Encountering Art and Nature Infused into Daily Life: Chungju Folk Craft Street Course

This street features warm and simple folk crafts alongside suseok (viewing stones) collected from the Namhangang River. Visitors can make their own sotdae (traditional bird pole) inscribed with wishes and participate in various craft experiences such as hanji (traditional paper) and chilbo (enamel) crafts at the Chungju Craft Exhibition Hall. Take time to relax and heal in the pine groves of Chungju. [Source] Top 30 Chungju Travel Highlights

Along the way

1. 1

   Bonghwanggyeong (Neungam-ri Island)

   봉황경(능암리섬)

   Neungam-ri Island serves as a great nature study site and walking trail thanks to the migratory birds drawn by abundant aquatic flora and fauna. Along the waterside trail, visitors can observe the wild bird park, and from the observation deck, enjoy panoramic views of the reed beds, pine grove, and soaring migratory birds. Centered around the waterside lawn plaza, there are bicycle paths, embankment trails, and a youth campsite, as well as a recreation and experience center of Mokgye Ferry, a waterside plaza, observation decks, and a wild wildflower garden. MoreLess

   

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2. 2

   Chungju Folk Craft Street

   충주 민속공예거리

   This street is situated along the old National Route 38 on the Mokgye–Gamgok section in Bonghwang-ri, Gageum-myeon, Chungju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do. Starting in the late 1990s, antique dealers and craftspeople gradually gathered here to form a folk craft street stretching approximately 1 km. As a naturally developed street for producing and selling folk crafts and interior decoration products, visitors can view and purchase a wide variety of works through roughly 50 exhibition halls and retail shops. MoreLess

   

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3. 3

   Rock-carved Buddhas in Bonghwang-ri, Chungju

   충주 봉황리 마애불상군

   These Buddhist statues are located in Gageum-myeon, Chungju-si. Carved in relief on two large cliff faces along a mountain slope across slightly different periods, there are a total of nine statues of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. On the upper section, one seated Buddha is carved in high relief on a rock surface measuring 3.5 meters high and 8 meters wide. On the lower section, a total of eight figures are engraved, centered around a seated Buddha, an offering figure, and a pensive Bodhisattva, accompanied by five Bodhisattvas. Due to weathering from wind and rain, their outlines are partially indistinct. Viewed as relatively early examples among rock-carved Buddhist figures, they were created based on the historical context of being an intermediary region connecting the Hangang and Nakdonggang river basins. The group of rock-carved Buddhas is an exceptionally valuable resource showing not only the evolution of Buddhist sculpture during the Silla period but also trends in Goguryeo Buddhist statuary. MoreLess

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4. 4

   Lunch (Songpungjae)

   점심식사(송풍재)

   Songpungjae is a tofu specialty restaurant housed in a hanok building that embodies the beauty of Korean tradition from the entrance. The lanterns and windows made of hanji create a cozy atmosphere, allowing guests to fully experience antique charm. Outside, a spacious private parking lot ensures convenient visits. As a bean dish specialty restaurant, the beans used for tofu are directly cultivated and processed into tofu at its own facility, allowing diners to enjoy meals with confidence. The duck dishes offered as a special delicacy also use only domestic duck. All menu items are available for takeout. MoreLess

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5. 5

   Mokgye Pine Forest (Chungju)

   목계솔밭(충주)

   The area with a pine grove below the village of Jangcheon-ri in Gageum-myeon, Chungju-si is historically known as the Mokgye Pine Forest of Mokgye Ferry. Located along the Namhangang River, it sits by National Route 38 running between Jecheon and Janghowon. In Mokgye Pine Forest, about 80 pine trees aged between 100 and 200 years thrive, serving as a resting spot for people enjoying summer vacations. This 3,800-pyeong forest consisting solely of pine trees is designated and managed as a protected forest by the city of Chungju. MoreLess

   

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