Chungcheong-do

Onyang Hot Springs is the oldest hot spring in Korea, founded about 1,300 years old and has been operating as a hot spring for about 600 years. During the Joseon Period, it is recorded that King Sejong (reign 1418~1450) and many other kings came here to rest or treat their illnesses.Onyang Hot Springs, with its water temperature at around 57℃, is considered hot even among hot springs. It has a high concentration of radium and its alkaline water is both high in quality and quantity. It is known to be effective in treating neuralgia, arthritis, skin problems, liver disease, high blood pressure, and various geriatric diseases. The combination of the quality of water and famous accommodations nearby has made this hot spring a hot item for many tourists. As there are 120 hotels and motels in this area, the whole city is sometimes known as a hot spring city. They also have swimming pools using the hot spring water, and they are very popular. Every year over five million tourists are welcome here.

Cheongju International Airport is an internationally operating airport located in the central territory of South Korea. Given its distance from the rest of Korea's international airports - Gimpo Airport (165 km), Incheon Airport (250 km), Gunsan Airport (120 km) - it is the main airport for the central region of South Korea. It’s location along the Seoul-Busan and Honam Railroad and Bus Lines as well as the main expressway makes it extremely easy to access. Given its proximity to Daejeon’s government building, the nearby construction of new complexes like Ochang’s cutting edge science complex, and its central location as a distribution base for Seoul’s busy streets, Cheongju International Airport has a very advantageous location.  

Designated as a natural monument, Gosu Cave is a limestone cave situated in Danyang-gun. This extensive cave is 1,300 meters deep, and is well known for its beauty. The name Gosu comes from the fact that in the past, the area was filled with thickets of tall grass. Rough stone instruments were excavated at the cave entrance, which revealed that this area was home to prehistoric human beings.Inside Gosu Cave, the temperature remains around 15℃ throughout the year. There are reportedly about 25 different kinds of animal life inhabiting within the cave. Some of the rocks resemble animals or human figures, such as Lion Rock, Octopus Rock, Eagle Rock, and even the Virgin Mary Rock. About 120 various shapes of stalactites and stalagmites found here are valuable remains to researchers and scholars. As the cave is colder than most would expect, and you have to often move along holding onto metal railings, it is highly recommended that you wear warm gloves in the winter.

Situated in Yeongdong (Chungcheongbuk-do), Wine Korea is the only winery in Korea that maintains a vineyard and produces the wine brand, Chateau Mani.Beginning in November 2006, Wine Train run by Wine Korea offers a one-day train tour between Seoul and Yeongdong. Departing from Seoul Station, its passenger cars, themed Red/White Wine or Ginseng, boast an elegant café atmosphere. Above all, visitors can enjoy as much of the wine produced in Yeongdong as they want.Upon arriving at Yeongdong, visitors head to Wine Korea, enjoy foot massages in wine, participate in making natural cosmetics, and tour the wine production facilities. The tour goes on to visit Ginseng Exhibition Hall in Geumsan and Traditional Medicinal Herb Market. High quality wine, wellbeing grape juice, and Chateau Mani cosmetics are also available online for purchase. 

Oeam-ri Folk Village is occupied by the families of its founder Ye-an Lee who settled here about 500 years ago. There are about 86 Giwa houses and straw houses with narrow stone fence alleyways between them. When you walk along the stone fences you can experience the deep tradition roots of the historic village. You can see all kinds of trees in the front yard of the houses, such as persimmon trees, apricot trees, chestnut trees, and gingko trees. At the front entrance to the village you can see the totem pole guardian, and daily artifacts of the Joseon Period (1392-1910) such as treadmills, millstones, water mills, and thatched roof houses. The stone fence roads and Yusil wine add to the traditional atmosphere of the place. The most famous houses in the Oeam-ri Folk Village are the 'Yeongam Gunsu' House and 'Ichampan' House. Yeongam Gunsu House has a beautiful garden with thick trees blending with pond and stones. No one lives at the house anymore. Its entrance has a sign which is said to be written by Chusa Kim Jeong-Hee. Ichampan House is designated as Important Folk Monument, and people who live here have been making a folk wine called Yeonyeopju for generations. This wine has also been designated as an Intangible Cultural Asset. It was a wine offered to the king every spring and is made with Nuruk (glutinous rice) and Yeongeun, mixed with fermented evergreen leaves. The entire village of the Oeam-ri Folk Village is called a living museum, because the old ways are so well preserved everywhere. It takes about an hour and a half to go through the entire village.

Built in the 14th year of Silla King Jin-Heung's reign, Beopjusa Temple is located on Mt. Songnisan. What stands today are the remnants of rebuilt monuments through left over from the lengthy and arduous process. When you enter the temple, the yellow earthen road will catch your eye. The earth was ground into small stone shapes, burned, and then scattered over the road. The road itself leads to the Orisup Trail, and there will be a nature study trail beside it. Pass the Orisup trail, through thick pine trees, and you will come across the main gate of the temple. There is a large rock with a hole in the middle beside the main gate. You can drink spring water that comes out of the hole. Inside the temple you can see Palsangjeon, Pavilion which is a wooden building shaped like a tower. Then you can visit the Seokryeonji Lotus Flower Pond. As the name suggests, the pond is made of stones. At the back of Palsangjeon Pavilion, there is the Ssangsajaseokdeung (Two Lion Stone Lamp), and, again as the name suggests, the two lions uphold the stone lamp. The main building is also fascinating. It is two-stories high, and very stately. In addition, Beopjusa Temple has Ma-aeyeorae-uisang carved into a rock. Uisang refers to a sitting Buddha, and this particular Ma-aeyeorae shows Buddha sitting on a lotus flower. Passage of time has done much damage, but the original shapes are still well preserved.Beopjusa Temple represents Mt. Songnisan, containing within it 1,500 years of history and a matching list of numerous National Treasures and Monuments. Here you can experience the Buddhist culture reflected in these artifacts.

Eight areas designated as the most beautiful sceneries in Danyang, are Haseonam, Jungseonam, Sangseonam, Sainam, Gudambong, Oksunbong, Dodamsambong, and Seokmun. These areas were visited many times by numerous scholars during the Joseon Period (1392-1910), and contain many historically and culturally important relics. There are Giamgwiseok on Mt. Sobaeksan, Mt. Geumsusan, and Mt. Doraksan and clear water flows through numerous falls in the valleys.The most famous of the eight is Dodamsambong Peak. Three Rocks create a large “S” figure as it stands tall in the middle of Namhangang River. This is the only place in the world where you can see such three longest rocks protrude in the middle of a river. The following legend still lives through to this day; among the three rocks, the big rock is called Nampyeonbong, Janggunbong the rock on the right side is called Cheobong (or Adeulbong), and the rock on the left is called Cheopbong (or Ddalbong). According to the legend there lived a couple who loved each other, but had no child. They found a mistress because they wanted to have a baby, but once she had the baby, she began to mistreat and taunt the wife. The heavens saw them, and turned all of them into stones. The way the rocks stand next to one another is very interesting.If you go to the opposite side of Dodamsambong, there is a small pavilion called lhoyangjeong. It was built to comfort the locals who lost their homes due to the flooding caused by Chungju Dam. When you look down from the pavilion, you can take in the entire Dodamsambong at once. If you walk in opposite direction from lhayangjeong Pavilion, a stone gate appears. As there is a big hole in the middle of the large stone, you would think it is artificial, but it is a natural rock. The other eight views should not be missed while you visit here.

Asan Spavis is located about an hour away from Seoul, and uses hot spring water for its unique sports and treatment facility. Spavis is a family-oriented leisure facility that houses a treatment pool that uses hot spring water for various medical treatments, an outdoor hot springs pool that you can enjoy even in the winter, a hot spring pool tucked away in a cozy hut that’s perfect for families or couples, and a kids park where children can have a safe and enjoyable time. Other facilities include a snow sledding area, a sports massage center, a skin care treatment center, and more. 

Baekje Cultural Land, built over a period of 17 years, is nestled in Gyuam-myeon, Buyeo-gun, Chungcheongnam-do, providing a home to Baekje’s Cultural Heritages. The complex was used as a filming site for “Running Man”, in the episode starring Jeong Wooseong and Han Hyoju.The site is spread out over 3,276,000 square meters, filled with the trace of Baekje Culture. Sabigung Palace reproduces the scenery of a royal palace during the Three Kingdoms period, and Neungsa Temple, a royal temple representative of Baekje, has been recreated according to the real size at the historic site in Neungsan-ri, Buyeo-eup. The Five-story Stone Pagoda, prominently seen after passing through Daetongmun Gate and Wiryeseong Fortress during Hanseong Baekje Era, gives a different aspect of Sabigung Palace. To enjoy the entire view of the complex at once, get on the Jehyangnu ferry.

Daecheon Beach is located on Korea's west coast in Chungcheongnam-do Province.Clamshells blend into the white sands of this beach that stretches 3.5 km. No matter if it's high or low the tide, visitors can enjoy the waters anytime. A cruise boat sails in the waters off Daecheon Beach, offering visitors a view of white pebbles that line the ocean floor. This spot has been a popular tourist destination for quite some time and the facilities are well made. Cultural points of interest include Jogak (sculpture) Park and Dol (stone) Park. Most people come to this beach to cover their bodies in the thick, mineral-rich mud. The therapeutic treatment is known to improve the look of skin and is even said to help those suffering from skin disorders.

Dodamsambong are three stone peaks rising out of the Namhangang River. The big rock is called Janggunbong (Husband Rock), the rock on the left side which appears to be showing coquetry is called Cheopbong (Mistress Rock), and the rock on the right side which is turning away from the big rock is called Cheobong (Wife Rock). The peaks are said to represent an angry wife turning away from her husband who has taken a concubine in order to secure a male heir. It is said that Jeong Do-jeon, a politician who made contributions to the establishment of the Joseon Dynasty, spent his young days here and used 'Sambong' as his pen name.Surrounding the three peaks is a musical fountain which was set up in 1998. The fountain becomes a place for tourists to relax, especially during the nighttime, when watching the water cascade and flow in time with the music is a thing of beauty.

Cheongju National Museum collects and preserves national cultural treasures. The first thing to do when you enter the museum is to obtain various pamphlets at the information desk, from which you can get a lot of information on the museum. The Sangseol Exhibit is the most important place in the Cheongju National Museum. Here you will mainly see displays of artifacts discovered in and around the Chungcheongbuk-do area. In the first division of the exhibit, the Seonsa Room, you can see treasures from the Guseok Period, Sinseok Period, and Cheongdong Period. In the second division, the Samhan-Samguk Room, various artifacts from the houses and tombs of the Samhan and Samguk Periods are displayed. In the Unified Silla-Goryeo (918~1392) Room are displayed the clay pottery, metallic pottery, and gold artifacts used in daily life or related to Buddhism from the Silla and Goryeo Periods. In the fourth Joseon-Go Print Room, you can see the treasures discovered in Chungcheongbuk-do area from the Joseon Period (1392~1910), such as Buncheongsagi and Baekja ceramics. The most carefully decorated room in the Sangseol exhibit is the Children’s Exhibit. It was built to let children experience and learn the culture of Korea’s past. It is also a very helpful place for foreigners who do not know the folk culture of Korea. You can experience first-hand various traditional Korean sounds, such as Dadeumi sound. You can also see a traditional Korean wedding and funeral with all their associated customs in small miniature models. The funeral service shows “sangyeo”, which is not generally known to foreigners. Sangyeo was a device used to carry dead people to their graves. All the miniature models are very detailed and very charming. Besides these, you can try wooden mask printing and the Takbon, as well as tools used by people in the past in the Learning Room. You can try creating clay pottery here as well. 

This early printing museum, located on the site of Heungdeoksa Temple in which Jikji, the world's oldest extant book, printed by movable metal type, was printed, was founded on March 17, 1992. Since the technology’s inception, Korea has substantially developed its metal-type printing methods. In this museum, approximately 650 artifacts including ancient movable metal and wooden print books from the Goryeo and Joseon periods, relics from the Heungdeoksaji Temple site (흥덕사지) and printing tools are on display. Here, visitors can learn about the history of the Korean printing technologies and culture.In addition to exhibition, the museum has been promoted to hold the Cheongju International Printing & Publishing Fair, to study early printing culture and printing types and to publish museum journals and early printing-related papers.

Of the numerous festivals in Korea, it is the Boryeong Mud Festival that probably attracts the largest number of international visitors. During the festival period, tourists flock to the area to experience the beneficial properties of the Boryeong mud, and also to have lots of fun. Fully immersed in the both the mud and the festival’s great atmosphere, visitors enjoy mud wrestling, mud sliding and even swimming in the mud mega tub. Visitors feeling particularly energetic can try the marine mud-training course, whilst those looking for something more chilled can relax in the mud massage zone. In the evening, music and fireworks continue the party on the beach. 

Cheongpung Land is a theme park created in 2002 near Cheongpunghoban Lake (Chungjuho Lake) in Cheongpung-myeon, Jecheon-si, Chungcheongbuk-do. The theme park houses three major extreme amusement facilities: a 62-meter Bungee Jump, Korea’s first-ever Ejection Seat, and ‘Big Swing,’ an experience in zero gravity. The facility also boasts the grand sight of water fountains shooting up to 162m into the air as well as a wide-open view of the surrounding landscape. One of the biggest tourist attraction in the area, the park is adjacent to other popular tour sites such as the filming location of the KBS historical drama ‘Taejo Wangeon,’ Mt. Geumsusan, and the National Park of Woraksan Mountain.

Opened in July 2003, Aqua World within the Daemyung Resort Danyang is an indoor water park supplying clean heated water. With numerous hot springs and amusement facilities which are open year round, it is the perfect vacation spot for families, couples and friends.Aqua World has a unique Mediterranean-style interior design. The two main features of the Aqua World are the Aqua Health Pool Zone and Amusement Zone. The Aqua Health Pool Zone contains three main sections: the Neck Shower, where you can massage your neck, shoulders and legs by the pressure of running water and the Bench Zet where you can massage your waste and legs. In the Floating area you can massage all parts of your body by the pressure of water bubbles.Among the amusement facilities in the Amusement Zone, you can enjoy the Water Slide, a massage corner exclusively for women and even the Couple Bath for those wanting romance. Take advantage of the numerous therapeutic springs including sulfur spring, mineral water spring, pine-tree spring and fruit-extract spring.The Jade Sauna, Charcoal Sauna and Amethyst Sauna, each have its own health benefits. At the Open Air Bath, you will enjoy relaxing and admiring the scenic view of Danyang. Viitors may also stop by the nearby attractions surrounding the condo such as Chungjuho Lake, Woraksan National Park, Sobaeksan National Park and Mungyeongsaejae Provinicial Park.

Located to the west of Sobaeksan National Park and Guinsa Temple, Ondal Tourist Park spans a vast area of 97,011 square meters. The attractions and facilities in the park include an area for folk games, a sports town, inns, local restaurants, local product stores, picnic grounds, Ondalchon village, Ondalgwan museum, House of Legends, and a traditional wedding hall. Also located within the park are the 450 million-year-old Ondal Cave (760 meters), and Ondalsanseong Fortress, the place that holds the legendary love story between General Ondal and Princess Pyeonggang. The park’s highlight is the Ondal Open Film Set, a filming site of many popular Korean dramas. * Designated area: 97,011㎡ (29,245 pyeong)

Chungjuho is a large artificial lake bordered by Chungju, Jecheon and Danyang cities. Well-known tourist sites located near Chungjuho Lake include Woraksan National Park, Cheongpung Cultural Heritage Complex, and the "Eight Scenic Views of Danyang."