Cheongju, South Korea

Cheongju is located in the central region of South Korea and serves as the capital of North Chungcheong Province. It borders Gyeonggi and Gangwon provinces to the north, North Gyeongsang Province to the east, North Jeolla Province to the south, and Sejong Special Self-Governing City and Daejeon Metropolitan City to the west. Cheongju has many attractions worth visiting. Here are some of the main ones: History and Culture - Sangdangsanseong Fortress: This is a historic fortress with well-preserved walls. Standing on the walls, you can overlook the beautiful scenery of Cheongju and feel the vicissitudes of history. - Early Printing Museum: This museum displays Jikji, the world's oldest extant book printed with movable metal type, as well as the development of ancient printing technology and related artifacts. There are also hands-on activities where you can experience the fun of printing with movable type. - Cheongju National Museum: The museum houses a large collection of historical relics, covering various exhibits from prehistoric times to modern times, such as ancient ceramics, calligraphy and paintings, and metal crafts. It is a good place to learn about the history and culture of Cheongju. Natural Scenery - Osong Cultural & Art Park: The park has large green areas, lakes, gardens, and various cultural and art facilities, such as museums, art galleries, and theaters. It is a good place to relax, enjoy the natural beauty, and appreciate art and culture. - Uam Mountain: This is a famous mountain in Cheongju with a high altitude, lush vegetation, and beautiful scenery. After reaching the summit, you can overlook the panoramic view of Cheongju and the surrounding natural scenery. You can also go hiking and mountaineering on the mountain. - Musimcheon Stream: This stream runs almost through the central axis of Cheongju, dividing the urban area. There are fitness trails and cycling paths on both sides of the riverbank. Along the way, you can enjoy the urban scenery and natural landscape of Cheongju, and you can also see various wild animals and plants. Urban Leisure - Cheongju Arts Street: This street is home to numerous galleries, art studios, cafes, and restaurants, creating an artistic atmosphere. Various art exhibitions and performances are held regularly, making it a good place to experience the artistic and cultural atmosphere of Cheongju. - Yukgeori Market: One of the busiest places in Cheongju, it has various stalls selling seafood, fruits, vegetables, and snacks, as well as many shops and restaurants. You can taste authentic Korean food and buy unique souvenirs here. - Cheongju Craft Biennale: Held every two years, the Cheongju Craft Biennale is an important craft and cultural event in Korea and internationally. It showcases a variety of exquisite handicrafts, including works made of ceramics, glass, metal, and fiber.