NADLI

Chungcheongbuk-do at a Glance

Chungcheongbuk-do, the only landlocked province in South Korea, is located in the central part of the country. Consequently, while it lacks a coastline, it boasts unique natural scenery where beautiful lakes, mountains, and plains harmonize. Historically, its name was derived from the old cities of Chungju and Cheongju, and it has long been known as the home of the gentle and naive 'Chungcheong-do Yangban'. Surrounded by mountain ranges, it had less interaction with the outside world, making it an attractive place that has well preserved its unique culture and traditions.

Recommended for

• Those who enjoy quiet contemplation and history: You can take time for contemplation while walking through ancient temples (such as Beopjusa Temple, designated a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site) and historic mountain fortresses.
• Those who love grand nature where lakes and mountains harmonize: You can fully enjoy the outstanding scenery of Chungjuho Lake and Daecheongho Lake, known as the 'inland sea', and the grandeur of Songnisan National Park.
• Those who enjoy gourmet food and local experiences: You can taste simple and healthy local dishes made with regional specialties such as mushrooms, wild vegetables, and garlic, and experience the lively local atmosphere in traditional markets.
• Family travelers seeking various activities: There's an abundance of activities for the whole family to enjoy, from Danyang's Mancheonha Skywalk and paragliding to Chungjuho Lake cruises and Hwalokdonggul Cave experiences.
• Foreign visitors who want to discover another charm of Korea: Access is convenient via KTX and international airports, and there are many special places like Cheongnamdae (the former presidential retreat), where you can experience Korea's modern history and nature simultaneously.

Getting There and Accessibility

Chungcheongbuk-do is located in the center of the country, offering excellent accessibility from anywhere in South Korea.

• KTX/Train: From Seoul, taking KTX to Osong Station takes about 50 minutes, and to Chungju Station about 1 hour and 20 minutes. From Busan, it takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes to Osong Station.
• Express/Intercity Bus: Buses operate frequently from Seoul Gangnam Express Bus Terminal, Dongseoul Bus Terminal, etc., to major cities such as Cheongju, Chungju, and Jecheon.
• Air: Cheongju International Airport allows access to Jeju Island and some international routes.
• Local Transportation: While there is no subway within Chungcheongbuk-do, city buses and rural buses intricately connect major cities and tourist attractions. However, for frequent travel between mountainous areas or tourist spots, renting a car can make your trip more convenient.

Major Attractions

• Cheongnamdae (Cheongju): This former presidential retreat, known as the 'Blue House of the South', features impressive beautiful scenery of Daecheongho Lake and well-maintained walking trails.
• Beopjusa Temple in Songnisan (Boeun): A thousand-year-old temple listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, it houses numerous cultural properties, including the National Treasure Palsangjeon Hall.
• Mancheonha Skywalk (Danyang): This is Danyang's representative landmark where you can experience the thrill of walking on air above a cliff over the Namhan River.
• Dodam Sambong Peaks & Seokmun Gate (Danyang): Three peaks rising from the Namhan River, considered the finest scenic view among Danyang's Eight Scenic Views.
• Cheongpunghoban Cable Car (Jecheon): You can admire the beautiful scenery of Cheongpungho Lake from the sky, and the view from Bibongsan Mountain's summit, resembling an archipelago, is superb.
• Sangdangsanseong Fortress (Cheongju): A historical fortress dating back to the Baekje era, it's great for walking along its ramparts and enjoying panoramic views of Cheongju city.
• Hwalokdonggul Cave (Chungju): A cave theme park created from a disused mine, it's a popular cool summer retreat.

Local Food & Specialties

• Olgaengiguk: This is Chungcheongbuk-do's representative local dish, featuring a rich and refreshing flavor made from freshwater snails (olgaengi) boiled with soybean paste (doenjang).
• Mushroom/Wild Vegetable Dishes: Due to the region's mountainous terrain, dishes utilizing fresh mushrooms like pine mushrooms (songi-beoseot) and shiitake mushrooms (pyogo-beoseot), along with various wild vegetables (sanchae), are well-developed.
• Danyang Garlic: Danyang's fertile soil produces garlic with a rich flavor and aroma, used in famous dishes like garlic set meals (maneul-jeongsik) and black garlic dakgangjeong (sweet and sour fried chicken).
• Chungju Apples, Yeongdong Grapes: Thanks to the large diurnal temperature range, apples and grapes with high sugar content are famous specialties, and products like wine and juice made from them can also be tasted.

Seasonal Recommendations

• Spring: Visit during the 'Yeongchunje Festival' at Cheongnamdae to stroll through the presidential retreat amidst blooming spring flowers.
• Summer: Take a cruise on Chungjuho Lake or Daecheongho Lake, or escape the summer heat and enjoy a unique experience at Hwalokdonggul Cave.
• Autumn: The path leading to Beopjusa Temple in Songnisan, the colorful autumn foliage of Bobaljae Pass, and the yellow ginkgo tree-lined road at Mungwang Reservoir are perfect for enjoying the autumn atmosphere.
• Winter: Enjoy the snowy landscape of Danyang's Dodam Sambong Peaks covered in snow, and warm up with a bowl of hot olgaengiguk.

Tips for Foreign Visitors

• Language and Information: Major tourist attractions like Cheongnamdae and Beopjusa Temple generally offer good English information, but as you go to smaller cities or rural areas, Korean is often the only language spoken. Chungcheongbuk-do is improving its tourist information system to attract foreign visitors.
• Payment: Most restaurants and shops accept credit card payments, but cash may be needed in traditional markets or smaller stores.
• Transportation Convenience: Transportation linking major tourist attractions is being expanded, centered around Cheongju International Airport and KTX Osong Station, thus improving accessibility. However, some routes have long intervals between buses, so it's advisable to check bus schedules in advance.