Cheongju | Discover Korea's Hidden Gem

In Korea, there's a city favored by time—Cheongju. It's the capital of North Chungcheong Province, located in central Korea. Quiet and peaceful, it's a hidden gem, full of charm. Here, you'll find a rich history, natural beauty, and unique cuisine. Follow this guide to start your Cheongju journey! 1. Best Time to Travel & Climate Cheongju has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons🌞, each with its own unique charm. Spring (March–May): Temperatures range from 5–15°C. Cherry blossoms, apricot blossoms, and other flowers bloom, surrounding the city in a sea of pink. Strolling through the streets is incredibly romantic. Summer (June–August): It's relatively hot, with temperatures between 20–30°C. It's a good time to visit streams and parks to escape the heat and enjoy the coolness. Autumn (September–November): The weather is cool and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 10–20°C. The maple leaves turn red, and the ginkgo leaves turn golden, making it a great time to admire the autumn scenery. Winter (December–February): It's cold, with temperatures ranging from -5–5°C. The snowy scenery is enchanting, and you can also visit nearby ski resorts to experience the fun of snow and ice. 2. Must-See Attractions 1. Sangdangsanseong Fortress: A historic ancient city with well-preserved walls. Climb the walls to enjoy a panoramic view of Cheongju and experience the vicissitudes and richness of history. Walking along the trails feels like traveling back in time. You can also enjoy a stunning sunset in the evening🌅. 2. Early Printing Museum: A World Cultural Heritage site. Here, you can see Jikji, the world's oldest extant book printed with movable metal type, and learn about the evolution of ancient printing from woodblocks to metal type. The museum also offers hands-on printing activities, allowing you to experience the charm of traditional culture. 3. Cheongju National Museum: Home to a large collection of historical artifacts, ranging from prehistoric times to modern times, including ancient ceramics, calligraphy, paintings, and metal crafts. Through these exhibits, you can gain a deeper understanding of Cheongju's history and culture. The museum's unique architecture blends seamlessly with the surrounding natural environment. 4. Jungang Park: The city's "green lung," featuring vast green spaces, lakes, gardens, and cultural and artistic facilities such as museums, art galleries, and theaters. Here, you can enjoy both natural beauty and artistic atmosphere. You can stroll or picnic by the lake, visit art exhibitions, or watch performances. 5. Uam Mountain: A famous mountain in Cheongju, with high altitude and dense vegetation. From the summit, you can overlook the entire city of Cheongju and the surrounding natural scenery. It's a paradise for hikers and mountaineers. The mountain air is fresh and rich in negative ions, allowing you to relax and enjoy the tranquility of nature during your climb. 6. Musimcheon Stream: Runs through the central axis of Cheongju, dividing the city in two. Fitness and cycling paths line both sides of the riverbank. Along the way, urban scenery and natural landscapes blend together, and you can also see various wild animals and plants. Rent a bicycle and ride along the river, enjoying the gentle breeze. 7. Cheongju Arts Street: Full of artistic atmosphere, with art galleries, studios, cafes, and restaurants. Art exhibitions, performances, and other events are held regularly. Here, you can interact with artists, purchase unique artworks, and enjoy an artistic time. 8. Yukgeori Market: One of the liveliest places in Cheongju, with stalls selling seafood, fruits, vegetables, snacks, and more, as well as numerous shops and restaurants. Here, you can taste authentic Korean food, such as kimchi pancakes, gimbap, and tteokbokki, buy unique souvenirs, and experience the local atmosphere. 3. Recommended Local Cuisine 1. Hanjeongsik: A traditional Korean set meal with a variety of dishes, including various side dishes, soups, main courses, and meats. Beautifully presented and nutritionally balanced, it allows you to sample a variety of Korean specialties at once. 2. Korean BBQ: One of Korea's most representative dishes. Cheongju's BBQ restaurants use high-quality meats, such as beef and pork. Grilled over charcoal, the meat sizzles and releases a rich aroma. Wrap it in lettuce with kimchi, garlic slices, and other ingredients for a satisfying bite🥩. 3. Samgyetang: A nutritious and nourishing dish. A whole young chicken is stuffed with glutinous rice, red dates, ginseng, and other ingredients, then simmered until tender. The soup is delicious, and the chicken is tender. A bowl of samgyetang will warm you up on a cold day. 4. Seafood Stew: Cheongju is close to the sea, so the seafood is fresh and affordable. Seafood stew combines shrimp, crab, shellfish, and other seafood, cooked with Korean chili paste and other seasonings. The flavor is rich, perfectly blending the freshness of seafood with the spiciness of the chili paste. It's incredibly delicious with rice. 5. Desserts: Korean desserts are exquisite and delicious, and Cheongju is no exception. Patbingsu, bingsu, and macarons are all worth trying. The smooth shaved ice is paired with sweet red beans, fruits, cream, cookies, and other toppings, offering both visual appeal and delicious taste🍧. 4. Travel Tips 1. Language: Locals mainly speak Korean. Simple English communication is possible, but it might be difficult in markets and small shops. Downloading a translation app, such as Papago, is recommended. 2. Etiquette: Pay attention to everyday etiquette. Bow when you meet someone and take off your shoes when entering a home. Don't talk loudly in restaurants. When dining with elders, let them start eating first. 3. Accommodation: Hotels generally don't provide disposable toothbrushes and toothpaste, so remember to bring your own. Some hotels may not provide slippers, so confirm in advance. 4. Tax Refunds: When shopping at stores marked "TAX FREE," you can get a tax refund if you spend over a certain amount. Keep your receipts and apply for a tax refund at the airport or designated refund points.