Chungcheongbuk-do(Cheongju-si)

A large number of relics were unearthed at this site due to a land development project in 1985. Work was halted and relics were excavated by the Cheongju University Museum. The time and size of Heungdeoksa Temple is unknown, but according to Jikji (Buljojikjisimcheyojeol, the world’s oldest existing book printed with movable metal type), the excavated books were printed using metal types at the temple in the third year of King Uwang’s reign (1377). The books were published 78 years earlier than Gutenberg’s invention. In 1972, the Jikji was officially recognized as the world’s oldest book printed with movable metal type during the International Book Year. The Buljojikjisimcheyojeol is currently kept at the National Library of France.


Chungcheongbuk-do(Eumseong-gun)

Kkottongnae was established on November 15, 1976 by Father John (Woong-jin) Oh, the founder of religious congregation called Kkottongnae Brothers and Sisters of Jesus. Father Oh started Kkotdongne from 1,300 won, when he purchased 5 kans (5 rooms) residence, temporarily named it as ‘Sarang House’, inspired by an old man Choi Gui-dong looking after the homeless people. Kkottongnae now has grown into internationally known institution, committed to local and overseas missionary work, charity work, and social welfare services.


Chungcheongbuk-do(Danyang-gun)

Sobaeksan Mountain (소백산) is renowned for its natural splendor and mystery, standing tall in the middle of the Korean peninsula, and offering several magnificent peaks, such as Hyeongjebong, Sinseonbong, Gukmangbong, Birobong, and Yeonhwabong. Its captivating seasonal beauty (royal azalea in spring, wildflowers in summer, autumn foliage in fall, and snowscape in winter) attracts visitors year round. The open grass field on Birobong Peak (비로봉; 1,439 m in elevation) is reminiscent of a scene from the Swiss Alps. The Sobaeksan Optical Astromony Observatory (SOAO) located upon Yeonhwabong Peak (1,349 m in elevation) is the historic cradle of Korean astronomy. The Sobaeksan Royal Azalea Festival is held near Danyang-gun in early June every year.


Chungcheongbuk-do(Cheongju-si)

Sangdangsanseong Fortress (상당산성) in Cheongju, Chungcheongbuk-do is a fortress built along the natural slopes close to downtown Cheongju. It was comprehensively improved in 1596 (29th year of King Seonjo’s reign) during Imjinwaeran (Japanese invasion of Korea in 1592) and later remodeled into a stone fortress during the 42nd year of King Sukjong’s reign.This 4.2km-long, 3-4m-tall fortress was built with stones of various sizes, earth and sand. The fortress has three gates, located in the east, west and south respectively. The three gates remain almost intact, and all still have their gate towers. The front gate in the south, named ‘Gongnammun Gate,’ is crescent-shaped while the East and West gates are square. The East and West Command Posts also stand within the confines of the fortress itself. This fortress was designated as Historic Site No. 212 in 1970. Additionally, visitors can sample Jujube Wine (Korean traditional wine) as well as a variety of local cuisine.


Chungcheongbuk-do(Danyang-gun)

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."


Chungcheongbuk-do(Danyang-gun)

Benikea Danyang Hotel is one of the top hotels in the city of Danyang, a city in the central region of Korea, and easily accessible from most major cities in just 2-3 hours via the Jungang Expressway.Visitors to the hotel can get a panoramic view of the beautiful Namhangang River from any of the 80 guestrooms, and can enjoy various sports like rafting or paragliding. The hotel is within traveling distance of each of the Danyang Palgyeong (the eight sites of Danyang) and is located near Sobaeksan Mountain.


Chungcheongbuk-do(Jecheon-si)

The Woraksan Mountains are filled with valleys and beautiful waterfalls. Though the path to the peak of the Woraksan Mountain may be steep and rugged, once you’re up there, you are surrounded by Korean White Pine Trees and looking down on a stunning view of the lakes below. In wintertime the snow covered scenery of this National Park is breathtaking, and has been compared to Korea’s famous Geumgangsan Mountains. The park contains an abundance of wildlife and plants, many of which are extremely rare, so some hiking courses are regulated to prevent forest fires and ensure their protection. Within the park there are several traditional temples to visit and many attractions are located nearby, including the Suanbo hot springs.


Chungcheongbuk-do(Danyang-gun)

Guinsa Temple, located below Yeonhwabong Peak of Sobaeksan Mountain, is the headquarters of the Cheontae Order of Korean Buddhism and now presides over 140 temples across the nation. Standing on a lot measuring a total of 15,014 square meters, the temple has an impressive, 5-story main sanctuary as well as over 50 chambers and is bordered by modern buildings that can accommodate up to 10,000 visitors.The temple was established by Monk Sangwol Wongak, who first created a small cottage of arrowroot vine at the site as a place to practice asceticism. After receiving revelation about the truths of the universe, the monk created Guinsa Temple in the spirit of celebration. Completed in 1945, the temple was renovated in 1966 using a concrete frame, which was a very unique and modern construction practice at the time.Must-see parts of the temple include Deabeopdang Hall (the main sanctuary) and Beopeobi Monument (a Buddhist sermon monument). The 5-story Daebeopdang Hall (est. April 29, 1980) is the largest Buddhist sanctuary in the nation and can seat up to 5,000 people. Beopeobi (full name: Beopeobi of Great Monk Sangwol) is a stone monument engraved with the teachings of the Great Monk Sangwol. The writings on the monument reflect the beliefs of the Tripitaka Koreana, one of the foundational texts of Buddhism.


Chungcheongbuk-do(Cheongju-si)

Art craft has always existed as an art with the combination of beauty being in the part of our lives. Its dynamic and changeable features depend on various culture, materials, technic, and methods throughout long period of time from over the world. First started in 1999, the Cheongju International Craft Biennale this year is taking place for the ninth time. This year, the biennale has a theme of "HANDS+ : Expansion & Coexistence" as it aims to explore the theme of “coexistence,” where traditional and modern technical developments exist together as equals in a category no longer of the individual but of community. With that, four exhibits, symposiums & lectures, experience program, performance and cultural event will also be taking place in the 2015 Cheongju International Craft Biennale.


Chungcheongbuk-do(Cheongju-si)

Opened in April 2014, Jungwon Duty Free is a representative duty free shop of Chungcheongbuk-do. It sells 120 international and domestic brands including bags, watches, cosmetics, alcoholic drinks and others. It is located on the first floor of Ramada Plaza Cheongju Hotel so it offers a one-stop shopping center where visitors can enjoy shopping, food, and culture in one location.