A Healing Chungju Trip Away from Everyday Life | Travel Course | K-Travel Mate

Below Jeoune Village in Jangcheon-ri, Gageum-myeon, Chungju-si, is a cluster of pine trees known by the old name Mokgye Naru’s Mokgye Pine Forest. The forest contains pine trees aged 100 to 200 years and serves as a resting place for people enjoying summer vacations. It is a 3,800-pyeong area forest composed entirely of pine trees, designated and managed as a protected tree area by Chungju-si. There is a legend related to Mokgye Naru Pine Forest. One story says Mokgye Naru flourished as an inland water transport route during the Joseon Dynasty but suffered great damage every year due to large fires. To overcome these fires, a feng shui expert visited and, sensing the dominance of fire energy, advised a secret method. The method involved redirecting the water flow, so local people brought soil to create a mountain in the middle of the river. After about half a year, the river water was diverted toward Mokgye, and many pine trees were planted on that mountain. This is how today’s Mokgye Pine Cluster was formed.

The National Treasure, the 7-story stone pagoda of Chungju Tappyeong-ri, is a stone pagoda from the Unified Silla period that harmonizes well with the beautiful scenery of the Namhan River. It is the largest among stone pagodas built at that time, and is also called Jungangtap because it is located in the central part of Korea. Around Jungangtap, there is a sculpture park on a wide lawn, and the Chungju Museum and Liquor Museum are located nearby. Additionally, Tanggeum Lake, formed by the Namhan River and the adjacent Jojeongji Dam, offers water leisure activities in summer, presenting Chungju as a resort and leisure sports destination. (Source: Chungju Culture and Tourism Homepage)

충북 충주시 중앙탑면 중앙탑길에는 누구나 쉽게 조정을 접해볼 수 있는 조정체험학교가 자리하고 있다. 2013년 충주세계조정선수권대회가 열린 현장에서 실제로 조정체험을 하게 되며, 실전에 앞서 조정의 역사와 기본 지식을 가르쳐주는 이론 교육이 진행된다. 이후 연습실에서 기본기를 배운 뒤 전문가와 함께 강에서 조정을 체험하게 된다. 기본 교육만 받으면 누구나 체험이 가능하다. 중앙탑사적공원 내에 있어 접근성도 좋다.

Bonghwangsan Natural Recreation Forest is located on the foothills of Eulgunsan, winding along the Hanpocheon stream. The forest bathing area mainly consists of oak, pine, larch, and chestnut trees, and the hiking and walking trails have gentle slopes, making it easy for children to climb. A valley flows at the entrance of the forest bathing area, and auto camping is also possible. It is a family-friendly recreation forest suitable for enjoying nature through activities such as exercise, hiking, and water play, with nearby attractions including Wolaksan National Park, Chungjuho Lake, Jungangtap, Suanbo, Neungam Hot Springs, and Tangeumdae, making it a great place to rest aside from accommodation.

Bonghwanggyeong is the 7th scenic spot among the 8 views of the Han River and is a great place for a nature study and walking trails. It is inhabited by various species of migratory birds, including mandarin ducks and whooper swans. Along with the migratory birds, the clusters of silver grass and reeds create a spectacular scene attracting many photographers. Through the waterside walking trail, you can see the wild bird sanctuary, and from the observation platform, you can enjoy views of the reed forest, pine forest, and the flight of migratory birds. Centered around the waterside lawn square, there are bicycle paths, embankment paths, and a youth camping site, as well as a recreation and experience center reproducing Mokgye ferry, waterside square, and observation decks.