Cheongju: A Hidden Gem Just 1.5h from Seoul

😓 Found super cheap flights from Shanghai Pudong to Cheongju So I decided to explore this lesser-known Korean city 📝 How to get there? 1️⃣ Direct flights from Shanghai Pudong to Cheongju ✈️ Round-trip tickets can be as low as 1k when prices are good 2️⃣ Take a bus from Seoul to Cheongju Seoul Station 📍 Seoul Express Bus Terminal (subway lines 3, 7, and 9) Exit 1. You can buy tickets online or at the station. Many departures daily. Upon arrival at Cheongju Bus Terminal, it's about 3km to downtown. You can take public transportation. The area around the station is lively with a Lotte Supermarket across the street, and nearby coffee shops and Olive Young stores. - 📝 What to do? 1️⃣ Musimcheon Cherry Blossom Road (무심천 벚꽃길) A very K-drama-like stream with a river below and cherry blossoms blooming spectacularly along both embankments in spring. 2️⃣ Suamgol Mural Village 📍 58 Suam-ro, Sangdang-gu, Cheongju-si A village on a hillside with traditional Korean houses (hanok) and interesting hand-painted murals from public art projects on the walls. There are many cliff-side cafes at the top of the hill, plus an observation deck overlooking the city. 3️⃣ Yukgeori Market (육거리시장) One of Korea's five major traditional markets Long lines for seaweed souvenirs, plus jokbal (braised pig's trotters), pork skewers, rice cakes, fish cakes, sugar pancakes, yakgwa (traditional Korean sweets)... There are also old-fashioned fabric shops and stores selling shoes, bags, and accessories. 4️⃣ Seongan-gil Walking Street (성안길) Cheongju's version of Myeongdong, with food stalls, BBQ restaurants, and accessory shops on both sides. Brand stores like The North Face, MLB, Cross, Nike, etc. Other attractions: Museums: Art Gallery, Cheongju Museum, Ancient Printing Museum Shopping: Hyundai Department Store, Lotte Outlet