1. Sangdang Fortress 상당산성
A mountain fortress close to downtown Cheongju, where history and nature come together
Built during the Joseon Dynasty, the fortress walls offer wide views of Cheongju city and the surrounding scenery. The paths are well maintained, making it suitable for light walks, and the circular trail connecting the fortress gates is very popular. It’s a place where you can enjoy both historical learning and natural relaxation.
⏰ Hours: Open year-round, 24 hours
💰 Admission: Free
🚗 Parking: Public parking lots available near the gates (On weekends and peak seasons, parking near Nammun fills quickly, so early visits or public transport are recommended.)
💡 Travel Tip
For first-time visitors, the clockwise course starting from Nammun (Gongnammun) → Seomun (Mihomun) → Dongmun (Jindongmun) is recommended. The inclines are mostly gentle, making it easy to stroll.
2. Cheongnamdae & Daecheongho Lake 청남대 & 대청호
A course where you can begin at a former presidential villa and continue with a scenic lakeside drive
Cheongnamdae was a presidential retreat until it was opened to the public during President Roh Moo-hyun’s term. The spacious gardens and exhibition spaces are well connected. In spring, flowers bloom beautifully, and in autumn, the foliage is especially stunning. It’s a popular site even on weekdays.
Nestled beside Cheongnamdae is Daecheongho Lake, a vast artificial lake spanning Chungcheongbuk-do and Daejeon. The lakeside drive and walking trails show different scenery every season. The autumn foliage and morning mist on the water are particularly worth experiencing.
⏰ Hours: 09:00–18:00 (09:00–17:00 in Dec–Jan)
❌ Closed: Mondays, Jan 1st, Lunar New Year, and Chuseok
💰 Admission: 6,000 KRW per adult (tickets at entrance, discounts for Chungcheong residents)
🚗 Parking: Cheongnamdae parking lot and Daecheongho observatory lots (Approx. 2,000 KRW for cars)
💡 Travel Tip
– During spring flower or autumn foliage seasons, lines can be long, so arrive early.
– Exploring Cheongnamdae’s memorial hall, main building, Metafore trail, fish farm, and fountain takes about 2 hours at a brisk pace, or 3–4 hours if leisurely.
– Cafes and vending machines are available inside for breaks.
3. Cheongju Early Printing Museum 청주고인쇄박물관
A museum showcasing the world’s oldest metal-printed book, Jikji
This specialized museum highlights the roots of Korea’s metal type printing culture. The exhibits are centered around Jikji from the Goryeo period, with a variety of artifacts on display. It’s also popular with families thanks to hands-on experiences for children.
⏰ Hours: 09:00–18:00
❌ Closed: Mondays, Jan 1st, Lunar New Year, and Chuseok
💰 Admission: Adults 800 KRW (discounts for students and children)
🚗 Parking: Free parking available
💡 Travel Tip
– Guided tours run between 10:00 and 17:00—joining one greatly enhances the experience.
– English, Japanese, and Chinese interpretation is also available, making it useful for international visitors.
Read the Travel Review 👇🏻
4. National Cheongju Museum 국립청주박물관
The main museum to learn about the history and culture of Chungcheongbuk-do
Designed by the famous architect Kim Swoo-geun, this museum sits at the base of Uamsan Mountain, blending architecture with nature. Over 1,400 artifacts from prehistory to the Joseon dynasty are displayed in a systematic way. Outdoor features include a stone garden and a reconstructed Baekje-era smelting furnace. Facilities like tactile exhibits, large-text guides, and audio services are available.
⏰ Hours: 09:00–18:00 (Tue–Sun)
❌ Closed: Mondays, Jan 1st, Lunar New Year, and Chuseok
💰 Admission: Free permanent exhibits (some special exhibitions require a fee)
🚗 Parking: Dedicated parking available
💡 Travel Tip
– If visiting with children, don’t miss the Children’s Museum experience.
– Check the website or social media in advance for special exhibition schedules.
5. National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Cheongju 국립현대미술관 청주
A unique museum combining storage and exhibition of modern art
Housed in a renovated tobacco factory, the building itself is striking. Unlike typical galleries, this museum also opens its storage (archives) to the public, letting you see how artworks are preserved and maintained. Large-scale installations and special exhibitions are frequently held, offering new sights every visit.
⏰ Hours: 10:00–18:00
❌ Closed: Mondays and national holidays
💰 Admission: 2,000 KRW for 5th floor special exhibition hall
🚗 Parking: Large parking available at Culture Factory C
🔗 https://mmca.go.kr/
💡 Travel Tip
Right next door is Dongbuchanggo(동부창고), a cultural space hosting exhibitions, performances, flea markets, and indie publishing fairs. Visiting both together makes for a full day of cultural exploration.
Read the Travel Review 👇🏻
6. Chojeong Haenggung Palace 초정행궁
A historic site where King Sejong stayed and drank the famous Chojeong mineral water
King Sejong stayed here in 1444 for 121 days across spring and autumn. The palace was restored in 2020 and now features hanok architecture and history-themed facilities. Next to it, the mineral spring still flows, rich in natural carbonation.
Inside, visitors can enjoy exhibitions, media art recreations of the royal quarters, a traditional tea house, a reading hall, and even a free footbath experience using the mineral water. Families especially appreciate the educational and relaxing mix.
⏰ Hours: Mar–Oct 09:00–18:00, evening hours 18:00–22:00 / Nov–Feb 09:00–17:00, evening hours 17:00–21:00
❌ Closed: Tuesdays
💰 Admission: Free
🚗 Parking: Free parking available
♨ Chojeong Footbath Experience
- Hours: Typically from around 10:00 until closing time (17:00/18:00).
- Water: Filled with Chojeong’s natural sparkling mineral water, usually fully ready by 10:00.
- How: Free of charge, but bring your own towel.
- Effect: Tiny carbonation bubbles rise on your feet, giving a refreshing sensation and aiding circulation.
7. Jeongbuk-dong Earth Fortress 정북동 토성
A flatland fortress from the Baekje era, rare and well preserved
Unlike most fortresses built on hills, this one stands on flat ground in a square shape. The circumference is about 675m, height 3.5m, and width 8–13m. Four gates remain, with offset entrances on the north and south for defense. Outward bulges and traces of a moat survive. Its excellent preservation makes it one of the finest examples of flatland fortresses in Korea.
It’s a great spot during the day, but especially atmospheric at sunset when the pine trees around the fortress glow in red hues.
⏰ Hours: Open year-round, 24 hours
💰 Admission: Free
🚗 Parking: On-site parking available
8. Suamgol Mural Village 수암골 벽화마을
A cultural village known for colorful murals and scenic views
Located on the slopes of Uamsan Mountain, Suamgol’s alleys are decorated with murals from a 2008 public art project. It gained fame as a filming site for dramas. Beyond large murals, small hand-painted works by residents give the village a personal touch. There’s also an observatory with sweeping views of Cheongju, especially beautiful at sunset or night.
⏰ Hours: Always open, day and evening visits possible
💰 Admission: Free
🚗 Parking: Public lot at village entrance (limited and steep roads—compact cars recommended)
💡 Travel Tip
– Best visited at dusk to enjoy murals alongside city night views.
– Take time to appreciate the small, witty artworks scattered throughout.
– Nearby cafes and old drama filming spots, such as Baker King Kim Tak-gu, make good rest stops.
9. Yukgeori Market 육거리시장
Cheongju’s largest traditional market, bustling with food and goods
Tracing back to a Joseon-era riverside market, Yukgeori Market was officially named in 1973. Today, it spans about 100,000㎡, houses 1,600 stores, and employs over 4,000 merchants. It’s known for both its daily bustle and special events.
The “Dokkaebi Market” (Goblin Market) opens daily at dawn (around 05:00–08:00), where farmers sell fresh produce directly. Additionally, a 5-day market is held on dates ending in 2 or 7 (2nd, 7th, 12th, etc.), offering a wider variety of goods like clothes, tools, and secondhand items. The market is also filled with eateries serving dishes like knife-cut noodles with seaweed, dumplings, mini pig’s feet, and more.
⏰ Hours: Typically 09:00–21:00 (varies by store)
💰 Admission: Free
🚗 Parking: Paid parking available (discounts sometimes offered by shops)
💡 Travel Tip
– Check out the Dokkaebi Market early in the morning for fresh farm produce.
– Visit on 2nd or 7th day of the month to enjoy the expanded 5-day market atmosphere.
– Longstanding eateries (over 50 years old) inside the market are great for an affordable meal.
10. Midongsan Arboretum 미동산수목원
The largest arboretum in Chungcheongbuk-do
Covering about 250 hectares, it features multiple themed gardens such as metasequoia, hibiscus, hydrangea, subtropical plants, and a butterfly eco-house. A forestry science museum is also on-site. Visitors appreciate its balance of relaxation, education, and recreation.
Flat walking trails make it family and wheelchair-friendly, and it’s open year-round with changing seasonal highlights.
⏰ Hours: 09:00–18:00 (Mar–Oct), 09:00–17:00 (Nov–Feb)
❌ Closed: Mondays, Jan 1st, Lunar New Year, Chuseok
💰 Admission: Free
🚗 Parking: Free parking available
💡 Travel Tip
– The metasequoia trail and hibiscus garden are especially photogenic.
– The subtropical greenhouse provides a cool respite in summer.
– Check out free programs like forest interpretation walks and hands-on workshops.
11. Okhwa Recreational Forest 옥화자연휴양림
A forest retreat with lodging and outdoor activities
Located about 30 minutes from Cheongju in Miwon-myeon, Okhwa Recreational Forest offers accommodations like detached forest cabins, a lodge, and auto-camping areas. Clean and practical interiors make it comfortable for families. Nearby natural attractions include the “Nine Sights of Okhwa.”
There are trails, a playground, and a summer wading pool. Night-lit walking paths add to the appeal.
⏰ Hours: Check-in 14:00, Check-out 11:00
💰 Fees: Paid lodging (around 60,000–70,000 KRW for a 4-person room)
❌ Closed: None (advance reservation required)
🚗 Parking: Free
♨ Barbecue: Shared barbecue areas available (bring your own charcoal and grill rack)
💡 Travel Tip
– Duplex cabins like Jindallae 2 are especially popular with children.
– Arrive on time for check-in (14:00), as late arrivals can be inconvenient.
– Family-friendly features include playgrounds, wading pools, and well-lit evening trails.
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