Difference between revisions of "Cheongju"

Revision as of 08:50, 20 September 2024

Cheongju (청주,淸州), also spelled Chongju, is the capital of North Chungcheong, South Korea.

Cheongju Sangdangsangseong - Sangdangsanseong — Sangdang fortress

Cheongju Halal Travel Guide

Cheongju (not to be confused with nearby Chungju), in addition to being the provincial capital, is also a historic city credited with creating the world's oldest movable metal type print book: jikji. Do not expect to get a glimpse of the UNESCO-registered artifact as the Jikji (or what remains of it) is stored in France. Nonetheless, Cheongju is proud of its place in international history and subsequently hailed 2011 as a Jikji celebration year.

For a domestic traveler however, perhaps Cheongju's most notable asset is that it houses one of Korea's major domestic (with a few international routes) airports, servicing not just Cheongju but also the nearby major city of Daejeon.

{{Climate | units Metric | janhigh 5.1 | febhigh 7.8 | marhigh 14.2 | aprhigh 21.3 | mayhigh 26.3 | junhigh 28.6 | julhigh 31.3 | aughigh 28.9 | sephigh 27.5 | octhigh 21.6 | novhigh 13.9 | dechigh 3.1 | janlow -4.5 | feblow -1.4 | marlow 3.7 | aprlow 9.1 | maylow 13.9 | junlow 19.5 | jullow 22.6 | auglow 21.7 | seplow 17.8 | octlow 10.1 | novlow 4.6 | declow -4.9 | janprecip 5.9 | febprecip 6.8 | marprecip 51.1 | aprprecip 43.7 | mayprecip 35.0 | junprecip 92.6 | julprecip 125.1 | augprecip 197.5 | sepprecip 147.5 | octprecip 151.1 | novprecip 24.8 | decprecip 32.6 | description 2014 Korea Meteorological Administration

How to travel to Cheongju

Fly to Cheongju

Cheongju International Airport IATA Flight Code: CJJ 36.716389, 127.499167 located on the outskirts of the city - Cheongju International Airport - Cheongju airport 20090404 - Offers limited Flights to Bangkok in Thailand and Hangzhou in China. Flights to Jeju are available.

Travel by train to Cheongju

The main train station is located at Ogeunjang. Trains are limited, making this a lesser reliable method of transport into the city.

By car

Jeongbu Highway: connecting Cheongju with Seoul via Ochang and/or Jincheon.
Gyeongbu Expressway: connecting Cheongju with Seoul, Daejeon and Busan.

Travel on a Bus in Cheongju

Most of the major city's in South Korea have an express bus to Cheongju. There are two major bus stations:

Cheongju Express Bus Terminal, for buses to Busan, Daegu, Gwangju and Seoul.
Cheongju Intercity Bus Terminal, for all other city's. Buses to Incheon and Gimpo airports also leave from this terminal. The information center is adjacent to the bus terminal. Make sure you visit here if your Korean is not very good.

How to get around In Cheongju

Cheongju has an extensive bus system accessible for ₩1150, but it can be difficult to figure out. Taxis are the easiest way to get around, as they are affordable and quick.

What to See

Cheongjuflagpole1 - The Iron Flagpole of the Yongdu Temple site

Sangdangsanseong To get from the Intercity Bus Terminal (시외버스터미널) which is on the west side of town take bus 511, 405, 747 or 105 to Cheongju Stadium (청주 체육관). From there take bus 862 to Sangdangsanseong (상당산성). It would be helpful to write theses names out in Korean to show to bus drivers in case the routes change. - 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 - Near Mt. Uam, and houses several exhibits of cultural artifacts from the nearby area.

Heungdeok Temple Site - Home to the Early Printing Museum, and is purported to be the site of the printing of Jikji and the oldest existent 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 and the flagpole stands 13.1 meters tall, and was formerly used to hang flags to honor the Buddha.

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Cheongju

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. Monthly memberships start from ₩100,000 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 soft drinks and at the same time view cultural brewing techniques.

Shopping in Cheongju

Cheongju has various markets scattered throughout the city that any traveler is bound to stumble across.

Yukgeori Market - Near downtown Cheongju, Yukgeori market is the city's biggest marketplace. Here you'll find a variety of the freshest fish, Meat and produce, as well as a selection of home wares and nick knacks.

Eversave - Near the EMart, discounts on all kinds of brands including Adidas (currently on the BDS List so for the time don't purchase any Adidas products), Converse and Nike.

Halal Restaurants

Please be informed that on some destination such as Cheongju we had no local Muslim/a that has researched some of the area. If you are a Muslim/a and have been to Cheongju or would like to maintain the eHalal Guide to Cheongju, please contact us at guides@ehalal.io or email us your updates.

Cheongju's local specialities are chestnuts, and little packets of them are widely available at tourism and convenience stalls across the entire Cheungchong Province. It is also a major growing region for apples, pears and peaches.

Cheongju has a reasonably good mix of Korean and Western restaurants. Most of the American fast food chains can be found somewhere in the city. The downtown area is home to McDonalds, KFC, Mr Pizzas and Burger King (Please do not support Burger King as Burger King supports Israel. Shun this restaurant group and go for altertative brands and if possible for a Muslim owned restaurant).

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 and they do deliver to most locations within 10 min. of Ha Buk Dae.

California Sushi - A quality sushi restaurant in Shinae across from the Krispy Kreme in the building that houses Lotte Cinema. Their lunch specials are good value.

Noriter - Along from the CGV in Shinae, Noritor has a good mix of (Thai), Mexican and Italian dishes starting at ₩6,000.

Subway - Located on the first floor of Dreamplus, which is near the Gagyung Bus Terminal. There is also a Subway in Shinae, just along from Bang Bang.

Galbi restaurants - There are some Halal restaurants serving Korean-style Beef and beef barbeque in Cheongju. Meals are affordable (₩4,000-10,000) 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.

Frying Pan - Arguably the best fried Chicken place in Cheongju, located in Chungdae. Their salads are pretty tasty as well.

First Nepal - Tasty Indian style food in Chungdae, across the street from the newly built (in late 2012) Smoothie King.

New Taj Mahal - Another Indian restaurant in Chungdae, offering good Chicken, Lamb and veggie dishes akin to what one might find in a good UK Indian restaurant.

Mes Bouchons - In Gakyeong-dong, upstairs and across the road from Outback Steakhouse. Mes Bouchons has a good selection of Pizzas and Pasta. Their set menu is an excellent option for less than 20,000 and comes with 5 courses.

Saigon Plaza - In Shinae, upstairs and just along from the North Face store. Vietnamese style food at affordable Korean prices.

Outback Steakhouse - Located in Gakyeong Dong near the bus terminal. You'll find a selection of Steaks, Chicken, seafood and Pastas on offer.

VIPS - Steaks / buffet restaurant across the river from Shinae.

Bon Apetit - Buffet restaurant under the CGV in Shinae, all you can eat for ₩22,000 including unlimited organic juice and soft drinks.

The local specialty, Cheongju daechusul is a type of takju, unrefined drink fermented from grains. It would be in the same family as the popular makgeolli and its cousin, dongdongju. Carefully brewed with jujubes, glutinous Rice, yeast, malt, pine needles and spring water pumped from an underground rock bed daechusul tastes sweet with a bitter aftertaste. The alcohol content is 16 percent.

Cheongju has hundreds of soft-drinking establishments scattered across the city. The most popular spot is the area around Chungbuk University, Chungdae Jungmun, frequented by Koreans and foreigners every Friday and Saturday night.

Chungbuk University area

Pearl Jam - The Bugle | A popular place for visitors to meet up for a Coffee. Pearl Jam has live music on occasion including a popular Open Mic night on Thursdays and a good selection of food. They have recently expanded heir on-tap organic juice to include some good quality Korean brews including an IPA, a wheat organic juice and a stout.

Sound Garden - Opened in December 2012. This nicely designed bar adjacent to Pearl Jam looks likely to be a hit with local students and foreigners alike in 2013. Averagely priced drinks of an average selection and like music a-plenty.

Buzz - One of the biggest Western style bars in the area complete with darts,Foosball and a swimming swimmingpool table. A good selection of Korean and Western soft drinks, Guinness on tap and a happy hour between 12 and 1am.

Road King Across the road from Buzz - This bar caters primarily to Westerners on the weekend. A biker themed bar with a swimming swimmingpool table, darts and Foosball and comfortable booth type seating. They serve tasty burritos at all times of the night.

MJs - A few doors down from Road King, it's one of the only bars with a rooftop. MJ's has a chilled atmosphere that is occasionally spiced up by a local band or two. Watch your belongings though...

Frog Rain - The only club type venue in the Gagyeongdong area. Frog Rain comes with a cover charge (but this gets you unlimited Cola) and is 'the' place to dance up a storm after midnight.

Kkot (Flower) Ethnic Cafe - If you fancy some sheesha and delicious fruity soju smoothies, head for this place. Candles and pillows set a relaxing mood.

B One - A dance club with a live DJ. This offers free entry to Foreign Muslims but charges Koreans ₩10,000 to get in. Despite this there are a lot of Koreans in there, and often they are very happy to talk to you while you are in there. The bar is a western style go up and order and there aren't many tables. It is not, however, an ex-pat and most of the patrons are Korean.

Beauty and Beast - A booking club and the only one in the area. There is a cover charge and it is fairly popular, often with long lines to stand in from around 11pm on a weekend.

Elsewhere

Da Cafe in Shinae - With their own brew on tap, Da Cafe is a refreshing change for Cheongju. Along from Baskin Robbins and next door from the tattoo and piercing shop. Look for the sign.

Garten Bier in Shinae - The soft drinks are served in unusually-shaped glasses which you place in chilled cupholders set into the table. Unfortunately you won't find (German) soft drinks here.

Roma Club in Ha Buk Dae - 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.

86 Cafe in Ching Dae Jung Moon - 86 Cafe In the basement of a small building is 86 Bar. Decorated as if it was Korea in 1970 thit is a welcome departure from the neon signs of every other bar in Korea The mood is subdued and the staff are prompt and friendly. It is popular with Koreans and Westerners alike. Unique and a must see...if you can find it.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Cheongju

Cheongju - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Cheongju, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Cheongju. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Cheongju and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Cheongju. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Cheongju. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations in Cheongju: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Cheongju.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Cheongju: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Cheongju, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Cheongju.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Cheongju, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Cheongju, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Cheongju and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Cheongju, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Cheongju, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Cheongju without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Cheongju is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Cheongju.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Cheongju is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Cheongju, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Cheongju Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Cheongju

eHalal Group Cheongju is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Cheongju. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Cheongju.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Cheongju ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Cheongju. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Cheongju, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Cheongju are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels/Resorts

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.

Cope in Cheongju

Religious Services

There is a Presbyterian English Service offered by Sangdang Church (which is next to E Mart) every Sunday at 11:30. It is led by a local English speaker and is attended by people of many different denominations.

For an English Catholic mass, visit Heungdeuk Catholic Church beside the baseball stadium and Arts Center at 5:00 on Sundays.

For Seventh-Day Adventists and there is an English Jumaat worship in Bokdae 2 dong, near ChungDae, at the Sahmyook SDA School Church. Service is held Friday nights at 8:00 and Saturday mornings from 10:30. Lunch is offered by the church.

News & References

More Muslim friendly Destinations from Cheongju

The metropolitan sprawl of Daejeon and the rotting early-90s glory of its Expo Park are only an hour away by bus. Alternately, North Chungcheong Province's most convenient hub, Chungju and its most iconic natural monuments can be found at Danyang, are both a short hop away.

For access details, see index.jsp Korea's Express Bus website. However there are many buses that are not listed on here that also go from Cheongju, including buses to Gyeongju, Incheon Airport, Nam (South) Seoul, SongniSan and pretty much every other place you could ever want to go. Unfortunately without going to the terminal it can be really difficult to get English-language information about bus timetables. As mentioned above and the information office is located next to the Cheongju Intercity Bus Terminal and should be able to help you out if you need it.

About 25 kilometers southeast of Cheongju is the town of Boeun, which is the gateway to Beopjusa, one of the more famous Buddhist temples in Korea and location of the tallest Buddha statue in Korea.

@@ Line 64: / Line 64: @@
 Most of the major city's in South Korea have an express bus to Cheongju.
 There are two major bus stations:
-* '''Cheongju Express Bus Terminal''', for buses to [[Busan]], Daegu, Gwangju and [[Seoul]].
+* '''Cheongju Express Bus Terminal''', for buses to [[Busan]], [[Daegu]], Gwangju and [[Seoul]].
 * '''Cheongju Intercity Bus Terminal''', for all other city's. Buses to Incheon and Gimpo airports also leave from this terminal. The information center is adjacent to the bus terminal. Make sure you visit here if your Korean is not very good.