From Tokachi and Obihiro to overseas.You can fly from Tokachi-Obihiro Airport to Cheongju, South Korea.
The flight time is about two and a half hours. Just a short, spontaneous trip away is the city of Cheongju—packed with gourmet food, cafés, markets, and history. Less crowded than Seoul and easy to stroll around, Cheongju is ideal for first-time Korea travelers and girls’ trips as well.
Based on our firsthand experience exploring the city, we’ve put together a list of recommended spots in Cheongju you won’t want to miss.
Contents
- What Cheongju, Korea Is Like｜ A Compact Destination for Sightseeing & Gourmet Adventures
- Cheongju Sightseeing Spot Map
- Must-Visit Sightseeing Spots in Cheongju
- Recommended Gourmet Spots in Cheongju
- Stylish Cafés & Break Spots in Cheongju
- A Must for Shopping Lovers｜ Where to Shop in Cheongju
- Cheongju Itinerary (2 Nights, 3 Days)
- Tips to Make Your Cheongju Trip More Comfortable
- Conclusion | Cheongju Is the “Just-Right” Korea Destination
What Cheongju, Korea Is Like｜
A Compact Destination for Sightseeing & Gourmet Adventures
Cheongju (Cheongju) is a city of about 850,000 people, located roughly 130 km south of Seoul.With convenient access via high-speed rail (KTX) and expressways, it’s a regional city that offers a well-balanced mix of sightseeing, gourmet food, and shopping.
One of Cheongju’s biggest charms is how compact and easy the whole city is to get around.Markets, foodie streets, café areas, and historical spots are all easily reachable by walking or a quick taxi ride—so you’re less likely to feel the crowds and travel fatigue you might experience in Seoul.
Recently, it’s also been gaining attention as an overseas destination you can reach directly from Obihiro,making it a perfectly sized, comfortably close option for first-time trips to Korea—or for those who want to enjoy a side of Korea beyond Seoul.
Cheongju Sightseeing Spot Map
We’ve summarized the recommended spots introduced in this article on a map. Looking at it this way, you can see that Cheongju has sightseeing, gourmet food, and shopping all conveniently located close to one another.
Be sure to use this map for your trip to Cheongju!
Must-Visit Sightseeing Spots in Cheongju
If you’re visiting Cheongju, we recommend starting with the classic, must-see spots.Because most attractions are concentrated in the city center, you can comfortably enjoy multiple places even on a short stay.
Here are three essential, first-timer-friendly spots you shouldn’t miss in Cheongju.
Seongan-gil | Cheongju’s Central Walking & Shopping Area
Seongan-gil is the main street that serves as a starting point for Cheongju sightseeing. Lined with cafés, shops, and restaurants, it’s an area where you can stroll while feeling the “now” of Cheongju.
Along the main road you’ll find cosmetics stores like Olive Young and various fashion shops, while stepping into the side streets reveals more local cafés and independent stores.
Because you can enjoy sightseeing and shopping at the same time, it’s perfect for a final-day stroll before departure or a quick walk during spare time.
■Seongan-gil
Suamgol Mural Village | A Photogenic Hilltop Art Spot
Suamgol Mural Village is an art area that makes use of a residential neighborhood spread across a hillside.Colorful murals and photo spots are scattered throughout, making it fun even just to wander around.
Because it’s located on higher ground, you can also enjoy city night views after dark.
If you visit along with a café stop, it’s a great place to relax in between sightseeing.
■Suamgol Mural Village
Jikji-Related Historical Spots (Museum & Historic Sites)
Cheongju is also known as the birthplace of “Jikji,” the world’s oldest existing book printed with movable metal type. At the Cheongju Early Printing Museum, you can learn about Cheongju’s history and culture through exhibits related to Jikji.
Beyond gourmet food and shopping, discovering Cheongju’s unique historical background adds depth to your trip. Another plus is that it’s conveniently located, making it easy to stop by while walking around the city.
■Cheongju Early Printing Museum
Recommended Gourmet Spots in Cheongju
Cheongju is also known as a city where “food is simply fun.”Famous as the birthplace of samgyeopsal (grilled pork belly), it also has many local markets and specialty shops—so wherever you walk, you’re naturally bound to find something delicious.
Here are the classic gourmet spots you’ll want to stop by when you visit Cheongju.
Samgyeopsal Street | Taste the Authentic Cheongju Specialty
Samgyeopsal Street is an area you can’t overlook when talking about Cheongju gourmet. Cheongju is said to be the birthplace of samgyeopsal, and there’s a street in the city where specialty restaurants gather.
What makes it special is the sweetness of the fat and the “Cheongju style” of eating it with a soy sauce-based dip. Wrapping freshly grilled meat in vegetables and enjoying it the same way locals do is one of the best ways to feel like you’re truly in Korea.
At night, the whole street comes alive, making it a perfect spot for dinner.
■Samgyeopsal Street
Yukgeori General Market | Street Food at Cheongju’s Kitchen
Yukgeori General Market is a large market where you can feel the everyday life of locals. With everything from fresh produce and side dishes to daily necessities, it offers a glimpse into Cheongju’s daily routine.
Inside the market there are many food stalls and casual eateries where you can easily enjoy snacks like tteokbokki, gimbap, and jeon (Korean pancakes). It’s recommended for anyone who wants to experience a “real Korean market” that hasn’t been overly touristified.
■Yukgeori General Market
How to Enjoy Ganjang Gejang & Local Eateries
Cheongju also has many local restaurants and specialty shops that have been loved by residents for years.
One especially popular dish is ganjang gejang—raw crab marinated in a soy sauce-based sauce. We tried it at the long-established Jeontong Kkotgejang (전통꽃게장) in Heungdeok-gu, Bongmyeong-dong. Of course it’s delicious with rice, and in true Korean style, you can enjoy it all the way to the end by mixing in the crab roe for the final bite.
There are many well-known restaurants around markets and downtown areas, making it a great choice for a slightly indulgent dinner.
■Jeontong Kkotgejang (전통꽃게장)
Fly nonstop and arrive in a flash. Enjoy a stylish experience from Korea’s No.1 beauty shop OLIVE YOUNG to a rooftop café. Indulge in food at the trad...
Stylish Cafés & Break Spots in Cheongju
When you want to take a break during your city stroll or sightseeing, Cheongju’s cafés are the place to go.Cheongju has scenic cafés and casual local cafés scattered around, making travel less tiring and more relaxed.
Here are the classic café spots in Cheongju that are easy to include in your sightseeing route.
Take in Panoramic City Views at a Rooftop Café
A rooftop café is a must-stop during your Cheongju trip. In particular, cafés located on hills or atop buildings with wide views let you enjoy a different atmosphere by day and by night.
Near the café street not far from the Suamgol Observatory,OHJIoffers sweeping views of Cheongju as you sip your coffee—perfect for soothing tired legs after walking.
■OHJI
A Café Area You Can Drop By While Exploring the City
Around Seongan-gil and the market area, you’ll also find many small local cafés.Some are photogenic cafés renovated from older buildings or even former abandoned spaces,and their interiors—featuring raw concrete and old walls—offer a distinctly Korean sense of style.
Because they’re located close to tourist spots, they’re easy to use when you want to “take a quick break before the next place” or “rest for a moment between shopping.” They pair perfectly with a city stroll.
■Rato Coffee Cheongju Seongan-gil Branch
Rather than making café-hopping the main purpose,Cheongju’s café charm is that you can naturally drop in as part of your sightseeing flow.
A Must for Shopping Lovers｜
Where to Shop in Cheongju
Cheongju is a city where you can enjoy shopping without overdoing it in between sightseeing. From the local atmosphere of markets to shops that capture Korean trends, it’s less about “spending a whole day just shopping,” and more about enjoying it at a comfortable pace as an extension of your city walk.
OLIVE YOUNG (Olive Young) | A Classic for Korean Cosmetics
A must-stop on any Korea trip is the cosmetics shop OLIVE YOUNG. In Cheongju, the store is located on the main street Seongan-gil, and is known for its large display and glass-fronted building.
From skincare and makeup to supplements, hair care, and daily essentials, it has a wide selection at reasonable prices. Some stores also offer self-duty-free services, making it easy to shop efficiently even in a short time.
■OLIVE YOUNG Cheongju Town Branch
Department Stores & Outlets | Check Out Today’s Korea Trends
Cheongju also has large commercial facilities such as Hyundai Department Store and Lotte Outlet.
At department stores, you can check out “today’s Korea trends” all at once—Korean brands, cosmetics, fashion, and more—while outlets offer great deals for bargain shopping.
Recommended for those who want a more urban atmosphere different from markets and local shops.
■Hyundai Department Store Chungcheong Branch
■Lotte Outlet Cheongju Branch
Cheongju Itinerary (2 Nights, 3 Days)
Based on the schedule of the direct flights currently in operation, here is a 2-night, 3-day model plan with an easy, realistic route.
*Flight times are as of January 2026. For the most accurate schedule, please check Tokachi-Obihiro Airport’s official website.
【Day 1 | Obihiro → Cheongju】
18:05 Depart Tokachi-Obihiro Airport A convenient time slot that’s easy to use even after work. Take the direct flight straight to Cheongju.
21:20 Arrive at Cheongju International Airport After completing immigration, head to the city center. Using a taxi app makes it easy and安心 even for first-time visitors.
22:30 Hotel check-in Arrive at a hotel around the Seongan-gil area. Don’t push yourself on the first night—keep it simple with convenience store snacks or a light meal and get ready for tomorrow.
【Day 2 | Main Cheongju Sightseeing Day】
09:00 Breakfast (around the hotel / cafés) For breakfast, check out nearby spots—your hotel or cafés that open early. Popular Korean breakfast options include seolleongtang, porridge (juk), and Korean-style toasted sandwiches (Isaac),among others.
10:00 Seongan-gil stroll & shopping Walk around Cheongju’s central sightseeing area. Visit Olive Young and local shops and enjoy the city walk.
12:30 Lunch (local eateries / near the market) Enjoy a Korea-style lunch at a local restaurant or with market food.
14:00 Suamgol Mural Village stroll Take photos while exploring the mural village on the hill. Enjoy a relaxed walk with views over Cheongju’s cityscape.
15:30 Break at a rooftop café / local café Take a breather at a café with a view or a photogenic renovated café.
18:30 Dinner at Samgyeopsal Street Savor Cheongju’s famous samgyeopsal in its hometown. Enjoy the lively evening atmosphere as well.
20:30 Evening stroll around Seongan-gil Take a light walk after dinner. In Korea, many cafés and shops are open until around 10 p.m.—stop by a few before returning to your hotel.
【Day 3 | Cheongju → Obihiro】
09:00 Yukgeori General Market stroll Enjoy street food and souvenir hunting while soaking up Cheongju’s daily life at the morning market.
11:00 Shopping at Hyundai Department Store / Lotte Outlet A final check for any missed souvenirs and last-minute shopping time.
12:30 Arrive at Cheongju International Airport Cheongju International Airport isn’t usually overly crowded, so arriving 1.5 hours before departure is generally plenty of time.
14:00 Depart Cheongju International Airport
16:35 Arrive at Tokachi-Obihiro Airport
Because Cheongju’s sightseeing spots are concentrated close together, even a schedule with an evening arrival and midday departurestill gives you plenty of time to enjoy the city—one of the biggest advantages.A 2-night, 3-day trip that balances sightseeing, gourmet food, cafés, and shopping is perfect for first-time Korea travelers and girls’ trips.
*Flight times are as of January 2026. For the most accurate schedule, please check Tokachi-Obihiro Airport’s official website.
Tips to Make Your Cheongju Trip More Comfortable
Cheongju is a relatively easy, traveler-friendly city even for a first-time trip to Korea, but keeping a few points in mind will make your trip much more comfortable. Here are some practical tips that were genuinely helpful on our Cheongju trip.
Use Taxi Apps for Getting Around the City
In Cheongju sightseeing, combining walking + taxis is the most efficient approach.Unlike Seoul, where the subway is central, Cheongju is extremely convenient for getting around by taxi.
For hailing taxis, apps like “KAKAO T” and “Uber” let you set your destination, check estimated fares, and pay all within the app. Even if you don’t speak Korean, you can travel with confidence.
Don’t Overpack Your Itinerary—That’s the Right Move
Because the spots are close to each other, you *can* pack in a lot if you try. But it’s also true that leaving your schedule a little looser makes it easier to feel what’s great about this city.
Pausing a bit longer at the market or staying at a café longer than planned—those “extra moments” are what make a Cheongju-style trip especially enjoyable.
Choose Your Clothes and Shoes with Markets, Cafés, and Downtown in Mind
Since Cheongju sightseeing often involves plenty of walking, comfortable shoes and casual clothing are recommended.Places like Suamgol Mural Village have slopes, and some market floors can be slippery—so sneakers are a safe choice.
Shopping Works Best When You Spread It Out
In Cheongju,
- Cosmetics & souvenirs in Seongan-gil
- Local gifts at the market
- Bulk shopping at department stores and outlets
is a shopping style that suits the city—buying a little bit in each area.
Rather than rushing to buy everything on the last day, it’s better to pick things up little by little during your trip.
Conclusion | Cheongju Is the “Just-Right” Korea Destination
Cheongju, South Korea—reachable by direct flights from Obihiro—is an up-and-coming destination that offers the perfect balance of proximity, ease of getting around, and enjoyable experiences.
From the food appeal of samgyeopsal and market eats to walkable sightseeing spots, photogenic cafés, and a calm shopping environment, Cheongju strikes a “just right” balance between Korean vibes and local character.
With fewer crowds than Seoul and less time spent rushing between places, it’s ideal for first-time Korea travelers, girls’ trips, or even an overseas getaway using a weekend plus a day off.
Cheongju’s biggest charm is that you can enjoy sightseeing, gourmet food, cafés, and shopping without overdoing it. If you’re wondering, “Where should I go on my next overseas trip?” why not add Cheongju—an easy trip from Obihiro—to your list of options?
A more comfortable Korea trip than you might imagine is waiting for you.
