Located in North Chungcheong Province, Cheongju is a city with a rich past whose heritage and history are still reflected in its character today. Now transformed into a modern and vibrant city, it has not abandoned its roots, which can be discovered through its museums, temples, and numerous festivals. A genuine cultural hub with a warm and welcoming atmosphere, Cheongju is an essential stop during a trip to South Korea.

History

Cheongju's history stretches back to the period of the Three Kingdoms. Founded in the 7th century during the unified Silla period, its strategic geographical position made it an important military stronghold, as evidenced by the Sangdangsanseong fortress walls. But long before becoming a fortress, the city was renowned as a major center of education and learning. Known by the epithet "city of nobles," Cheongju was a vital hub for scholars and aristocrats. Indeed, the national museum, temples, Confucian academy, and traditional arts festivals still allow visitors today to discover and relive this century-old city's glorious past.

What truly brought this city to international prominence, however, was the book published in 1377 known as "Jikji," an abbreviation of a Korean phrase meaning "a good spirit, a good soul." Of immeasurable value, this book is the world's oldest surviving printed work using movable metal type. It was pressed 80 years before Gutenberg's famous Bible. Today, this treasure is carefully preserved at the Bibliothèque Nationale de France (BNF). This manuscript relates the teachings of great Buddhist priests. Jikji was published in two volumes. The first volume was lost, while the second was acquired by a French diplomat working in Seoul in the late 19th century, who subsequently bequeathed it to the BNF in the 1950s.

Discovering Cheongju

Today, Cheongju has become a modern city, vibrant and alive, with a rich history and cultural past whose legacy endures. It is also the largest city in North Chungcheong Province. It brims with tourist attractions, making it easy to fill even a short stay in Cheongju. Among the must-sees is the National Museum, a visit to which will reveal the city's historical past and help you better understand its culture. The museum is divided into several galleries, each showcasing artifacts from different periods in the city's history. After the National Museum, head to the Museum of Early Printing. This historic site was founded in March 1992 on the grounds of Heungdeoksa Temple, the very place where Jikji, the world's oldest surviving printed book, was printed.

After visiting the museums, lose yourself on the pedestrian street of Seongan-gil. Located in the city center, a stroll down this avenue is an opportunity to connect with the local population while experiencing Cheongju's warm and friendly atmosphere. Additionally, vehicles are only permitted to circulate here during the morning hours. From the afternoon onward, no vehicles are allowed. Drama and sitcom enthusiasts will be delighted to learn that several productions such as Glorious Jane, Baker King Kim Tak Goo, Cain and Abel, and The Legend were filmed in Cheongju.

Climate

Cheongju enjoys a temperate cold climate. The average annual temperature is 14°C. The best time to visit is between June and August, when temperatures range from 22°C to 30°C.

Geography

Situated in the heart of the country, this metropolitan area of over 800,000 inhabitants is surrounded by mountains that provide a natural shield against harsh weather.

To travel to Cheongju from Seoul, you have several transportation options. You can go by plane, train (KTX), or bus. The latter is the most economical, as a round-trip Seoul-Cheongju ticket costs 7,900 won, roughly €5.80.