Cheongju is the provincial capital and an education centre, but is easily confused with Chungju and Jeonju. It’s the gateway to the presidential villa (Cheongnamdae) and Songnisan National Park. The city boasts some historical sites that include an easy-t
Cheonan is the gateway to a top museum, the Independence Hall of Korea, 14km east of the city.
This coastal park (582 7808; adult/youth/child W3200/1300/700; sunrise-sunset) contains Naesosa, where the buildings look old, with lots of unpainted wood. Take a close look at the main hall, especially the lattice doors, the painting behind the Buddha st
Buyeo was the site of the Baekje kingdom’s last capital, Sabi. The capital was moved there from Gongju in AD 538, and six kings ruled as the dynasty flourished until it was destroyed by the combined forces of Shilla and the Tang (of China) in AD 660. Toda
There’s a noticeably absent cosmopolitan feel in this port city known for raw fish and a harsh dialect that people in Seoul sometimes find incomprehensible. Underneath the drab urban landscape created by an unimaginative use of concrete, quirky people jum
This national park (02-909 0497; www.npa.or.kr; adult/youth/child W1600/600/300; sunrise-sunset), made up of a granite peak and surrounding area, is visible from the city itself (and is so close that it’s possible to visit by subway). It offers sublime v
Boryeong is the gateway to Daecheon beach (10km away) and Daecheon harbour (a further 2km), from where ferries sail to a dozen rural islands. All the frequent buses that connect Boryeong bus terminal and train station with Daecheon beach continue on to th
The whole area surrounding Andong, roughly in the middle of Gyeongsangbuk-do, is peaceful, rural and notable for having preserved much of its traditional character.