Guin-sa
Chungcheongbuk-do
This stately (though largely modern) complex’s 30-odd buildings are wedged beautifully into a valley, between steep, forested slopes. Erected on a…
Getty Images/Dorling Kindersley
Chungcheongbuk-do
The only landlocked province in the South, Chungcheongbuk-do (충청북도) – or Chungbuk as it’s known informally – is largely mountainous and agricultural (two things that don't mix well, so you'll see all available scraps of land farmed). The province is kind of sleepy and its major cities are hardly compelling, though bibliophiles must make a pilgrimage to Cheongju, where in 1377 Buddhist monks printed the world’s oldest extant book with movable metal type.
Attractions
Must-see attractions for your itinerary
Early Printing Museum
Chungcheongbuk-do
This small museum tells you everything about the Jikji, the oldest book in the world printed with movable metal type. Unfortunately the book is not here –…
Beopju-sa
Chungcheongbuk-do
This temple originally dates to AD 553 and lies about 1km from the entrance to Songnisan National Park. Composed of a galaxy of halls, the temple is…
Sangdang San-seong
Chungcheongbuk-do
This large fortress is 4km northeast of Cheongju, on the slopes of the mountain Uam-san. Originally built in the 1590s and renovated in the 18th century,…
Songnisan National Park
Chungcheongbuk-do
This park has easy hikes and year-round beauty amongst craggy cliffs. It's atmospheric and misty in winter and alive with cherry blossoms and azaleas in…
Cheongpung Cultural Heritage Complex
Chungcheongbuk-do
When the area around here was flooded to create the Chungju dam and lake, a number of villages were submerged and the residents resettled.
Golden Pavilion
Chungcheongbuk-do
This intriguing and rare five-storey wooden pavilion is painted bright gold from top to bottom and was founded by the Daesun Jillihoe new religious…
Palsangjeon
Chungcheongbuk-do
This magnificent, wooden, five-storey and highly photogenic pagoda is the only one of its kind in the country. The pagoda was first built in 553 but…
Guidebooks
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