People seem to shine brighter as April signals the arrival of a new spring. The cyclical nature of the seasons means that spring will return once more - though, there will only be one more spring to remember in 2024. So, how about going on a special journey to capture the unique moments of April? The Sungkyun Times (SKT) will now introduce the fascinating city of Cheongju.
Welcome to Cheongju!
-Cherish the Charms of Cheongju
Cheongju is one of the major cities in South Korea, and it is the political, economic, and cultural center of North Chungcheong Province. The emblem of Cheongju, which looks like a seed, is a good representation of a city of life that combines nature and people and a city of creation based on culture and art. As a city of life that pursues the coexistence of nature and people, the unique landmark, Platanus Street, awaits visitors at the entrance of the city. This street, packed with platanus trees, has been in place since 1952 and is now 6.3km long. Moreover, as a city of creation, the Cheongju Korean Craft Museum displays various craftworks with new interpretations of renowned artists. Cheongju Craft Biennale, the only international art exhibition in the Chungcheong Province, has been held every summer since 1999. Furthermore, the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MMCA) showcases diverse exhibitions and collections. The city of life and creation undoubtedly offers Kingos an invigorating experience.
-How to Visit
Kingos can use two public transportation options to visit Cheongju.
1. By Bus
There are three major bus terminals in Cheongju: the Intercity Bus Terminal, the Express Bus Terminal, and the Northern Terminal. Since the Intercity Bus Terminal and Express Bus Terminal are located near each other, Kingos can choose either bus terminal regardless of the departure printing culture of the East and the West following in the third point.
2. By Train
There are also several train stations in Cheongju. At Cheongju Station, there is the Mugunghwa train on the Chungbuk Line and the O-Train on the Central Inland Circulation Line. At Osong Station, the largest station in Cheongju, there is the Korea Train Express (KTX) and the Mugunghwa train. There are also various train stations, such as Jochiwon Station and Cheongju Airport Station. Kingos can choose any station depending on the preferred train.
Yesterday in Cheongju
-The Treasure of Printing
The first thing to see upon arrival in Cheongju is the Heungdeoksa Temple Site, where Jikji, the world’s oldest movable metal print book, was invented. Jikji was listed as a UNESCO Memory of the World; however, the original version of the book is kept in the National Library of France. Fortunately, the history of the first metal-type copy and printing technology continues in Heungdeoksa Temple. Currently, Heungdeoksa Temple only has its site remaining, but it keeps its history of printing alive with the Early Printing Museum. The Early Printing Museum presents the Jikji facsimile in its first exhibition hall. A display of Korea’s traditional printing culture from Goryeo to the late Joseon Dynasty is presented in the second exhibition hall, with the printing culture of the East and the West following in the third exhibition hall. The Early Printing Museum is free to visit from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., except Mondays and holidays. In front of the museum, a Modern Printing Exhibition Hall capturing the history of modern printing and the Metal Type Training Center preserving and transmitting metal type technology take place. Kingos can visit the Heungdeoksa Temple Site, the birthplace of Jikji, and catch the scent of the treasure of Korea’s printing technology.
-Picnic at the Fortress
Sangdangsanseong Fortress, a green resting place for Cheongju citizens, is one of the stone fortresses of the Joseon Dynasty. Fortresses in large cities are often lost, but the Sangdangsanseong Fortress is well preserved with its castles and the surrounding natural environment. Entering the fortress in the warm spring and enjoying a picnic in the vast grass field will grant a tranquillizing break for Kingos. The main gate of Sangdangsanseong Fortress, visible from the field, is the starting point of the trail for a remedial walk. This trail is divided into two courses: the forest and the fortress. Both courses are enough to embody the liveliness of nature through only an hour of blissful walking. The SKT recommends the fortress course as it encompasses the stunning view of both the mountain fortress and the city landscape. After the walk, having a picnic on the grass is recommended to end the day. Taking a break from busy reality and enjoying delicious food with cherished people beneath the April sun will rekindle the joy in Kingos’ hearts.
Today, in Cheongju
-Charming Downtown, Seongan-gil
After enjoying the past of Cheongju, it is time to look around at the present, melded together in harmony with its history. Seongan-gil, also called the Street of the Young, is one of the most popular places in Cheongju, where various movie theaters, restaurants, and clothing stores are concentrated. Seongan-gil is the mecca of shopping, with numerous clothing brands and private stores. At the café Capture, Kingos can get a unique shopping experience where they can get coffee, clothes, and goods all in one store. While walking along Seongan-gil, Kingos can see a tall flagpole made of iron barrels of the Yongdu Temple from the early Goryeo Dynasty, designated as South Korea’s National Treasure No. 41. The street also presents numerous traditional meals. As it has been a central downtown area for a significant amount of time, its restaurants naturally reflect the long history. In particular, APM Tteokbokki, a 40-year-old local restaurant, is always crowded with customers as it often appears on various television programs. The restaurant’s signature menu Beombok, a combination of tteokbokki and 20 types of tempuras, has been served since 1976. In the alley near APM Tteokbokki, there is a famous restaurant called Jjoljjol Hotteok, which serves a Korean dessert pancake called hotteok. Walking around Seongan-gil with delicious snacks will help Kingos fall into the charms of Cheongju.
-Transformation of the Adorable Village
Suamgol, one of the must-visit places in Cheongju, is a famous village with colorful murals. It was once a barren village where the refugees first settled in after the Korean War, but a public art project transformed it into a landmark of beautiful murals. Under the theme of “A Journey to the Alley of Memories,” various artists and students painted charming murals, waiting for their audience to find them. Suamgol has raised its fame with engraved paintings on living spaces and has also become a filming location for famous television series and movies such as Bread, Love and Dreams and Veteran. This formed the Suamgol Drama Road, which presents the series filmed in Cheongju, inviting visitors to immerse further in the dramas. Suamgol is also well known for its various desserts and cafés. Full Moon, one of its representative cafés, is the birthplace of cheese-shaved ice in South Korea. One bite of the refreshing spoonful of shaved ice with a decadent bite of cheesecake on top while looking down at the view of Suamgol will explain its popularity. After enjoying the dessert, Suamgol’s observation deck will be waiting with a thrilling night view to wrap up the trip. Look back at all the special memories made in Cheongju at the deck to finish the journey.
The walk through Cheongju, with its captivating liveliness and creations, will present Kingos with an unforgettable set of memories. Give a special break to the busy daily life with a trip to Cheongju. The SKT invites Kingos to keep a warmer, more soulful memory of spring in 2024. The embrace of tradition and youth awaits Kingos in Cheongju with open arms. Welcome to Cheongju!