'''Cheongju''' (??) [http://english.cheongju.go.kr], also spelled '''Chongju''', is a city in North Chungcheong, South Korea.
Get in
Buses arrive daily from Seoul and other cities. A bus ticket from Incheon International Airport costs 19,600 won; bus tickets from Seoul cost ~6,500 won. Cheongju also has an international airport [http://cheongju.airport.co.kr/], but the international destinations are limited to charter/promotional flights to China, Taiwan and Japan. Alternatively, one could use the train, but there is no high-speed KTX service.
Get around
Cheongju has an extensive bus system, but it can be difficult to figure out. Taxis are the easiest way to get around, as they are cheap and quick.
See
'''Sangdangsanseong''' (Sangdang Mountain Fortress) lies on the slopes of Mt. Uam within the city limits. The fortress is comprised mainly of a 3-4 meter-high wall that stretches over 4.2 kilometers in circumference. The present walls date to the 1716 restoration of the site. Within the walls there is a small tourist village that has several restaurants.
'''Cheongju National Museum''' is near Mt. Uam, and houses several exhibits of cultural artifacts from the nearby area.
'''Heungdeok Temple Site''' is the home to the Early Printing Museum, and is purported to be the site of the printing of Jikji, the oldest existant book printed using movable metal type. The museum itself contains exhibits related to the art of printing through the ages.
'''Yongdusaji Cheoldanggan''' (The Iron Flagpole of the Yongdu Temple Site) is designated as Korean National Treasure Number 41, and is located behind Lotte Young Plaza in downtown Cheongju. Made of twenty iron cylinders, the flagpole stands 13.1 meters tall, and was formerly used to hang flags to honor the Buddha.
Do
'''Spa-Ville''' This gym/bath house offers some of the finest facilities in the city. Located near the Cheongju bus terminals and inside of Dreamplus, it is easy to spot. Enjoy a workout and a steam for only 10,000 won. Monthly memberships start at 100,000 won per person.
'''Shinae''' Cheongju's "downtown" is filled with designer shopping and restaurants perfect for people watching.
'''Cheongju Onch'on (spapia)''' If you want the fatigue recovery of the close relatives body and mind you have to go here.
'''Sewang Brewery''' This small family brewery is a great place to pick up rice wines and at the same time view cultural brewing techniques.
Buy
Cheongju has various markets scattered throughout the city that any traveler is bound to stumble across. Traditional Korean rice cakes, "street" food and other everyday house ware can be found. Pick up some pottery or a tea set for a good price if you don't mind carrying it around.
Eat
'''Say Won Sushi''' In Ha-Buk-Dae near casa bianca, Say Won is one of the premier sushi bars in Cheongju. Known for its great value and friendly sushi chef Say Won offers some of the best sushi you can find this side of Seoul. As with most Korean restaurants they do not take reservations, however, they do deliver to most locations within 10 min. of Ha Buk Dae.
'''Galbi Restaurants''' There are many restaurants serving Korean-style pork and beef barbeque in Cheongju. Meals are cheap (4,000-10,000 won) and delicious.
'''Street Food''' Tteokbokki is sliced rice cakes served with red, hot pepper paste. Fish cakes, boiled eggs or even ramyeon may be added to the dish.
Drink
'''Kiss Night Club''' Cheongju's hippest night club is located directly across the street from the less popular 'Don't Tell Mama' in Ha Buk Dae. Show up in your finest as a dress code is strictly enforced. And don't be surprised to rub elbows with some of Cheongju's wealthier socialites.
'''Buzz Bar''' Located in Chungdae Jungmun this is the place to go if you like Guinness on tap with some cheese nachos.
'''Pearl Jam''' Located in Chungdae Jungmun. This bar is one of the main places to meet other Westerners. Hoppin' on the weekends there is often live music with both Western and Korean bands.
'''Road King''' Located in Chun Dae Chun Moon this bar caters primarily to Westerners on the weekend.
'''86 Bar''' Located in Chun Dae Chun Moom in the basement of a small building is 86 Bar. Decorated as if it was Korea in 1970 this is a welcome departure from the neon signs of every other bar in Korea. The mood is subdued and the staff is prompt and friendly. It is popular with Koreans and Westerners alike. Unique and a must see...if you can find it.
'''Club Harlem''' Located in Chun Dae Chun Moom a few streets away from Pearl Jam. A very fun hip-hop based club that plays a variety of different styles of hip-hop. Some Korean pop/hip-hop is played and a drawing is given every night on the weekend for free admission.
Sleep
There are various love motels throughout the city that are clean and economical.
'''Ramada'''. New, modern, has a western restaurant and a movie theater. For the budget traveler however it is pricey.
'''The "O" Bar''' A small, but homey, bar where westerners are welcome and the owner is very friendly
Get out