Cheongju Travel Guide: Best Hiking, Fortresses, Hot Springs & Nature Spots
Kunyeosan
Kunyeosan is a 484-meter mountain located on the border of Naesu-eup and Miwon-myeon in Cheongwon-gu, Cheongju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do. It offers a light hiking trail with a refreshing mountain stream bath at the entrance. The mountain is home to Kunyeoseong Fortress, where the kingdoms of Silla and Baekje fiercely battled during the Three Kingdoms period.
While the exact records of the fortress’s construction are unknown, it is believed to have been built by Silla to rival Baekje’s Nangbiseong Fortress, which is now known as Sangdangsanseong or Samnyeonsanseong. Kunyeosan is a sacred site of folk beliefs, with several places where people pray for birth and health. The area has been revered for a long time, with old pine trees and primeval forests preserved in their natural state.
The mountain features traces of the ancient fortress, with wells and water sources still remaining, making it suitable for leisure and relaxation. Visitors can enjoy a great view overlooking the Miho Plain to the northwest of Cheongju and Cheongju’s Sangdangsanseong.
Formerly known as Gulasan, the mountain is now called Kunyeosan due to a legend related to its fortress construction. According to the legend, a mother made a bet with her nine daughters and one son to build a fortress, declaring that whoever finished last would die. When the daughter finished first, the mother fed her son meat soup to delay him, saving his life and leading to the name Kunyeosan.
However, when viewed through the lens of Korean cultural values, the story of a life-and-death competition between siblings instigated by a parent is difficult to accept. This raises doubts that the legend might have been fabricated during the Japanese colonial era.
- Address: Chojeong-ri, Naesu-eup and Miwon-myeon, Cheongwon-gu, Cheongju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do
Yangseongsan
Yangseongsan is a mountain located in Mucheon-ri, Munui-myeon, Sangdang-gu, Cheongju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do. In the Baekje period, it was called Ilmosan, during the Silla period it was known as Yeonsan, and later it became known as Yangseungsan or Yangseongsan, named after the monk Hwa-eun who trained his disciples there.
The mountain is known for its abundant trees and water. From the summit, you can enjoy a stunning view of Daecheong Dam and a beautiful sunrise merging with the dam, making it a well-known sunrise spot in Cheongju. Midway up the mountain stands the impressive Doksuribawi (Eagle Rock), overlooking the lush Bultangol Valley below.
Yangseongsan is popular for its short hiking distance and scenic trail overlooking Daecheong Lake, attracting many trekkers. The route toward the youth training center is the shortest way up. Since many hikers come to see the sunrise, it’s important to bring proper safety gear such as a headlamp before starting the hike. The mountain is relatively easy to climb, with wooden steps and ropes installed in steep rocky areas, making the ascent manageable and safe.
Although not a high mountain, Yangseongsan offers some of the best panoramic views in the area, with a photo zone next to the octagonal pavilion. At the summit, instead of a peak stone, there is a large stone tower built with stones, adorned with name tags handwritten by visitors.
- Address: 28-23, Muni-sine 1-gil, Munui-myeon, Sangdang-gu, Cheongju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do
Wuam Mountain
Wuam Mountain, located in Wuam-dong, Cheongju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do, stands at 353 meters and forms part of the Hannam-Geumbuk ridgeline that stretches northwest from Cheonhwang Peak of Sorisan. Branching westward from Sangdangsanseong in eastern Cheongju, Wuam Mountain is also known as Waousan due to its resemblance to a reclining cow.
The mountain features a mix of deciduous and broadleaf forests, providing plenty of shade and pleasant walking paths. Several natural springs are found throughout the area, and well-equipped outdoor exercise facilities are available for residents. With well-paved circular roads and walking trails, Wuam Mountain offers an ideal environment for hiking. Benches and pavilions along the way provide ample spots for rest.
From the summit, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of Cheongju City. The mountain’s circular road is also a popular driving route, making it a versatile leisure destination for local residents. At the base of the mountain, you can find temples such as Pyochungsa and Yonghwasa, as well as the ruins of Waousanseong, believed to date back to the Three Kingdoms period. However, the area around the fortress has been significantly damaged by residential and agricultural development.
Address: 91 Gyodong-ro 71-gil, Sangdang-gu, Cheongju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do (Sudong)
Upside Down Astronomical Observatory
Upside Down Astronomical Observatory is located in Nami-myeon, Seowon-gu, Cheongju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do. This observatory is a gathering place for those who love stars, the universe, and science, providing a space to imagine and explore together. It’s a joyful destination where children can discover the wonders of the cosmos while sharing laughter.
Visitors are encouraged to talk, listen, and dream about space and science. Over the years, the observatory has welcomed countless children, gazed at the stars, and developed top-tier educational programs with optimal observation facilities. The hands-on programs are structured into basic, discussion, exploration, and advanced levels, catering to a wide range of interests and ages.
- Address: 51-8 Yangchon-gil, Nami-myeon, Seowon-gu, Cheongju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do, South Korea
Sangdang Mountain
Sangdang Mountain Fortress Natural Recreation Forest is located beneath the northern section of Sangdang Mountain Fortress in Cheongju, Chungcheongbuk-do. This forested area sits along the ridge that connects directly to the stone-built fortress, which dates back to the Joseon Dynasty and has a long history as a strategic stronghold in Korea’s central region1245. The surrounding landscape features a rich mix of pine and oak trees, along with other species such as deciduous pine, acacia, chestnut, cherry blossom, and ginkgo, creating a vibrant and colorful forest setting throughout the year.
The recreation forest is well-equipped with family-friendly facilities, including the Forest Cultural Recreation Center, Forest House, Children’s Forest Experience Center, Woodcraft Experience Center, Family Playground, Grass Exercise Field, and a Wildflower Garden. These amenities are specifically designed to accommodate families and group visitors, offering spaces for workshops, seminars, retreats, and team-building activities.
Several exploration routes are available around the recreation forest:
- A 1.5 km walking trail leading directly to the fortress
- A 4 km forest road
- A 4 km hiking trail
These trails offer hiking options ranging from about 30 minutes to 2 hours. Visitors can also book a forest interpretation session in advance, providing an educational and relaxing experience in a tranquil natural environment.
Sangdang Mountain Fortress Natural Recreation Forest is an ideal destination for those seeking relaxation, family outings, or group activities, all set against the backdrop of Cheongju’s historic mountain fortress and lush forest scenery.
- Address: 162 Deokam 2-gil, Naesu-eup, Cheongwon-gu, Cheongju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do, South Korea
Okhwa Nature Recreation Forest
Okhwa Nature Recreation Forest, which opened on August 2, 1999, is nestled within a lush forest in Miwon-myeon, Sangdang-gu, Cheongju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do. The area features well-maintained trails, a forest library, and hiking paths, making it an ideal spot for forest bathing and leisurely walks.
The recreation forest offers a range of facilities, including accommodation options, camping sites, water play areas, soccer fields, a forest playground, and multipurpose rooms, making it a popular destination for families. The walking paths are lined with palm mats for comfort, and the abundant tree shade, cool breezes, and natural sounds create a pleasant atmosphere for visitors.
Hiking trails lead to a lookout point at the summit, where you can enjoy a sunrise view overlooking Boeun County and the surrounding border area. To access the recreation forest, visitors are required to stop by the management office for tour information or to confirm reservation details. Please note that only guests with accommodation reservations are permitted to enter the forest by car.
- 140 Unamokhwa-gil, Miwon-myeon, Sangdang-gu, Cheongju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do, South Korea
Midongsan Arboretum
Midongsan Arboretum, located at an altitude of 557.5 meters to the east of Miwon-myeon in Sangdang-gu, Cheongju, is a provincial arboretum dedicated to the conservation and management of diverse plant species. The arboretum features 51 general and special botanical gardens, housing approximately 315,000 plants from 1,593 species.
Visitors can explore a variety of attractions, including the Forest Science Museum, Orchid Garden, Succulent Garden, Insectivorous Plant Garden, Wood Culture Experience Center, and Forest Environment Eco Center. The arboretum offers a rich and interactive experience with engaging forest programs such as storytelling sessions that highlight the importance and beauty of forests. There is also a delightful Forest Experience Center for children.
Additionally, the Forest Education Center provides programs promoting forest healing and education, including home gardening and tree doctor training, allowing visitors to get closer to nature and learn about ecological preservation. The arboretum’s well-maintained walking trails make it a popular destination for families and anyone seeking relaxation and a deeper connection with nature.
- Address: 51 Sumokwon-gil, Miwon-myeon, Sangdang-gu, Cheongju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do, South Korea
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Okhwa 9 Scenic Views
Cheongju Okhwa 9 Scenic Spots are a series of nine picturesque locations along the Dalcheon stream in Miwon-myeon, Sangdang-gu, Cheongju, Chungcheongbuk-do. The stream originates from Mt. Jwagusan (657m) and flows through villages such as Okhwa-ri, Unam-ri, Wolyong-ri, Geumgwan-ri, Eoam-ri, and Gyewon-ri. Each spot is surrounded by dramatic cliffs, mountains, and caves, and is steeped in legends involving dragons and fairies, adding a mystical charm to the journey.
As you follow the Dalcheon stream from the upper first spot to the lower ninth, you’ll encounter a refreshing blue valley and a series of natural wonders. The route is well-equipped for visitors, with benches, photo zones, restrooms, snack shops, and bus stops. Stamp tours are available, making it a fun and interactive experience for families and travelers.
Highlights of the Okhwa 9 Scenic Spots
- 1st Spot: Cheongseokgul (Unam-ri, Miwon-myeon)
This cave, located along National Route 19 between Cheongju and Boeun, is an archaeological site where Stone Age artifacts have been discovered. Even during the height of summer, a cool breeze flows from the cave. According to legend, a dragon once emerged from this cave. The cliffs outside are popular with rock climbers. - 2nd Spot: Yongsu (Okhwa-ri, Miwon-myeon)
About 2km from Geumgwan-ri on National Route 19, this deep pool in the Dalcheon stream is shrouded in mystery. A local legend tells of a woman who witnessed a dragon ascending to the sky; her curiosity caused the dragon to fall, transforming it into a mythical creature. - 3rd Spot: Cheongyeongdae (Okhwa-ri, Miwon-myeon)
Located 2.5km from Geumgwan-ri, this site is known for its vertical cliffs and the clear moonlight reflected on the water, attracting many visitors seeking natural beauty. - 4th Spot: Okhwa Dae (Okhwa-ri, Miwon-myeon)
Situated about 300 meters from Cheongyeongdae, this area continues the scenic journey along the stream.
The remaining scenic spots continue downstream, each with its own unique landscape and folklore, providing a continuous trail of natural and cultural exploration.
The Okhwa 9 Scenic Spots are spread along a 12-kilometer stretch, making for an enjoyable day trip with opportunities for hiking, sightseeing, and learning about local legends. The area is easily accessible and visitor-friendly, making it a must-see destination for anyone exploring Cheongju.
- Address: Unam 2-gil, Miwon-myeon, Sangdang-gu, Cheongju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do, South Korea
Chojung Mineral Spring
Chojung Mineral Spring, located in Chojung-ri, Naesu-eup, Cheongwon-gu, Cheongju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do, is a renowned natural mineral spring that produces approximately 8,500 liters of sterile, naturally carbonated water each day from a 100-meter-deep limestone layer. The water is rich in minerals beneficial to the human body and is considered one of the world’s top three mineral springs, alongside Shasta in the United States and Apollinaris in Germany.
Discovered around 600 years ago, Chojung Mineral Spring has long been famous for its crisp, cool taste and healing properties. Historical records note that King Sejong stayed here for 60 days in 1444 to treat an eye disease, and the site is closely associated with his legacy. The area features well-maintained facilities for drinking and bottling the mineral water, as well as bathing amenities (except in winter). Two beverage factories currently operate nearby, producing natural drinks using Chojung Mineral Spring water.
The spring’s exceptional reputation is attributed to its abundant radium content, which is believed to be effective for eye and skin conditions. This has led to the development of hot springs and wellness facilities in the vicinity, making it a popular destination for health and relaxation. Visitors can also explore nearby attractions such as Chojung Culture Park and Chojung Royal Palace, further enriching the experience.
- Address: Chojung-ri, Naesu-eup, Cheongwon-gu, Cheongju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do, South Korea
Sangdangsanseong
Sangdang Sanseong is a large stone fortress located in Cheongju, Chungcheongbuk-do, with origins tracing back to the Three Kingdoms period. The name “Sangdang Sanseong” is believed to have come from Sangdang-hyeon of Baekje. Initially, the fortress is thought to have been constructed as an earthen fortification during the Baekje era, with some records attributing its early construction to Kim Seo-hyun, the third son of Kim Yushin (Woljeonggong).
During the Joseon Dynasty, particularly in the 29th year of King Seonjo’s reign (Imjin War period), the fortress underwent renovation and was later reconstructed as a stone fortress during the reign of King Sukjong. In 1716 (the 42nd year of King Sukjong), it was rebuilt using stone on the ancient site, and the names and official titles of the construction personnel from that time are engraved on the gates and walls, such as the southern gate. The gatehouse of the southern gate was restored in 1977.
Covering an area of 12.6 hectares and with a circumference of 4,400 meters, Sangdang Sanseong features nearly vertical stone walls built with irregularly sized stones and reinforced internally with earthworks, reaching a height of 4.7 meters. The fortress has three main gates on the east, west, and south sides. The southern gate is constructed with martial sandstone and was originally topped with a wooden gatehouse; today, only the stone structure remains, measuring 3.5 meters in height and 4.2 meters in width. The eastern and western gates, also made of martial sandstone, measure 2.7 meters in height and 2.8 meters in width, and were similarly topped with gatehouses.
The fortress also includes secret gates near the east and south gates, as well as a water outlet in the southeast, now converted into a reservoir. Inside the fortress, remnants of the eastern and western command posts can still be found.
Sangdang Sanseong is considered the most representative architectural structure symbolizing Cheongju. Its impressive fortress walls, which stand out prominently against the landscape, have long served as a guardian for the people of Cheongju.
- Address: 70 Seongnae-ro, Sangdang-gu, Cheongju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do, South Korea
Jeongbok-dong Toseong
Jeongbok-dong Toseong is a rectangular earthen fortress situated on the flat plains by the Miho River in the northern part of Cheongju, Chungcheongbuk-do. While the exact date of its construction is unknown, it is believed to have been built around the late Bronze Age or early Three Kingdoms period, likely in the 2nd or 3rd century CE.
The fortress is slightly elongated from north to south, with a main road running east to west through its center. To the north of this road are about 20 residential houses, while the southern area is designated for cultivation. The walls form a rectangle, with the eastern, western, southern, and northern sides slightly elevated at the corners, likely the sites of defensive structures such as turrets or guard towers. Each wall has a central gateway, with the eastern, western, and northern gates still in use today. The south and north gates are particularly notable for their interlocked wall designs, considered an early form of fortified village defense.
The fortress walls stand 3.5 to 5.5 meters high, with a top width of 2 meters and a base width of over 11.9 meters. The total length of the walls is 675 meters: 185 meters on the east, 165 meters on the west, 155 meters on the south, and 170 meters on the north. The construction used layered clay and sand for durability. Outside the fortress, traces of a moat have been found, and a water channel near the eastern gate likely managed drainage, taking advantage of the slightly higher western elevation.
Excavations at the site have revealed stone tools, pottery shards, dwelling remains, and traces of fire pits, suggesting both long-term habitation and possible ritual or conflict activities. The fortress’s rectangular layout and staggered gates reflect advanced defensive strategies and possible Chinese influence, making it a valuable site for understanding early Korean fortification techniques.
Designated as a historic site in 1999, Jeongbok-dong Toseong is one of Korea’s best-preserved earthen fortresses and provides important insights into the country’s ancient military architecture and settlement patterns.
- Address: 353-2 Jeongbok-dong, Cheongwon-gu, Cheongju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do, South Korea