QinzhouShi(South Korea) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

Stay at Cheongju Culture Hotel, located near the Cheongju Museum, which blends traditional hanok architecture with modern design. Each room features local ceramics and calligraphy artworks. Guests can participate in daily nongak folk performances and hanji paper-making workshops, offering immersive access to Intangible Cultural Heritage of Chungcheongbuk-do. The hotel’s proximity to Cheongju Castle Ruins and Dae-dong Gate enhances historical authenticity for travelers seeking deep cultural engagement.

The Cultural District in Downtown Cheongju is the prime choice for lodging, situated close to the Cheongju Art Museum, Citizen Hall, and the scenic Cheongcheon River Walkway. This area hosts boutique hotels and hanok guesthouses like Cheongju Alley Inn, offering authentic breakfasts and free guided tours. Strolling along the river at night reveals illuminated ancient sites, making it perfect for travelers who value local rhythm and easy access to attractions.

Cheongju is famed for Cheongju Celadon pottery—visitors can join hands-on pottery wheel-throwing and glaze painting classes at the Cheongju Ceramics Museum, led by national artisans. Additionally, the Hanji Paper Workshop offers full immersion from mulberry bark processing to handmade paper creation. These experiences highlight Korea’s millennium-old craftsmanship and allow guests to take home meaningful, culturally rich souvenirs.

Cheongju Kids Paradise Hotel is ideal for families, featuring indoor playrooms, a child-friendly pottery studio, and outdoor farm activities like vegetable harvesting. The hotel provides traditional hanbok dressing experiences and farm-to-table pick-your-own events. With baby seats, nursing rooms, and healthy organic meals, it ensures comfort and safety for all ages, creating memorable bonding moments.

The highlight after dark is the Cheongcheon River Night Trail, where Dae-dong Gate and Cheongju Castle Ruins glow under soft lighting. Stay at Cheongju River View Hotel for panoramic views from its rooftop terrace. Nearby, Cheongju Night Market Street buzzes with street food stalls serving grilled meats, rice cakes, and spicy stir-fried noodles—perfect for experiencing local urban charm and vibrant culinary culture.

Visit in September for the International Ceramics Festival, featuring global exhibitions, live firing demonstrations, and artisan markets. For pleasant weather and fewer crowds, consider April (cherry blossom season) or October (autumn foliage). During these periods, Cheongju Park and Namwon Lake are stunningly beautiful. Many hotels offer festival packages including tickets and guided tours, enhancing your travel experience.

Discover Old Town Hanok Guesthouse, nestled in a quiet alley near Cheongju Ancient City, once a 19th-century noble residence. Converted into a private, high-end guesthouse, each room retains original wooden beams and sliding doors with underfloor heating. Hosts provide homemade Cheongju tea bundles and hand-written city maps, ensuring an intimate, authentic, and non-commercialized local stay.

Start with a morning visit to the Cheongju Ceramics Museum and pottery workshop. Enjoy lunch at Cheongju Central Market, sampling local kimchi pancakes and spicy beef stew. In the afternoon, explore Cheongju Castle Ruins and climb Dae-dong Gate for panoramic views. End the day at a riverside hotel, savoring a traditional Korean dinner on the terrace while enjoying illuminated night views. Guided tours are available for deeper historical context.

Cheongju has excellent transit: Cheongju Station connects to Seoul via KTX (approx. 1 hour), and the city offers circular buses linking major sights. Renting bikes or using T-money cards for buses makes exploring Cheongju Museum, Cheongcheon River, and Namwon Lake effortless. Some premium hotels provide complimentary shuttle services. Free parking is available for drivers, facilitating visits to rural villages and historic sites.

Must-try dishes include Cheongju-style kimchi (fermented vegetables) and Cheongju beef hot pot, made with locally raised cattle and rich, sweet broth. Visit Cheongju Central Market’s century-old stalls to learn how to mix your own kimchi. Some hotels, like Cheongju Flavor Guesthouse, offer Korean cooking classes teaching authentic seasoning blends and presentation techniques—turning taste into lasting memory.