Cheongju: Printing History, Museums and Forest Trails

Cheongju brings together very different stories: old prints and tools sit alongside collections that reach far back into prehistory. There are also reminders of the country’s more recent political past, a village with colourful murals, and forest trails through the natural surroundings. You can shape your stay around whether you would rather discover historic objects, explore cultural sites or spend time outdoors.

Discover the History of Printing

The Cheongju Early Printing Museum displays around 650 exhibits. These include old metal and woodblock prints from the Goryeo and Joseon periods, relics from the Heungdeoksaji temple site and printing tools. The range of objects offers several ways to engage with the subject: you can see both prints and the tools associated with making them. The periods mentioned place the examples in a historical context, while the collection extends beyond just one type of printed object.

The museum offers printing experience courses for children, families and adults. These courses complement the exhibits with an activity focused on printing. If you plan to take a course, check in advance whether the programme is currently available.

A Broader View of History

The Cheongju National Museum displays artefacts dating from the Lower Palaeolithic to the Joseon period. Compared with the Early Printing Museum’s focus, this spans a much longer period and covers numerous eras. Those interested in the region’s history will find a different perspective here than in the printing collection: the emphasis is on the long sequence of periods represented.

Cheongnamdae offers a different historical perspective. It was once a private villa used by former presidents of South Korea, making it a place connected with the country’s more recent political past. Visitors can also explore the natural surroundings along six forest trails. History and landscape come together here for visitors with different interests. If you are planning a specific visit, check the current status of the trails beforehand.

Murals with Views of Cheongju

Suamgol Mural Village began as a hillside village where refugees settled after the Korean War. It later became a village with colourful murals. The village’s history and murals give the neighbourhood a distinctive cultural character, complemented by panoramic views of downtown Cheongju. Suamgol has also served as a filming location for various K-dramas. The place brings local history together with a familiar form of screen culture, while each offers a different way to experience the surroundings.

Shape Your Stay Around Your Interests

When looking for a holiday rental in Cheongju, it can help to decide first what you want to focus on during your stay. If you are particularly interested in printing history, you can make the Early Printing Museum’s exhibits and courses the centrepiece of your visit. The National Museum offers a broader view across time, while Cheongnamdae combines the country’s historical past with forest trails. At Suamgol, the focus is on the origins of the hillside village, its murals and views of downtown. These contrasts can help you balance cultural discoveries and nature experiences according to the interests of your travel group.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Danyang-Gun, Daejeon, Boeun, Eumseong-gun, Cheonan, Jincheon-gun, Taean-Gun, Jecheon.

Go to the overarching travel guide: Chungcheongbuk-Do.