About
Cheongju is the capital of North Chungcheong Province, set in the heart of South Korea. The city is best known as the birthplace of the world's oldest surviving book printed with movable metal type, a fact that gives a visit here a distinctive focus on the history of printing.
Printing heritage
The Early Printing Museum is the natural starting point for most visitors. It is devoted to the development of printing techniques and to the early metal type that made Cheongju significant in the story of books. Those interested in how knowledge was copied and spread before the modern press will find the subject well suited to a slow, attentive visit.
Around the city
Beyond the museum, Cheongju combines historical sites with the conveniences of a modern city. Visitors can move between older places that reflect the region's past and the everyday amenities of a working provincial capital, which makes it easy to fit a visit around a longer trip through central Korea.
The city sits within a scenic landscape of central Korea, so time outdoors can be part of the trip as well. A stay here suits travellers who want a focused cultural visit with room to explore the surrounding countryside at an unhurried pace.
Is it for you?
- Good for visitors interested in the history of printing and books.
- Suited to a relaxed day or two rather than a rushed stop.
- Offers a mix of historical sites and modern city life.