"Chongju, Largest city in Chungcheong Buk-Do Provi" Ch'ungch'ong-bukto by etokar

I stayed four weeks stayed in Chongju-si, the largest city in Chungcheong Buk-Do Province. This province is centrally located in South Korea therefore it offers no Seaside resorts or prominent beaches but it more then makes up for that by offering some of Korea's best mountain hiking and National Parks.
While there, I visited the Beopjusa Buddist Temple and Retreat located in the heart of Mt Songnisan National Park. This is a great weekend get-away spot. Bring your camera and your hiking boots. Lots to see and do in the middle of some very refreshing wooded forests. Getting there is easy. Buses leave frequently for Songnisan from most every major Express Bus Terminal. Other national parks in the province include Mt Sobaeksan and Mt Woraksan.
Chongju is a lively city. I stayed at a Tourist hotel called New Vera on the east side of town, near the bus terminal.( See my write about New Vera Hotel). Chongju is reknown for its Early Printing Museum. Supposedly the worlds first metal-plate printing press was invented and used here. Be sure to stop by the Tourist Information offce near the Chongju Bus terminal when you arrive. There you can get an area map and free tickets to local attractions. The staff speaks English fairly well.
Keep in mind that the Express Bus Terminal is located across town from Downtown Chongju. you will need to catch a local bus (700 won) if you want to visit Carrefour, Emart, KFC, Denny's, McDonalds, Seungankil Pedistrian Shopping Lane or the Yukeori Outdoor market.

• Pros:A good example of average Korean living.
• Cons:No subways but buses and taxi's are plentiful
• In a nutshell:Get out of Seoul and see the rest of Korea.