CHEONGNAMDAE TOUR

Among the most famous tourist attractions around Daecheongho Lake, Cheongnamdae is the first that crosses most people’s minds. That’s because this site gives visitors the unique opportunity of looking at the buildings (constructed on the 1.8 km2 site near Daecheong Dam) that were used as the presidential villa in the past. You can also stroll along the President Trail that offers different views in each season before visiting the Munui Cultural Heritage Complex, to fully experience the colors of the Cheongju natural environment.

Cheongnamdae

Cheongnamdae, also called as “the warmer Cheongwadae (the Korean presidential residence) in the South,” is the former presidential villa and has been open to the public for 20 years. This site is equipped with various facilities: the main building (that offered an exclusive space for 5 presidents), Presidential History and Culture Hall (including a photo zone where visitors can experience a president’s duties), Ogakjeong Pavilion, the Fish Farm, and so on. In particular, trails named after the former presidents offer pleasant walking routes surrounded by wildflowers and trees.

Opening hours : 09:00–18:00 (17:00 from Dec. to Jan.) *Closed on Mondays
Admission fee : 5,000 won (adult)

Location 646, Cheongnamdae-gil, Munui-myeon, Sangdang-gu, Cheongju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do | Telephone 043-257-5080 | chnam.chungbuk.go.kr

Munui Cultural Heritage Complex

Old houses and major cultural heritage objects were removed from Munui Village and restored here, because the village was intended to be submerged during the construction of the Daecheong Dam in 1980. On the 100,000 m2 grounds, Munsangwan (a Joseon-governmental building established in 1666), as well as the houses of the yangban (an aristocrat class in the Joseon Era) / common people, a blacksmith’s workshop, and other historic buildings have been recreated. Besides this, Daecheongho Art Museum and an outdoor sculpture park can be found near the observatory in the complex.

Opening hours : 09:00–20:00 (18:00 from Oct. to Apr.) *Closed on Mondays
Admission fee : 1,000 won (adult)

Location 721, Daecheonghoban-ro, Munui-myeon, Sangdang-gu, Cheongju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do | Telephone 043-201-0915

Daecheongho Lake, the third largest lake in South Korea, was artificially formed by the construction of Daecheong Dam in the middle of the Geumgang River. This lake is a major source of drinking water for the Chungchung Region, and also boasts of very fine scenery befitting a presidential villa. If you go inside the observatory beside Hyeonamjeong Pavilion, you will find a good spot to take pictures of Daecheongho Lake surrounded by the mountains.

Location  Hyeonamjeong Service Area, 206, Daecheonghoban-ro, Munuimyeon, Sangdang-gu, Cheongju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do

Goseonjae

This old house built in 1861 (the 12th year of King Cheoljong’s reign) has maintained the unique cozy character of Korean traditional houses and charms every visitor. Gojeonjae is the buildings name, which means “a house that receives much favor.” A tea ceremony experience program is provided for visitors, and they can stay for a night in the Haengnangchae, a room that was traditionally used to welcome guests. Spindle, quince and juniper more than 300 years old surround the old house and add to the building’s dignity.

Location 33-15, Witgobunteo-gil, Namil-myeon, Sangdang-gu, Cheongju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do

JIKJI SPECIAL CULTURE ZONE TOUR

Come to where Jikji, the World’s First Metal Type Print, was Born

In Cheongju, the birthplace of metal type, the Jikji Special Culture Zone has been created to help you learn all about Jikji. The world’s first metal type print has been included in the UNESCO Memory of the World Register. You can also learn about the significance and value of Jikji and metal type printing technology in the Cheongju Early Printing Museum, before visiting the Heungdeoksa Temple Site (Historic Site No. 315).

Jikji Special Culture Zone

Jikji, one of treasures in Cheongju, is a Buddhist book that was published by the Heungdeoksa Temple in 1377, and the existing copy has been housed in the National Library of France. The Cheongju Early Printing Museum exhibits not only a restored copy of Jikji, but also video materials and an interactive wall that allows visitors learn about how Jikji was created, how it has lasted until now, how to produce metal types, and much more. In addition, a master of Intangible Cultural Heritage periodically demonstrates the casting process of metal type.

Operating hours : 09:00–18:00 *Closed on Mondays

Location Cheongju Early Printing Museum, 713, Jikji-daero, Heungdeok-gu, Cheongju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do Telephone 043-201-4266 | www.cheongju.go.kr/jikjiworld/index.do

Traditions and current trends are interestingly mingled together in this street, which is called a tourist attraction of the “newtro” (a combination of “new” and “retro”) style, where old fashions are re-invented in new ways. Trendy cafés, restaurants, calligraphic/ craft workshops, and other shops can all be found in the alleys around the Cheongju Early Printing Museum. In addition, some bakeries make Jikji Bread, which is baked in the shapes of old Korean/Chinese character types and makes a good souvenir. 

Bakery Macadang (Head store)
231-21, Sajik-dong, Seowon-gu, Cheongju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do

Location 201-1, Saun-ro, Heungdeok-gu, Cheongju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do

Cheongju National Museum

This museum displays relics of Chungcheongbuk-do that cover the time period from the Prehistoric Age to the Joseon Era. As a smart museum equipped with digital exhibition facilities, including a theater with 4D effects and digital forge experience program, the museum delivers unique forms of excitement to visitors.

Digital experience hall (Musimgwan Hall) requires a reservation in advance.
* The Prehistoric & Ancient Culture, Goryeo Dynasty, and Joseon Dynasty galleries closed until December 13th due to renovations.

Operating hours : 09:00–18:00 (21:00 on Saturdays, 19:00 on Sundays) *Closed on Mondays

Location 143, Myeongam-ro, Sangdang-gu, Cheongju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do | Telephone 043-229-6300 | cheongju.museum.go.kr

Sangdangsanseong Fortress, Historic Site No. 212, which has preserved the original form of a Joseon fortress, provides a good trekking route for travelers. After setting off from the South Gate across a wide lawn, you will pass by the West Gate, East Gate, and the Sanseong Village reservoir that are accompanied by remarkable views.

Location Gongnammun Gate of Sangdangsanseong Fortress 180, Sanseong-dong / Yongdam-dong / Myeongam-dong, Sangdang-gu, Cheongju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do

Local restaurants are gathered together here and serve medicinal whole Oriental chicken soup, Cheonggukjang (fast-fermented bean paste), tofu dishes, and other local types of cuisine. The thick soup made from herb-stuffed chicken and savory handmade tofu will be enough to relieve your tiredness.

Location Hanok village in Sangdangsanseong Fortress 172, Sanseong-dong / Yongdam-dong / Myeongam-dong, Sangdang-gu, Cheongju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do

The peak of Geotdaesan Mountain is the location of a paragliding site, as well as offering a hidden night view that has recently become popular on social media. The colorful nighttime urban scenes captured from this spot are ideal for taking romantic pictures.

Location Geotdaesan Beacon Fire Station, San 107-2 Yongjeong-dong, Sangdang-gu, Cheongju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do