A calm city in central South Korea, known for its 1377 Jikji - the world's oldest metal-printed book. Local brewers still make traditional rice wine using centuries-old methods.
Cheongju-si, the capital of North Chungcheong Province, sits in the center of South Korea with a population nearing 854,000. Here you’ll find Jikji, the world’s oldest surviving book printed with movable metal type, displayed at the Cheongju Early Printing Museum. Walk along the 4.2-kilometer stone walls of Sangdangsanseong Fortress, constructed in the 14th century, or explore exhibits at the Cheongju National Museum that detail life from the Bronze Age to the Joseon Dynasty. The city hosts the Cheongju International Craft Biennale every two years, attracting artists from 60 countries. Six universities contribute to its academic atmosphere, and local restaurants serve dishes like black snail soup, made with freshwater snails from nearby rivers.
Exploring Historical Sites
Sangdangsanseong Fortress stretches 4.2 kilometers across Mount Uam, with restored gates and watchtowers that once protected the region. From the fortress walls, you can see much of the city below. At Heungdeoksa Temple Site, the Cheongju Early Printing Museum displays replicas of Jikji and explains how monks used metal type to print books in 1377. The Cheongju National Museum holds over 30,000 artifacts, including Goryeo-era celadon pottery and Joseon Dynasty royal documents. In the city center, look for the Yongdusaji Cheoldanggan, a 13-meter iron flagpole from the Goryeo Dynasty that marks where a Buddhist temple once stood.
Museums and Annual Events
The National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MMCA) Cheongju opened in a repurposed 1920s tobacco factory, where glass walls let you watch experts restore paintings and historical objects. Every two years, the Cheongju International Craft Biennale fills galleries and public spaces with ceramics, glasswork, and textiles created by artists from around the world. In September, the Osong Cosmetic and Beauty Expo draws companies to present new skincare products in a city known for its pharmaceutical research. These events highlight Cheongju-si’s role in preserving traditional methods while supporting modern industries.
Food to Try
Black snail soup, a local specialty, combines river snails with chili paste, perilla leaves, and tofu in a steaming broth. Head to Suamgol neighborhood for jagulgi, a dish of tender braised chicken simmered with soy sauce, ginger, and jujubes. At Cheongju Jungang Market, vendors grill soy sauce-marinated pork belly over open flames, serving it with garlic and lettuce wraps. In autumn and winter, street stalls near Daecheong Lake sell hotteok stuffed with brown sugar and nuts, or crispy bindaetteok made from ground mung beans.
Getting Around and Weather Tips
Cheongju International Airport has daily flights to Seoul, Jeju Island, and cities in Southeast Asia. Buses depart every 20 minutes from Cheongju Bus Terminal to Seoul’s Gangnam Station, with the last bus leaving at 11:40 PM. Trains from Ogeunjang Station connect to major cities, but service is less frequent than buses. From July to August, heavy rains sometimes flood roads—avoid the Cheongju Tunnel area during storms. Pick up free English maps at the Tourist Information Center near the Intercity Bus Terminal, or dial 043-1330 for help with directions.
Universities and Seasonal Climate
Winter temperatures often drop below freezing, while summer highs reach 26°C with high humidity. Chungbuk National University’s campus includes a public arboretum with walking trails, and the Korea Air Force Academy southwest of the city offers limited public tours. During the Chungbuk Art Festival in October, university theaters host free performances and film screenings. Areas around campuses like Daemyeong-ro Street have budget-friendly cafes where students study or meet friends for iced coffee and patbingsu shaved ice desserts.
Nearby Parks and Ancient History
Daecheong Lake, 15 kilometers southeast of the city, has five hiking trails ranging from 1 to 5 kilometers, with boat rentals available from April to November. Cheongnamdae, a former presidential retreat on the lake’s north shore, opens its gardens and walking paths to visitors year-round. Artifacts near Sangdangsanseong Fortress include Stone Age axes and Bronze Age pottery shards, evidence of settlements dating back 2,000 years. For a shorter outdoor trip, take bus 311 to Suamgol Valley, where a 1.5-kilometer trail follows a stream past rock pools and willow trees.
