Bokcheonam is located on the midway dirt road climbing towards the KBS transmission tower from the Chungbuk Institute of Education and Science near Sangdang Park. To use public transportation, you must get off at Sangdang Park and use the hiking trail. At the entrance of the hiking trail to Bokcheonam is Mogeumsa site, and on the path from Bokcheonam to the 338m peak of Uam Mountain (Uiseosan), there are Heungcheonsa site and Cheonheungsa site. A stone Buddha was excavated from Mogeumsa site, and a bronze bell from Heungcheonsa site. Bokcheonam includes the monks' quarters, Geungnakjeon Hall, and Gwaneumjeon Hall (the first floor is the offering room). Geungnakjeon Hall is a building with five bays frontally and three bays laterally, completed in 1994. On the altar enshrined are the Amitabha Triad Buddha statues, with back paintings of Amitabha and also paintings of the Seven Stars, Guardian Deities, and the Mountain God. In 1997, the bronze bell was made. The monks' quarters at Bokcheonam were built in the early 1970s using rice straw and clay, presenting a simple building reminiscent of the Inbeopdang hermitage in the mountains. Gwaneumjeon Hall, completed in 2005, is an 80-pyeong two-story building made of loess bricks; the first floor serves as the sermon hall and dining room, while the second floor is used for worship and meditation.
This is the site of a Unified Silla Dynasty temple located in Uncheon-dong, Cheongju. During an excavation in 1985, the remains of buildings including the main hall, west corridor, lecture hall, and ancillary buildings were confirmed, and a fragment of a bronze bell inscribed with 'Heungdeoksa' revealed the temple’s name. Based on roof tiles inscribed with 'Daejung 3-nyeon' (the 3rd year of Daejung) and other relics, it is believed to have been built by the 9th century at the latest and maintained its existence until the late Goryeo period. Many roof tile pieces, ornamental ends (chimi), pottery, and bronze items were excavated. This site is also where the oldest extant metal type print book in the world, "Jikji Simche Yojeol," was printed. (Source: Cultural Heritage Administration)
Suamgol Cafe Street is a street formed by cafes gathered along the road above the Suamgol village. Suamgol gained fame as a filming location for dramas , , and , and it is a hillside neighborhood formed by refugees settling after the Korean War. Passing through the tree-lined tunnel about 6km from Cheongju IC to the city center and crossing the Musimcheon stream, Suamgol is located at the foothills of 353m tall Uam Mountain. Most of the cafes on the Suamgol hill are terrace-style, offering a panoramic view of Cheongju city, and at night, visitors can enjoy the nightscape. Nearby, Suamgol Park and Drama Street are also established, offering plenty to enjoy.
Suamgol Observatory is a viewpoint where you can see the entire city of Cheongju at a glance. It is located in Suamgol, a settlement created by refugees after the Korean War, near Cheongju Uamsan and Cheongju University. Suamgol is known as the filming location for the KBS drama "The Baker King, Kim Takgu" and is famous for Suamgol Mural Village, Drama Street, and Cafe Street. If you walk about 15 minutes from Palbong Bakery, you will arrive at Suamgol Observatory. The top of the observatory is open on all sides, offering a great view of the entire city of Cheongju. At night, you can see the sparkling night view of Cheongju. There are also photo zones such as benches and heart sculptures.
Cheongju Pyochungsa is dedicated to the three loyal spirits who died defending against Yi In-jwa's rebellion: Chungcheongdo Byeongmajeoldosa Yi Bong-sang, Cheongju Yeongjang Nam Yeon-nyeon, and Bijang Hong Rim. In 1731 (Yeongjo 7), a shrine and monument were erected inside the north gate of Cheongju Fortress and it was called Samchungsa. It was remodeled in 1736 (Yeongjo 12) and relocated to its current site in 1939. Yi Bong-sang (1676–1728), whose courtesy name was Uisuk and clan Deoksu, was a 5th-generation descendant of Yi Sun-sin. After passing the military examination in 1702 (Sukjong 28), he served in various posts, eventually becoming the Chungcheongdo Byeongmajeoldosa. He was posthumously promoted to Jwacanseong and given the posthumous name Chungmin. Nam Yeon-nyeon (1653–1728), courtesy name Subaek, clan Uiryeong, passed the military exam in 1676 (Sukjong 2). He served as county magistrate in several regions and became Cheongju Yeongjang, also concurrently Toposa. He was posthumously promoted to Jwacanseong with the posthumous name Chungjang and enshrined as Sungseonggun. Hong Rim, courtesy name Chungyeong, clan Namyang, was Yi Bong-sang's Bijang and was killed in battle. He was posthumously promoted to Hojocampan and given the posthumous name Chunggang.
Ullidan Street connects Cheongju Early Printing Museum with Uncheon & Sinbong-dong Community Center. In less than a kilometer, charming cafes, restaurants, and shops have opened one after another, giving the street its name and elevating it to a popular hangout in Cheongju. This street is also the location of the store Nation's Best Banchan, which was run by Jeon Do-yeon’s character in "Crash Course in Romance (2023)." Don’t miss the Yennal Yetjip Goldongpum, an antique store and one of the oldest stores on Ullidan Street. True to its name, the store features old furniture, transistor radios, and other antique items full of nostalgia.
