Cheongju

City in North Chungcheong, South Korea

For the rice wine, see Cheongju (drink).

Specific city in Hoseo, South Korea

Cheongju, South Korea

청주시

Specific city

Korean transcription(s)
• Hangul| 청주시
• Hanja| 淸州市
• Revised Romanization| Cheongju-si
• McCune–Reischauer| Ch'ŏngju-si

A front view of Sangdang Fortress

Flag

Seal

Anthem: You are so Dynamic

Location in South Korea

Coordinates: 36°38′N 127°29′E﻿ / ﻿36.633°N 127.483°E﻿ / 36.633; 127.483
Country|  South Korea
Region| Hoseo
First mention| 940
Founded| 1946
Administrative divisions| 4 gu, 30 legal dong, 3 eup, 10 myeon
Government

• mayor| Lee Beom-seok (이범석)
Area

• Total

| 940.3 km2 (363.1 sq mi)
Elevation

| 39 m (128 ft)
Population

(September 2024[1])

• Total

| 853,938
• Density| 910/km2 (2,400/sq mi)
• Dialect

| Chungcheong
Time zone| UTC+09:00 (KST)
Postal code|

28100~28899

Area code| (+82) 43-2xx
Website| cheongju.go.kr/english/index.do

Cheongju (Korean: 청주; Korean pronunciation: [tɕʰʌŋ.dʑu]) is the capital and largest city of North Chungcheong Province in South Korea. The 'Cheong' in the name of Chungcheong Province is the Cheong of Cheongju.

## History

[edit]

Cheongju has been an important provincial town since ancient times. In the Cheongju Mountains, particularly in the area where Sangdang Sanseong is located, ruins dating from the Old Stone Age to the Bronze Age have been discovered.[2] Settlements associated with the Paleolithic Age have also been found in Cheongju, such as the Durubong Cave Site.[3]

After the unification of the kingdoms by Silla in 676, various parts of Korea, including Cheongju, began to adopt Buddhism. This was influenced by the Silla culture's connection with the Silk Road, which facilitated the spread of Buddhism from Nepal across Northern China to the Korean Peninsula.[4] During the Goryeo era, particularly during the reign of Gwangjong, several monuments related to Buddhism were created. Among them is Cheol Danggan, built in the year 962 in the center of the city near the remains of Yongdu Temple. Cheol Danggan is a flagpole used to hang the Dang flag, which is raised to pay tribute to Buddha.[5] It was listed as a National Treasure in 1962 by the South Korean government.[5] In the Joseon period, the Cheongju region began to adopt Confucianism as its main religion.[4]

Throughout the history of Cheongju, various temples were established during different periods in the history of the Korean peninsula. Examples include the Buddhist Yonghwasa Temple, dating back to the Goryeo period,[6] and the Bulguksa Temple, established in the 8th century during the Silla Dynasty period.[7] Cheongju temples were also significant in the advancement of Korean printing, including book printing. One of the important documents printed in Cheongju was done so at Heungdeok Temple during the Goryeo Dynasty, specifically in the year 1377.[8]

One of the first schools established in North Chungcheong Province was founded in Cheongju during 1896.[9] During the Baekje Dynasty period, several tombs were built around the city,[10] in addition to Joseon Dynasty period forts such as Sangdangsanseong, which served to connect the northern and southern provinces after the Japanese invasion of 1592.[11]

In 1593, the Battle of Cheongju took place between Japanese forces and the Joseon kingdom that then ruled the Korean peninsula during the Hideyoshi's Invasions of Korea, in which more than 8,000 Korean warrior monks participated.[12]

The government of the province relocated here from Chungju in 1908. The opening of the Chungbuk-line in 1926 sparked regional development. In 1946, Cheongju and Cheongwon-gun were separated, and in 1949, Cheongju was made a city. Afterwards, it went through the separation of administrative dong and their transfer to Cheongwon-gun, with 2 branch offices (East and West) established in July 1989 that were upgraded to Sangdang District and Heungdeok District in January.[13]

Cheongju experienced one of the largest population growths in Korea, having almost quadrupled its population from 147,000 in 1970 to 582,158 in 2000.[14]

## Geography

[edit]

Cityscape of Cheongju

Geum River goes through the center of Cheongju. Additionally, the tributaries of Musim and Miho flow together in the northern part of the city. To the east and west, there are the mountains of Wuam and Bumo. Musimcheon River also goes through the middle of Cheongju.

### Climate

[edit]

Cheongju is a temperate zone, so there are four seasons. The climate is a humid continental climate (Köppen: Dwa), but can be considered a borderline humid subtropical climate (Köppen: Cwa) using the −3 °C (27 °F) isotherm.

Climate data for Cheongju (1991–2020 normals, extremes 1967–present)

Month  | Jan  | Feb  | Mar  | Apr  | May  | Jun  | Jul  | Aug  | Sep  | Oct  | Nov  | Dec  | Year
Record high °C (°F)  | 15.6
(60.1)  | 22.1
(71.8)  | 28.2
(82.8)  | 31.3
(88.3)  | 34.5
(94.1)  | 36.3
(97.3)  | 37.8
(100.0)  | 39.1
(102.4)  | 34.7
(94.5)  | 30.6
(87.1)  | 25.1
(77.2)  | 19.3
(66.7)  | 39.1
(102.4)
Mean daily maximum °C (°F)  | 3.4
(38.1)  | 6.4
(43.5)  | 12.5
(54.5)  | 19.6
(67.3)  | 24.8
(76.6)  | 28.2
(82.8)  | 30.0
(86.0)  | 30.6
(87.1)  | 26.4
(79.5)  | 20.7
(69.3)  | 13.0
(55.4)  | 5.4
(41.7)  | 18.4
(65.1)
Daily mean °C (°F)  | −1.5
(29.3)  | 1.0
(33.8)  | 6.5
(43.7)  | 13.0
(55.4)  | 18.7
(65.7)  | 23.0
(73.4)  | 25.8
(78.4)  | 26.2
(79.2)  | 21.3
(70.3)  | 14.6
(58.3)  | 7.5
(45.5)  | 0.6
(33.1)  | 13.1
(55.6)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F)  | −5.8
(21.6)  | −3.8
(25.2)  | 1.0
(33.8)  | 7.0
(44.6)  | 13.1
(55.6)  | 18.4
(65.1)  | 22.4
(72.3)  | 22.6
(72.7)  | 17.0
(62.6)  | 9.4
(48.9)  | 2.6
(36.7)  | −3.7
(25.3)  | 8.4
(47.1)
Record low °C (°F)  | −24.1
(−11.4)  | −26.4
(−15.5)  | −12.5
(9.5)  | −4.8
(23.4)  | 2.8
(37.0)  | 7.9
(46.2)  | 12.3
(54.1)  | 12.7
(54.9)  | 3.7
(38.7)  | −4.3
(24.3)  | −11.0
(12.2)  | −20.6
(−5.1)  | −26.4
(−15.5)
Average precipitation mm (inches)  | 20.6
(0.81)  | 29.0
(1.14)  | 42.9
(1.69)  | 75.5
(2.97)  | 82.8
(3.26)  | 140.0
(5.51)  | 293.8
(11.57)  | 274.2
(10.80)  | 142.3
(5.60)  | 58.0
(2.28)  | 46.6
(1.83)  | 26.7
(1.05)  | 1,232.4
(48.52)
Average precipitation days (≥ 0.1 mm) | 7.2  | 6.4  | 7.8  | 8.3  | 8.1  | 9.4  | 15.7  | 14.0  | 8.7  | 6.1  | 8.7  | 8.8  | 109.2
Average snowy days  | 9.1  | 5.5  | 2.8  | 0.3  | 0.0  | 0.0  | 0.0  | 0.0  | 0.0  | 0.1  | 2.2  | 8.5  | 28.5
Average relative humidity (%)  | 63.5  | 58.6  | 55.6  | 53.4  | 57.7  | 64.5  | 74.2  | 73.1  | 70.6  | 66.8  | 65.6  | 64.9  | 64.0
Mean monthly sunshine hours | 166.9  | 176.9  | 207.6  | 220.0  | 238.8  | 196.5  | 150.1  | 173.1  | 176.4  | 204.1  | 160.6  | 161.0  | 2,232
Percentage possible sunshine | 53.1  | 55.9  | 54.0  | 56.6  | 53.5  | 44.6  | 34.3  | 42.5  | 47.6  | 57.3  | 51.5  | 52.4  | 49.7
Source: Korea Meteorological Administration (percent sunshine 1981–2010)[15][16][17]

## Administrative districts

[edit]

From 1 July 2014, Cheongju and Cheongwon County unified, and administrative districts were changed to the following:

* Heungdeok District (흥덕구; 興德區) West

Osong-eup, Gangnae-myeon, Oksan-myeon, Uncheon-dong, Sinbong-dong, Bokdae1-dong, Bokdae2-dong, Gakyeong-dong, Bongmyeong1-dong, Bongmyeong2-dong, Songjeong-dong, Gangseo1-dong, Gangseo2-dong, Ochang-eup

* Seowon District (서원구; 西原區) South

Nami-myeon, Hyeondo-myeon, Sajik1-dong, Sajik2-dong, Sachang-dong, Mochooung-dong, Sugok1-dong, Sugok2-dong, Sannam-dong, Bunpyeong-dong, Seonghwa-dong, Geasin-dong, Jookrim-dong

* Sangdang District (상당구; 上黨區) East

Nangseong-myeon, Miwon-myeon, Gaduk-myeon, Namil-myeon, Mooni-myeon, Joongang-dong, Seongan-dong, Top-dong, Deasung-dong, Yeongun-dong, Geumcheon-dong, Yongam-dong, Myeongam-dong, Sinsung-dong, Yongam1-dong, Yongam2-dong

* Cheongwon District (청원구; 淸原區) North

Nesoo-eup, Buki-myeon, Wooam-dong, Neduk1-dong, Neduk2-dong, Yoolang-dong, Sacheon-dong, Ogeunjang-dong,[18] Ochang-eup

## Government and infrastructure

[edit]

The headquarters of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency,[19] and the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety are located in the Osong Health Technology Administration Complex.[20]

## Cultural properties

[edit]

* Sangdangsanseong (Sangdang Mountain Fortress) lies on the slopes of Mt. Uam within the city limits. The fortress is mainly a 3-to-4-metre-tall (9.8–13.1-foot) wall that stretches over 4.2 kilometres (2.6 miles) in circumference. The present walls date to the 1716 restoration of the site. Within the walls lies a small tourist village that has several restaurants.
* Cheongju National Museum also lies near Mt. Uam, and houses several exhibits of cultural artifacts from the nearby area.
* Heungdeoksa Temple Site is the home to the Early Printing Museum, and is to be the site of the printing of Jikji, the oldest existent book printed using movable metal type. The museum itself contains exhibits related to the art of printing through the ages.
* Yongdusaji Cheoldanggan (The Iron Flagpole of the Yongdu Temple Site) is designated Korean National Treasure number 41, and is located near Lotte Department Store in downtown Cheongju. Made of twenty iron cylinders, the flagpole stands 13.1 metres (43.0 feet) tall, and was formerly used to hang flags to honour the Buddha.
* National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art – Cheongju (MMCA Cheongju) which is scheduled to open in December 2018, will be the first museum in Korea to open its conservation center to the general public. Notably, MMCA Cheongju is being constructed within a renovated tobacco factory, which once played a major role in Korea's modern industry. The new building has been especially designed to use energy more efficiently and thus reduce greenhouse gas emissions. As such, the new museum will be a high-profile example of a project combining elements of urban revitalization and historical preservation.
* Chojeonghaenggung (Chojeong Temporary Palace) is a temporary palace where King Sejong stayed for treatment of an eye disease. It is said that King Sejong completed the creation of Hangul here. This place was destroyed during the Joseon Dynasty, and restoration work began in December 2017, and construction was completed in December 2019. It opened in June 2020. Also, Chojeong Mineral Water produced near here is quite famous carbonated water. It is known that King Sejong also tried to treat an eye disease with carbonated water produced in Chojeong. Chojeonghaenggung is located in Naesu-eup, Cheongwon District.

## Transport

[edit]

Cheongju International Airport provides scheduled flights within Korea and to other parts of Asia. The main train station is located at Ogeunjang approximately 8 km (5.0 mi) north of the city hall. This station is on the Chungbuk Line. Cheongju Bus Terminal provides almost all of the bus lines to bus terminals located in other cities. Ticketing time is between 4:00 am and 11:40 pm. Cheongju Express Bus Terminal provides some bus lines for Seoul (Gangnam, Sangbong, South Seoul, East Seoul, Busan, East Deagu, Gwangju).

In 2023, the Cheongju tunnel flooded during the annual monsoon which trapped 15 vehicles and resulted in at least 7 deaths and 11 reported missing.[21]

## Education

[edit]

Cheongju is the site of several tertiary institutions, including:

* Cheongju National University of Education
* Cheongju University
* Chungbuk National University
* Chung Cheong University
* Korea Air Force Academy
* Korea National University of Education
* Seowon University

## Festival

[edit]

The Cheongju International Craft Biennale is usually held in September or October.[22]

There is also the Osong Cosmetic and Beauty Expo.[23]

## Twin towns – sister cities

[edit]

City  | Prefecture/Province/State  | Country  | Year  | Sources

|
|
|
|

Tottori | Tottori Prefecture | Japan  | 1991  | [24]
Wuhan | Hubei | China  | 2000  | [25]
Bellingham | Washington | United States  | 2008  | [26][27][28]
Rostov-on-Don | Rostov oblast | Russia  | 1999  | [29]
Wrocław | Lower Silesian Voivodeship | Poland  | 2023  | [30]

## Notable people from Cheongju

[edit]

* Cho Sung-dal, footballer.
* Choi Eun-sil, basketball player.
* Choi Ji-hyun, short track speed skater.
* Choi Soon-ho, football manager and former professional football player.
* Han Hyo-joo, actress.
* Hwang Eun-bi (known as SinB), singer (Viviz).
* Im Jin-ah (known as Nana), singer, actress and model (After School, Orange Caramel).
* Ji Chang-min (known as Q), singer and dancer (The Boyz).
* Ji Min-hyuk, actor.
* Jun Hyo-seong, singer and actress (Secret).
* Kim Ji-woo (known as Chuu), singer (Loona).
* Kim Jung-eun (known as Kim Lip), singer-songwriter (Loona).
* Kim Joo-young (known as Jooyoung), singer-songwriter.
* Kim So-yeon (known as Kassy), singer and rapper.
* C. S. Lee, actor and comedian.
* Lee Jin-wook, actor.
* Lee Na-eun, singer and actress (April).
* Lee Seung-hee, ceramic artist.
* Lee Yi-kyung, actor.
* Moonbin, singer (Astro).
* Moon Sua, singer (Billlie).
* Moon Sang Min, actor.
* Na Young-seok, television producer.
* Park Cho-rong, singer-songwriter, actress (Apink).
* Shin Dong-woo (known as CNU), singer-songwriter, rapper and actor (B1A4).
* Yoon Dae-woong (known as Bigman), beatboxer, singer-songwriter and composer.
* Bae Ho-young (known as Hoyoung), singer and rapper (Verivery).
* Wonstein, rapper and singer.
* Yoo Hae-jin, actor.
* Lee Si-young, actress.
* Kim Kang-hoon, child actor.
* Park Bo-young, Actress from nearby Jeungpyeong County but attended high school in Sangdang District.

## References

[edit]

1. ^ "Population statistics". Korea Ministry of the Interior and Safety. 2024.
2. ^ Ch'a, Yong-gŏl (2007). Mountain Fortresses in Central Inland Korea: Sangdang Sanseong Mountain Fortress. Korea Fortress Academy. ISBN 978-89-961732-2-9.
3. ^ "The Beginnings of Korea's History (Prehistoric Times – Gojoseon)". Korea.net. Retrieved 30 October 2022.
4. ^ a b Sang-cheul, Choe (2002). "Creating Cultural Identity for Sustainable Urban Development A Case Study of the City of Cheongju in Korea" (PDF). Seoul National University. Retrieved 31 October 2022.
5. ^ a b "El proyecto de renovación de una plaza iluminará un asta medieval de una ciudad surcoreana". Yonhap News Agency (in Spanish). 1 June 2017. Retrieved 30 October 2022.
6. ^ "Stone Buddhas of Yonghwasa Temple, Cheongju". Cultural Heritage Administration. Retrieved 30 October 2022.
7. ^ "Seokguram Grotto and Bulguksa Temple". UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Retrieved 30 October 2022.
8. ^ "Oldest metal-printed book published in Korean, English". The Korea Times. 31 January 2021. Retrieved 30 October 2022.
9. ^ Hwang, Kyung Moon (29 December 2015). Rationalizing Korea: The Rise of the Modern State, 1894–1945. University of California Press. p. 171\. ISBN 978-0-520-96327-6.
10. ^ Traces of Jikji and Korean Movable Metal Types. Cheongju Early Printing Museum Press. 2003. p. 7.
11. ^ Eun-yi, Lee (10 November 2020). "[Monthly Korea] Modern Charm Nested in a Time-Honored Fortress". Korea.net. Retrieved 29 October 2022.
12. ^ Shields, Steven (18 August 2020). "[RAS Korea] Cheongju: a historical and cultural gem". The Korea Times. Retrieved 29 October 2022.
13. ^ * Welcome to Cheongju-Si Homepage * Archived 23 June 2006 at the Wayback Machine
14. ^ Nadarajah, M.; Yamamoto, Ann Tomoko (2007). Urban Crisis: Culture and the Sustainability of Cities. United Nations University Press. ISBN 978-92-808-1125-4.
15. ^ "Climatological Normals of Korea (1991 ~ 2020)" (PDF) (in Korean). Korea Meteorological Administration. Archived from the original (PDF) on 29 January 2022. Retrieved 4 April 2022.
16. ^ 순위값 - 구역별조회 (in Korean). Korea Meteorological Administration. Retrieved 4 April 2022.
17. ^ "Climatological Normals of Korea" (PDF). Korea Meteorological Administration. 2011. Archived from the original (PDF) on 7 December 2016. Retrieved 8 December 2016.
18. ^ 청원청주통합 홍보안내. 3 May 2014. Archived from the original on 3 May 2014.
19. ^ "Home". Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency. Retrieved 10 January 2025. "Osong Health Technology Administration Complex, 187, Osongsaengmyeong 2-ro, Osong-eup, Heungdeok-gu, Cheongju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do, Korea" \- Korean address: "(28159) 충북 청주시 흥덕구 오송읍 오송생명2로 187 오송보건의료행정타운내"
20. ^ "Home". Ministry of Food and Drug Safety. Retrieved 10 January 2025. "Ministry of Food and Drug Safety 187, Osongsaengmyeong 2-ro, Osong-eup, Heungdeok-gu, Cheongju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do, Republic of Korea [28159]" \- Korean address: "(우) 28159 충청북도 청주시 흥덕구 오송읍 오송생명2로 187 오송보건의료행정타운"
21. ^ "Many dead in S Korea as flash floods trap 15 vehicles in tunnel". www.aljazeera.com. 16 July 2023.
22. ^ http://okcj.org/wp/|Cheongju[permanent dead link] International public website
23. ^ "Cosmetics & Beauty Expo Osong Korea 2013". Archived from the original on 25 March 2014. Retrieved 25 March 2014.
24. ^ "Cheongju Sister Cities: Tottori city, Japan". Cheongju City. Retrieved 12 January 2017.
25. ^ "Cheongju Sister Cities: Wuhan city, China". Cheongju City. Retrieved 12 January 2017.
26. ^ "Cheongju Sister Cities: Bellingham city, U.S". Cheongju City. Retrieved 12 January 2017.
27. ^ "Our Sister Cities". Bellingham Sister Cities Association. Archived from the original on 23 October 2014. Retrieved 20 January 2015.
28. ^ "Interactive City Directory". Sister Cities International. Archived from the original on 21 January 2015.
29. ^ Города-побратимы Ростова-на-Дону (in Russian). Official site Administration of the city of Rostov-on-Don.[permanent dead link]
30. ^ "Cheongju Sister Cities: Wrocław, Poland". Cheongju City. Retrieved 13 April 2023.

## External links

[edit]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Cheongju.

* Cheongju travel guide from Wikivoyage
* City government home page

* v
* t
* e

North Chungcheong Province

Cheongju (capital)

| Specific city|

| Cheongju|

* Cheongwon
* Heungdeok
* Sangdang
* Seowon

|

Cities|

* Chungju
* Jecheon

Counties|

* Boeun
* Danyang
* Eumseong
* Goesan
* Jeungpyeong
* Jincheon
* Okcheon
* Yeongdong

* v
* t
* e

Cities in South Korea

Special city|

* Seoul

Metropolitan city|

* Busan
* Daegu
* Daejeon
* Gwangju
* Incheon
* Ulsan

Special autonomous city|

* Sejong

Big municipal city|

* Ansan
* Anyang
* Bucheon
* Changwon※
* Cheonan
* Cheongju※
* Gimhae
* Goyang
* Hwaseong
* Jeonju※
* Namyangju
* Pohang
* Seongnam
* Suwon※
* Yongin

Municipal city|

* Andong※
* Anseong
* Asan
* Boryeong
* Chuncheon※
* Chungju
* Dangjin
* Dongducheon
* Donghae
* Gangneung
* Geoje
* Gimcheon
* Gimje
* Gimpo
* Gongju
* Gumi
* Gunpo
* Guri
* Gunsan
* Gwacheon
* Gwangju
* Gwangmyeong
* Gwangyang
* Gyeongju
* Gyeongsan
* Gyeryong
* Hanam
* Icheon
* Iksan
* Jecheon
* Jeongeup
* Jinju
* Miryang
* Mokpo
* Mungyeong
* Namwon
* Naju
* Nonsan
* Osan
* Paju
* Pocheon
* Pyeongtaek
* Sacheon
* Samcheok
* Sangju
* Seosan
* Siheung
* Sokcho
* Suncheon
* Taebaek
* Tongyeong
* Uijeongbu
* Uiwang
* Wonju
* Yangju
* Yangsan
* Yeoju
* Yeongcheon
* Yeongju
* Yeosu

Administrative city|

* Jeju※
* Seogwipo

Provincial capital|

* Hongseong
* Muan

Note: ※ also a provincial capital

* v
* t
* e

South Korea cities with a 200,000+ population

2,000,000 and more|

* Seoul (capital)
* Busan
* Incheon
* Daegu

1,000,000–1,999,999|

* Daejeon
* Gwangju
* Suwon
* Ulsan
* Changwon
* Goyang
* Yongin

500,000–999,999|

* Seongnam
* Bucheon
* Cheongju
* Ansan
* Namyangju
* Jeonju
* Hwaseong
* Cheonan
* Anyang
* Gimhae
* Pohang
* Pyeongtaek
* Siheung
* Jeju City

200,000–499,999|

* Uijeongbu
* Paju
* Gumi
* Gimpo
* Jinju
* Gwangmyeong
* Wonju
* Gwangju
* Yangsan
* Asan
* Iksan
* Yeosu
* Gunpo
* Chuncheon
* Suncheon
* Gunsan
* Gyeongju
* Gyeongsan
* Geoje
* Sejong City
* Mokpo
* Gangneung
* Hanam
* Icheon
* Osan
* Yangju

Authority control databases

International|

* ISNI
* VIAF
* FAST

National|

* Germany
* United States
* Czech Republic
* Korea
* Israel

Geographic|

* MusicBrainz area

Other|

* Yale LUX

*[v]: View this template
*[t]: Discuss this template
*[e]: Edit this template