Jeonju Central Station (KORAIL KTX & SRT High-Speed Rail). KTX Jeolla Line from Seoul/Yongsan to Jeonju (1h 35m), Iksan and Namwon. From the regional hub, connect by JR local/rapid lines, private commuter railways, or local bus to Gimje. You can estimate long-distance rail costs using our KORAIL KTX & SRT High-Speed Rail Fare Calculator.
What local food is Gimje and North Jeolla known for?
In Gimje and across North Jeolla Region, top local dishes include Jeonju Bibimbap, Kongnamul gukbap (bean sprout soup), Choco Pie & Hanok Village street food, as well as Jeonju makgeolli table feast. Look for local ekiben (station bento boxes), morning markets, and family-run shokudo near the main station.
When is the best time of year to visit Gimje?
Best time to visit North Jeolla: Apr–May, Sep–Nov. Check our South Korea Seasonal Calendar to compare month-by-month weather and crowd levels.
Official sources & further reading
Rules, prices and schedules change. Confirm details here before you travel: