Cheongju Travel Guide

Discover the hidden gems of Cheongju, South Korea through this comprehensive travel guide. Find the best places to visit, things to do, food and drink scene, local culture, safety tips, transportation options, and more.


Introduction to Cheongju

Cheongju, located in North Chungcheong province of South Korea, is a city with a rich history and culture. It is well known for having a perfect blend of nature, modernity, and tradition. The city is surrounded by the beautiful Geum River and Mount Uam, which makes it an attractive destination for exploring nature. The city center has a modern feel, with numerous shopping centers, restaurants, and entertainment facilities. In this comprehensive travel guide, we will guide you through the best places to visit, things to do, food and drink scene, local culture, safety tips, transportation options, and more in Cheongju.

List of Places to Visit in Cheongju

There are numerous places to visit in Cheongju that offer cultural and natural attractions. Here is a list of the must-visit places:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Cheongju National Museum

This museum showcases Korean cultural artefacts and the country’s history from the prehistoric era to the modern age. It has various exhibitions, including ceramics, bronze items, and ancient weapons.

Cheongju Early Printing Museum

Cheongju Early Printing Museum is the world’s only museum that houses and exhibits ancient printing materials and documents. The museum displays Korean traditional book printing techniques and the history of publishing in Korea.

Beop-minsa Temple

Beop-minsa temple is a Buddhist temple that dates back to the Goryeo Dynasty era. It is located deep inside the Cheongnamdae Presidential Retreat, so it is a bit hard to reach. However, it is worth visiting to see its beautiful architecture and Buddhist artifacts.

Natural Attractions of Cheongju: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Cheongju Ogeori Park

Located in the center of Cheongju, Cheongju Ogeori Park provides a beautiful and quiet environment to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. The park has a beautiful mountain and river view, walking paths, and areas for picnics.

Cheongju River Cruise

The Cheongju River is a beautiful and peaceful river that passes through the city center. The river cruise is an excellent way to explore the city, relax and enjoy the sunset and view of the mountains and landscape. There is no better way to end a day in Cheongju than with a romantic dinner cruise.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Cheongju

Cheongju has great outdoor trails that lead to beautiful views of the landscape, rivers, and surrounding cities. Here are some hiking and biking routes:

Mount Uam

Mount Uam is a beautiful mountain range located between Cheongju and Buyeo. It is home to the Uam Rock, which is shaped like a sitting Buddha. Tourists can explore the mountain’s forest, streams, and other natural attractions on the hiking trail.

Cheongnamdae Park

Cheongnamdae Park is a beautiful park that covers an area of approximately 250 hectares. It is a perfect place for a picnic, hiking, biking or strolling through the lush greenery of the park.

Best Things to Do in Cheongju: Activities and Tours

Cheongju Templestay

The Cheongju Templestay program offers tourists an authentic experience of Korean Buddhist culture. The programs typically span for two nights or more, giving tourists enough time for meditation, temple tours, and other activities related to the Cheongju traditional way of life.

Cheongju Traditional Korean Market

The Cheongju Traditional Korean Market is dotted with stores selling traditional Korean souvenirs, local staples, clothing, and so on. It’s a perfect place to indulge in shopping, sightseeing, and grabbing a taste of local Korean delicacies.

Food and Drink Scene of Cheongju

Korean cuisine is famous all over the world, with Cheongju not left behind. Here are some local dishes and beverages to try out:

Must-Try Dishes

Chungcheong-do Bulgogi

Chung-ju Bulgogi is a local Korean dish that originated from the Chungcheong-do region, of which Cheongju is its capital city. It is made up of tender slices of beef that are marinated in a sweet and savory sauce and grilled to perfection.

Kongguksu

Kongguksu is a popular dish that consists of chilled noodles served in a cold soy milk broth. It makes a perfect meal during the hot summer days in Cheongju.

Local Beverages

Makgeolli

Makgeolli is a traditional Korean alcoholic beverage made up of fermented rice, wheat or barley. It is a milky-colored drink with a slightly sour and sweet taste. Lovers of traditional beverages should not miss a chance to taste this authentic Korean drink.

Where to Stay in Cheongju: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Cheongju has numerous options for accommodation that cater to different needs and preferences. There are hotels, hostels, guesthouses, and apartments located in different parts of the city. Here are some recommended places to stay in Cheongju:

Cheongju Kukdo Hotel

Cheongju Kukdo Hotel is located in the city center and is the perfect place for business and leisure travelers. The hotel has comfortable and spacious rooms, restaurants, cafes, fitness centers, and conference rooms.

Cheongju With Hotel

Cheongju With Hotel is a budget-friendly hotel located in the city center. The hotel has basic yet comfortable rooms, restaurants, cafes, and fitness centers. It’s perfect for backpackers or budget travelers looking for affordable accommodation.

What to Buy in Cheongju: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Cheongju Hanji Paper

Cheongju Hanji Paper is a traditional Korean paper made from mulberry bark. It is a widely recognized souvenir from Cheongju, and it is used mainly for art, decoration, and traditional ceremonies.

Cheongju Traditional Crafts

Cheongju is home to various traditional crafts, including pottery, woodcraft, and metalwork. Tourists can buy handmade souvenirs at the Cheongju Traditional Crafts Market, where local artisans showcase and sell their crafts.

Local Culture and Customs of Cheongju

Cheongju has its unique customs and traditions that run deep in the city’s culture. For example, the city is home to the Tongdosa Buddhist Temple, a prominent temple with a 1300-year history, and in December, the city of Cheongju hosts the annual Korean pottery festival, a popular event that attracts tourists from all over the world.

Best Time to Visit Cheongju

The best time to visit Cheongju is between April to June and between late September to November. During this time, the weather is mild, and the city is not overcrowded with tourists as it is during the summer months.

Do’s and Don’ts of Cheongju

Do:

  • Respect the local customs and traditions when visiting temples or historical sites.
  • Take off shoes when entering someone’s home, temple, or sacred areas.
  • Try out the local Korean cuisine.

Don’t:

  • Smoke in public places or indoors.
  • Be loud or disturbing in residential areas.
  • Refuse an offer from a local resident; it may be misconstrued as a lack of respect.

Safety and Health

Safety in Cheongju

Cheongju is a relatively safe city with low crime rates. However, tourists should practice safety precautions like keeping to the designated crosswalks, looking out for traffic, and taking care of their belongings.

Health in Cheongju

Cheongju has a good public health system, and hospitals are widely available throughout the city. Visitors should not hesitate to seek medical attention if they need it.

Getting to Cheongju: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Cheongju

Cheongju International Airport is a major airport that services the city and its environs. It is located approximately 7 kilometers from the city center and offers international, domestic and regional flights.

Bus Stations Near Cheongju

Central City Bus Terminal is located in the city center and is renowned for its seamless transportation systems that connect major attractions around the city and its environs.

Other Options

Taxi services are available around the city at affordable rates.

How to Get Around in Cheongju

Cheongju has great transportation systems, including bus and taxi services that serve the city and its environs. Visitors can also rent bikes to explore the city’s attractions.

Where to Go Next from Cheongju: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Day trips from Cheongju include exploring the city of Daejeon, a bustling metropolis known for its stunning architecture, the famous Hanbat Arboretum, and the Daejeon Museum of Art. Visitors can also explore the ancient city of Gongju, known for Gongju National Museum and the Tomb of King Muryeong.

Conclusion

Cheongju offers a unique blend of cultural and natural attractions, an array of traditional foods, and offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in traditional Korean customs and traditions. Whether you’re looking to explore nature, enjoy delicious cuisine, or indulge in local culture, Cheongju is the perfect destination for your next adventure.

Sangdangsanseong — Sangdang fortress Sangdangsanseong — Sangdang fortress The Iron Flagpole of the Yongdu Temple site The Iron Flagpole of the Yongdu Temple site