JIKJI SPECIALCULTURE 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 Heungdeok Temple Site (Historic Site No. 315)
① Jikji Special Culture Zone(→5min.)
② Unridan-gil(→20min.)
③ Cheongju National Museum(→15min.)
④ Sangdangsanseong Fortress(→10min.)
⑤ Sanseong Village(→10min.)
⑥ Gliding Site on Gutdaesan Mountain
Jikji Special Culture Zone
Jikji, one of treasures in Cheongju, is a Buddhist book that was published by the Heungdeok 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.
Address
Cheongju Early Printing Museum, 713, Jikji-daero, Heungdeok-gu, Cheongju-si, Chungcheongbuk-doTel
043-201-4266
Time
09:00–18:00
Closed on Mondays
Website
www.cheongju.go.kr/jikjiworld/index.do
Modern Printing Exhibition Hall
ead type printing (traditional Korean paper) / letter press printing
(postcards) / transfer printing (mugs, photo frames) / 3D transfer printing (mobile phone cases)
10:30-16:00(free admission)
Free
Demonstration of metal type casting
On Fridays 10:00/13:30/15:00,
1st Saturday of the month 10:00/13:30/15:00
Book-making experience (in-advance reservation is required)
Make books using traditional methods (type selecting, Neunghwapan pattern printing, make Hanji sheets, book stitching, etc.)
Free (except for the cost of materials)
Unridan-gil
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.
Address
201-1, Saun-ro, Heungdeok-gu, Cheongju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do
Bakery Macadang (Head store) 231-21, Sajik-dong, Seowon-gu, Cheongju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do
Cheongju National Museum
This museum displays relics of the Chungbuk Region 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.
Address
143, Myeongam-ro, Sangdang-gu, Cheongju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do
Tel
043-229-6300
Time
09:00–18:00 (21:00 on Saturdays, 19:00 on Sundays)
Closed on Mondays
Website
cheongju.museum.go.kr
TIP
Digital experience hall (Musimgwan Hall) requires a reservation in advance.
Sangdangsanseong Fortress
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.
Gongnammun Gate of Sangdangsanseong Fortress 80, Sanseong-dong / Yongdam-dong / Myeongam-dong, Sangdang-gu, Cheongju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do
Sanseong Village
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.
Hanok village in Sangdangsanseong Fortress 72, Sanseong-dong / Yongdam-dong / Myeongam-dong, Sangdang-gu, Cheongju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do
Gliding Site on Gutdaesan Mountain
The peak of Gutdaesan 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.
Gutdaesan Beacon Fire Station San 107-2 Yongjeong-dong, Sangdang-gu, Cheongju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do
CHOJEONG STORY ROAD TOUR
Find Traces of King Sejong in the Chojeong Temporary
Palace & Chojeong Mineral Spring Water
Chojeong-ri in Cheongju-si is the historical site where King Sejong (the inventor of the Korean alphabet “Hangul”) built a temporary palace (Haenggung) to cure his eye disease during the early period of the Joseon Dynasty. This region is also known for the mystic “Chojeong Yaksu,” one of the Top 3 mineral spring waters in the world. Experience the beauty of the palace and have a mineral spring water sauna to make your own special memories.
① Chojeong Temporary Palace(→5min.)
② Janghuidoga Brewery(→10min.)
③ House of Woonbo(→10min.)
④ Chojeong Yaksu Sejong Spatel
Chojeong Temporary Palace
The Annals of the Joseon Dynasty (Joseonwangjosillok) includes records of King Sejong and his temporary palace: in 1444, he stayed in the Chojeong Temporary Palace, Cheongju, and treated his eye disease with the Chojeong mineral spring water. The palace buildings have been reproduced in the present time, according to the historic records. Thus, tourists can visit the king’s office quarters (Pyeonjeon) and living quarters (Chimjeon), and can also taste dishes served to the Cheongju aristocrat class in the royal kitchen (Suragan). In addition, an oriental medicinal foot bath and a stay experience in traditional Korean houses (Hanok) have been prepared for visitors.
Address
851, Chojeongyaksu-ro Naesu-eup, Cheongwon-gu, Cheongju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do
Tel
043-270-7332
Website
chojeong.cjsisul.or.kr
Stay Experience in Hanok Spend a wonderful night in the traditional Korean houses built within the palace site! There are various options depending on the number of guests (from a double room to a 6-bed room) and the preferred type of house (thatched-roof or tile-roofed house).
Chojeong Mineral Spring Water Experience Hall While listening to relaxing music, enjoy an indoor foot bath using the mineral spring water from Chojeong-ri. Carbonated water containing natural minerals massages your feet, to improve your blood circulation and soften your skin.
Janghuidoga Brewery
In the hometown of the Chojeong mineral spring water, special experience programs have been prepared to let visitors produce a traditional Korean liquor and naturally fermented vinegar. Janghuidoga is a small-sized brewery operated by a married couple who are fermentation masters, and their main program involves brewing Dongdongju using sticky rice, water, and yeast.
Address
1275, Miwonchojeong-ro Naesu-eup, Cheongwon-gu, Cheongju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do
Tel
010-4741-6567
Time
9:00–18:00
Closed on weekends
Admission
Brew traditional liquor (2hours): 20,000 won
Make vinegar (2hours): 20,000 won
House of Woonbo
Woonbo is another name for Kim Ki-chang (1913–2001), a master of Korean painting. While living in nature, he spent his later years in the House of Woonbo and focused on his artistic activities. The main building (Anchae) and guest quarters (Haengrangchae) have kept their character as traditional Korean houses, balancing with a pavilion, stone walls, and a pond of colored carp. This location is also known for its appearance in the drama “Mister Sunshine” (2018) as the old US embassy.
Address
92-41, Hyeongdong 2-gil Naesu-eup, Cheongwon-gu, Cheongju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do
Tel
043-213-0570
Time
09:30–17:30
Closed on Mondays
Admission
6,000 won (adult)
Chojeong Yaksu Sejong Spatel
This hotel allows visitors enjoy a sauna and a Korean-style spa (Jjimjilbang) with Chojeong Yaksu, one of the world’s Top 3 mineral spring waters. The water gives a feeling of refreshment from the carbonated hot springs, and the sauna made of oak, red clay, and stone-plate extracts sweat and removes all the fatigue from your body. Relaxing in an open-air hot spring amongst nature is recommended as well.
