What are the must-visit places in Cheongyang?

The top places to visit in Cheongyang include the Cheonjangho Suspension Bridge, Chilgapsan Provincial Park (Jangseung Park & Janggoksa Temple), and Kohwun Botanical Garden.

Is the Cheonjangho Suspension Bridge open at night?

Yes, the Cheonjangho Suspension Bridge has night openings every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday until 9:00 PM, offering a beautiful night view with lights.

What is special about Janggoksa Temple?

Janggoksa Temple is unique because it is the only temple in Korea that has two main halls (Upper Daeungjeon and Lower Daeungjeon).

What local foods should I try in Cheongyang?

Recommended local foods include Gochujang Jjigae (Spicy Chili Paste Stew), Mushroom Hot Pot made with local ingredients, and Sundae-gukbap (Blood Sausage Soup).

Cheongyang Travel Guide: Top 10 Places to Visit & 2-Day Itinerary (Nature & Food)

Q: When will the Chilgapsan Observatory be closed?

The Chilgapsan Observatory Star Park is scheduled to be temporarily closed for remodeling from July to December 2025. Please check the schedule before visiting.

Cheongyang, located at the foot of Chilgapsan Mountain, is a destination offering fresh air and serene landscapes, making it perfect for a healing trip. It is an ideal place to enjoy a leisurely getaway, even for a short 2-day trip. In this post, I will introduce the Top 10 Places to Visit in Cheongyang, along with local restaurants and cafes I have personally visited. Check out these various spots to plan your perfect 2-day Cheongyang itinerary.

Top 10 Places to Visit in Cheongyang

Cheonjangho Suspension Bridge

This is a landmark and an essential course for Cheongyang travel. The Cheonjangho Suspension Bridge is 207 meters long and was once the longest suspension bridge in Korea. Crossing over the lake, you can enjoy refreshing scenery.

In the center of the bridge, there are giant sculptures of Cheongyang's specialties: Red Chili Pepper and Wolfberry (Gugija). It shakes more than expected, making walking fun. In the evening, the night lights turn on, creating a romantic atmosphere, making it a great spot for an evening walk during your 2-day trip.

Operating Hours: 09:00 ~ 18:00
Night Opening: Every Friday, Saturday, Sunday (until 9:00 PM)

Panoramic view of Cheonjangho Suspension Bridge

Chilgapsan Provincial Park (Jangseung Park & Janggoksa Temple)

This is a must-visit place in Chilgapsan Mountain. Jangseung Park, located at the entrance of Chilgapsan Provincial Park, is a theme park with the largest collection of 'Jangseung' (Korean traditional totem poles acting as village guardians) in Korea. It is nice to take a light walk while looking at the Jangseungs with various expressions.

If you drive a little further up from Jangseung Park, you will find the thousand-year-old temple, Janggoksa. This is a special temple that is the only one in Korea with two main halls (Upper and Lower Daeungjeon). It is a good place to find peace in the quiet atmosphere of a mountain temple.

View of Jangseung (Korean Totem Poles) at Chilgapsan Provincial Park

Chilgapsan Provincial Park (Jangseung Park)

Kohwun Botanical Garden

Kohwun Botanical Garden is a large-scale private botanical garden where about 10,000 species of plants grow. Opened in 1997, it has been well-maintained for a long time and shows different charms throughout the four seasons.

Walking along the well-kept trails, you can meet flowers and trees that vary by season. In particular, the panoramic view of the botanical garden from the observation deck is beautiful, so I recommend it as a healing course. It is great for spending a relaxing afternoon during a 2-day trip.

Operating Hours: Summer (Apr-Oct) 09:00~18:00 / Winter (Nov-Mar) 09:00~17:00 (Last admission 1 hour before closing)
Admission Fee: Adults 10,000 KRW (approx. $7.40 USD), Youths 8,000 KRW (approx. $5.90 USD)

Kohwun Botanical Garden

Chilgapsan Observatory Star Park

This place will be responsible for the evening of your trip. Located halfway up Chilgapsan Mountain, it is great for observing Cheongyang's clear night sky on clear days.

The observatory is equipped with a large refracting telescope and a planetarium. Children love the constellation videos in the planetarium, and observing stars directly with a telescope becomes a great memory for adults as well.

Important Note: Chilgapsan Observatory is scheduled to be temporarily closed for remodeling from July to December 2025.

If you plan to visit, please check the official website or call (041-940-2790) to confirm operation before departure.

Operating Hours (Standard): Summer (Apr-Oct) 10:00 ~ 22:00
Closed: Every Monday, the day after public holidays, Seollal/Chuseok holidays

$Refracting telescope at Chilgapsan Observatory$

Chilgapsan Observatory Star Park

Baekje Cultural Experience Museum

Located near Janggoksa Temple in Chilgapsan, it is good to visit together. It is a place where you can see exhibits of earthenware and metal crafts from the Baekje Kingdom era and experience related activities.

If you are traveling with family and children, you can spend an educational time. Although not large in scale, it is a good place for a light visit.

Operating Hours: 09:00 ~ 18:00 (Last admission 17:00)
Closed: Every Monday, Jan 1st, Seollal/Chuseok day
Admission Fee: Adults 3,000 KRW (approx. $2.20 USD), Youths/Children 2,000 KRW (approx. $1.50 USD)

Baekje Cultural Experience Museum

Modeoksa Shrine

This is a shrine honoring the spirit of Choi Ik-hyun, a representative patriot of the late Joseon Dynasty. It is a good place to visit for those interested in history. Since it is located away from Cheongyang-eup, it is better to stop by on your way rather than making a special trip. It is nice to briefly look back on history at Modeoksa and enjoy the hidden nature of Cheongyang while driving.

Modeoksa Shrine

Chilgapsan Natural Recreation Forest

This recreation forest is located near the summit of Chilgapsan Mountain. You can stay (Forest House) or camp in the dense forest, making it a great accommodation option for a 2-day trip.

Even if you don't stay overnight, there are well-maintained walking paths full of phytoncides. It is a good place to stop by for a short forest bath while breathing fresh air.

Accommodation: Forest House, Forest Recreation Hall (Reservation required via Cheongyang-gun integrated system)
Admission Fee (for non-guests): Adults 1,000 KRW (approx. $0.75 USD), Youths 800 KRW (approx. $0.60 USD)

Accommodation facilities at Chilgapsan Natural Recreation Forest

Cheongyang Darakgol Catholic Holy Ground

It is a martyrdom shrine and one of the important historical sites of Catholicism in Korea. The church building, called 'Little Myeongdong Cathedral', is beautiful.

It is a good place to organize your mind while walking in a very quiet and holy atmosphere. Even if you are not religious, I recommend it to those who want to spend some quiet time.

View of Cheongyang Darakgol Catholic Holy Ground

Chilgap Reservoir (Chilgapho)

It is a reservoir widely spread at the foot of Chilgapsan Mountain. The scenery of Chilgapsan reflecting on the lake is beautiful, and there are well-made walking paths and driving courses around it.

There are cafes with good views around the lake, making it a great place to take a break during your trip and look at the lake scenery. It is a good place for a light walk or to take photos with the lake in the background.

Chilgap Reservoir

Chilgapsan Hiking

If 'Chilgapsan Provincial Park' is a course to explore Jangseung Park and Janggoksa Temple, you can plan a hike to the summit of Chilgapsan Mountain for one day of your 2-day trip. Chilgapsan is 561m above sea level and has well-maintained hiking trails.

When you reach the top, you can see Cheongyang town and the surrounding mountain ranges at a glance. Based on the most used 'Chilgap Plaza' course, it takes about 2 hours round trip.

Main Hiking Course: Chilgap Plaza Parking Lot ↔ Summit (Round trip approx. 3.8km, 2 hours)

Chilgapsan Mountain

Recommended Cheongyang Restaurants

Hanmadang

This restaurant is located near the entrance of Cheongyang Traditional Market. It offers a variety of affordable Korean dishes ranging from Sundae-gukbap (Blood Sausage Soup) and Bone Hangover Soup to Tonkatsu (Pork Cutlet). It is a place frequented by locals, and it is good for a hearty meal after exploring the market. Since there are various menus, there is no burden to visit even if your group has different tastes.

Signature Menu: Sundae-gukbap, Bone Hangover Soup, Tonkatsu
Location: Near the entrance of Cheongyang Traditional Market

Hanmadang

Jeong Yeo-sa Gochujang Jjigae

Located in Jangpyeong-myeon, Cheongyang, it is a bit far from the town center, but it is a place worth stopping by if it fits your route. It is well-known after being featured on the TV show "Huh Young Man's Food Travel." The taste of mixing rice with the spicy and rich Gochujang (red chili paste) stew broth is excellent.

Signature Menu: Gochujang Jjigae (Spicy Red Chili Paste Stew with Pork)
Business Hours: 11:00 ~ 16:00 (Closed on Mondays)

Jeong Yeo-sa Gochujang Jjigae

Nongbu Bapsang (Farmer's Table)

This is a local food specialty restaurant located near Chilgapsan Mountain and Chilgap Reservoir (Chilgapho). The signature menus are Tteokgalbi (Grilled Short Rib Patties) and Mushroom Hot Pot using Cheongyang's specialties, Wolfberry (Gugija) and Red Chili Peppers. It is good for a healthy and neat Korean set meal after exploring Chilgapsan or Chilgapho. It is a great place to include in a 2-day travel course with parents.

Signature Menu: Mushroom Hot Pot, Tteokgalbi
Location: Near Chilgapsan Provincial Park

Mushroom Hot Pot and various side dishes

Nongbu Bapsang

Recommended Cafes in Cheongyang

Banggiok Old House, Hanok Cafe Jieun

This is Cafe 'Jieun', a renovated Hanok (traditional Korean house) with a serene atmosphere. It is also known as the Banggiok Old House. It is a good place to rest quietly while feeling the mood of a Hanok. The space is divided into individual rooms, so you can spend quiet time with your group.

Banggiok Old House, Hanok Cafe Jieun

Kongmaea

Located right in front of Chilgapho (Chilgap Reservoir), this cafe offers a wonderful lake view. It is great for 'Mul-meong' (zoning out by the water) while looking at the cool scenery of Chilgapho through the floor-to-ceiling windows. It is a good place to visit in combination with the Chilgapho driving course.

Salt bread and coffee on the table with Chilgap Reservoir visible outside the window

Kongmaea

Recommended Cheongyang 2-Day Travel Itinerary

Cheongyang has many places worth visiting lightly, so you can leisurely stop by several places during your trip. Plan your own travel course by referring to the recommended route.

Day 1: Healing & Romantic Course

Cheonjangho Suspension Bridge (Morning) → Kohwun Botanical Garden (Afternoon) → Dinner (Jeong Yeo-sa Gochujang Jjigae or Hanmadang) → Chilgapsan Observatory (Night) → Accommodation (or Chilgapsan Natural Recreation Forest)

Day 2: Chilgapsan & Leisure Course

For the morning course of Day 2, consider your stamina and choose between a light walk (Provincial Park) or hiking (Summit).

Chilgapsan Hiking (Morning) or Chilgapsan Provincial Park (Jangseung Park/Janggoksa) → Lunch (Nongbu Bapsang) → Chilgapho (Kongmaea) or Hanok Cafe (Jieun) (Afternoon) → Modeoksa Shrine & Jicheon Gugok Drive

So far, we have looked at the Top 10 Places to Visit in Cheongyang, local restaurants, cafes, and a recommended Cheongyang 2-Day Travel Itinerary. Cheongyang is a place where you can feel the clear nature and serene leisure centered around Chilgapsan Mountain. I hope the information summarized in this article will help you plan a pleasant trip to Cheongyang.