Cheongju

청주

The capital and largest city of North Chungcheong, Cheongju is a modern hub with excellent transportation connections and cultural institutions. Home to the prestigious Early Printing Museum and vibrant downtown areas, it serves as the gateway to exploring the region.

Things to do

• Early Printing Museum — Explore Korea's movable type printing heritage and view the Cheongju Early Printing Base, a UNESCO Memory of the World site dating to 1377.
• Sangdong Market — Wander this bustling traditional market in downtown Cheongju filled with local produce, street food, and vintage shops.
• Cheongju Lake Park — Walk or cycle around this scenic reservoir park with walking trails, rest areas, and seasonal cherry blossoms.
• National Museum of Korea Cheongju Branch — View Korean art and cultural relics spanning prehistory to modern times in this modern museum facility.
• Suanbo Hot Springs — Relax in natural mineral-rich hot springs located about 30 minutes from central Cheongju, a popular wellness destination.

Food to try

• Cheongju Bulgogi — Thinly sliced, marinated beef grilled at your table, a specialty prepared with local recipes and often enjoyed with ssamjang and lettuce wraps.
• Memil Jjolmyeon — Chewy buckwheat noodles served in a tangy, spicy broth, a regional variation of the Korean cold noodle dish.
• Doenjang Jjigae — A hearty soybean paste stew with tofu, vegetables, and anchovy broth, a comfort food staple served at local restaurants.
• Songpyeon — Half-moon shaped rice cakes traditionally filled with sesame, beans, or chestnuts, especially popular during Korean holidays in the region.
• Sangdong Market Street Food — Sample tteokbokki, hotteok, and mandu from street vendors throughout the market for authentic local snacking experiences.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect temple etiquette — When visiting Buddhist temples like those near Suanbo, remove shoes before entering buildings and avoid pointing at religious statues.
• Market haggling is uncommon — Unlike some outdoor markets, Cheongju's modern retail and markets typically have fixed prices, so haggling is not expected or appropriate.
• Public transportation courtesy — Offer your seat to elderly passengers and pregnant women on buses and trains, and avoid eating or loud phone calls on public transit.
• Cash still valued in markets — While cards are widely accepted, traditional markets like Sangdong prefer cash payments, so withdraw won before shopping there.