For those who may be a bit tired of Seoul or Busan, why not take a short trip to explore Cheongju? Located about 130km southeast of Seoul, Cheongju is an educational and cultural city known for producing many scholars. The city offers a variety of attractions, from historical castles and museums that house the world’s oldest metal type book to filming locations for popular dramas. Additionally, Cheongju is said to be the birthplace of “samgyeopsal,” a Korean grilled pork belly dish that has gained popularity overseas in recent years. The city even has a dedicated “Samgyeopsal Street,” lined with specialty restaurants. In this article, we’ve carefully selected 4 must-visit tourist spots in Cheongju for you to explore.
1.Sangdangsanseong
Located in the outskirts of Cheongju, Sangdangsanseong is a vast mountain fortress stretching 4.2 km with a total area of 220,000 pyeong (approximately 727,273 square meters). The details of its construction are unclear, but the "Samguk Sagi" (History of the Three Kingdoms) records that it was built around the Unified Silla period, between 668 and 900 AD. The grounds still contain three gates and a village with traditional Korean hanok houses, attracting many tourists.
Although there is a bit of distance from the fortress to each gate, it’s highly recommended to enjoy the walk. The harmony between Cheongju's historic structures and beautiful natural surroundings is a must-see. Sangdangsanseong is also known as a filming location for Korean historical dramas, making it a great spot for fans of location tours.
If you’re hungry, stop by Hanok Maul Tosok Eumsikchon, a village made up of traditional hanok houses that have been repurposed into a variety of eateries, from cafes serving light snacks and coffee to restaurants offering local Cheongju dishes. Don’t miss the spicy pork stew known as jaguri jjigae, a local specialty!
Name: Sangdangsanseong (상당산성)
Address: Sanseong-dong, Sangdang-gu, Cheongju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do, South Korea
2.Cheongju Early Printing Museum
Cheongju is known as the birthplace of Korean printing culture, and the Cheongju Early Printing Museum displays historical printing-related materials. Remarkably, this museum exhibits the world’s oldest metal-type printed book, Jikji, which is also registered as a UNESCO Memory of the World.
Jikji is a Buddhist scripture written in 1372 by the monk Baegun Hwa of the Goryeo Dynasty. Since Heungdeoksa Temple, where Jikji was printed, was located in Cheongju, the city developed as a center for Korean printing technology and culture.
The Cheongju Early Printing Museum has numerous attractions, including exhibits on Eastern and Western printing cultures, printing equipment, and a hands-on metal-type printing experience. Although most exhibit information is in Korean, there are English pamphlets available at the information desk for visitors.
Name: Cheongju Early Printing Museum (청주고인쇄박물관)
Address: 713, Jikji-daero, Heungdeok-gu, Cheongju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do
Official/Related Website: http://jikjiworld.cheongju.go.kr/jikjiworld/index.do
3.Suamgol Village
For fans of Korean dramas, Suamgol Village is a must-visit, frequently used as a filming location. The village features vibrant mural art on the walls of the houses, making it an enjoyable spot even for those who aren’t drama fans. It’s recommended to take commemorative photos with your favorite artwork.
At the entrance of Suamgol Village, there are English pamphlets available, which include information on the filming locations and a map for easy exploration. Some buildings used in dramas have been preserved and still operate, like a bakery that appears just as it did in the drama. Since Suamgol Village is still a residential area, visitors should be mindful of local residents while sightseeing.
Name: Suamgol Village (수암골)
Address: Suam-ro, Sangdang-gu, Cheongju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do, South Korea
3.Seomun Market Samgyeopsal Street
Cheongju is famous for a variety of pork dishes, including ppyeo haejangguk (pork backbone stew), jaguri jjigae (spicy pork and vegetable stir-fry), and pork bulgogi, but samgyeopsal (grilled pork belly) remains the most popular. Seomun Market is home to numerous restaurants specializing in samgyeopsal, earning it the name Samgyeopsal Street, and it is highly popular with tourists.
In Korean barbecue restaurants, the staff usually grills the meat for you, so even beginners can enjoy it without worry. When you order meat, you’ll also get a generous selection of free side dishes like kimchi, namul, jjigae, and fresh lettuce. It’s an affordable and filling meal, perfect for fueling up for an active day of exploring Cheongju.
Name: Seomun Market Samgyeopsal Street (서문시장 삼겹살골목)
Address: 20, Musimdong-ro 392beon-gil, Sangdang-gu, Cheongju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do, South Korea
◎ Summary
Cheongju is a unique inland city in Korea with distinct seasons and abundant natural beauty. Known for its high-quality rice and rich agricultural produce, Cheongju is a great place to explore historical sites, drama filming locations, and delicious local cuisine. With convenient access from Seoul, be sure to include a visit to Cheongju in your next trip to Korea!