Heungdeok-gu, Cheongju-si is one of 14 cities, counties and districts in Chungcheongbuk-do. It has 11 neighborhoods (8 dong · 1 eup · 2 myeon) and 295,522 registered residents (September 2026). The most populous neighborhood is Gagyeong-dong with 52,244.
11neighborhoods
295,522residents
Landmark stamp: Cheongju Early Printing Museum
Built on the historic site of Heungdeoksa temple in Cheongju, this educational museum showcases the heritage and technological evolution of ancient metal movable type printing.
History
Built upon the Heungdeoksa Temple site where Jikji was produced, this museum exhibits ancient metal movable type printing cultures.
What to see
Visitors can observe historical bookmaking and casting procedures through detailed scale models, artifacts, and multimedia presentations.
Visitor tip
Planning your trip around the scheduled casting demonstration enables visitors to appreciate the delicate traditional techniques closely.
Food, festivals and stories of Heungdeok-gu, Cheongju-si
Local food
Olgaengi-guk, a refreshing marsh snail soup cooked with soybean paste and mallow greens, is a treasured regional comfort food.
Did you know?
The historic Heungdeoksa Temple Site in Uncheon-dong is where the famous metal-type printed book Jikji was produced.
Festivals
The Cheongju Jikji Cultural Festival takes place around the Early Printing Museum to celebrate world printing traditions.
Neighborhoods of Heungdeok-gu, Cheongju-si (11)
Every neighborhood has its own stamp in Random Passport. Tap “Land here” to fly straight to one.
Osong-eup오송읍eup · 49,744 residents
Name: The name originated from an old tale that scholar Choe Chi-won planted five pine trees and rested here during late Silla.
Photo spot: Osong Lake Park offers a long waterside wooden trail where visitors can capture scenic photos of the tranquil reservoir.
Fun fact: A large bio-health and life science industrial complex is situated right around the high-speed railway junction at Osong Station.
Name: The area earned its name from its location nestled peacefully inside the bend of the fertile Miho River plain.
Story: Residents in Tapyeon-ri village have handed down customs of gathering around a historic Goryeo stone pagoda to pray for communal peace.
Fun fact: Korea National University of Education and its specialized educational museum attract aspiring teachers and researchers from all across the country.
Story: Ancient rice seeds were excavated from Sorori village, revealing fascinating traces of prehistoric agriculture dating back tens of thousands of years.
Photo spot: Deokchon-ri Independence Village features quiet mural alleys and a memorial hall dedicated to patriot Jeong Sun-man, providing meaningful photo stops.
Name: The name was derived from the surrounding mountain peaks that resemble shining jade jewels encircling the tranquil valleys.
Story: The historic grounds of Heungdeoksa Temple preserve tales of Buddhist monks printing sacred texts with movable metal type centuries ago.
Photo spot: The front courtyard of Cheongju Early Printing Museum and forested paths of Uncheon Park offer peaceful spots for capturing timeless photos.
Fun fact: The Sinbong-dong Baekje Tombs preserve hundreds of ancient earthen pit burials along with diverse historical relics from early dynasties.
Name: The name was created by taking one syllable each from the historic villages of Bokgol and Daegol, wishing for prosperity.
Photo spot: The fountain plaza outside G-Well City Mall blends vibrant illuminated water with modern architecture, creating stylish backdrops for night photography.
Fun fact: Packed with massive shopping malls and high-rise apartment complexes, this bustling district serves as a vibrant downtown hub in western Cheongju.
Food: Bokdae Market alleys are lined with traditional eateries serving hearty sundae soup and freshly griddled pancakes favored by loyal longtime regulars.
Photo spot: Cherry blossom trees line the embankment of Gagyeongcheon Stream, making it a picturesque riverside walkway for taking memorable spring snapshots.
Fun fact: Quiet residential neighborhoods sit comfortably beside the Cheongju Industrial Complex, creating a cozy living atmosphere where everyday factory life thrives.
Name: The name incorporates Chinese characters meaning beautiful scenery because ancestors were deeply impressed by the charming hills and clear landscape.
Fun fact: Both the intercity bus terminal and express bus terminal operate here, functioning as the city's primary transportation crossroad connecting diverse regions.
Photo spot: Standing at the pavilion atop Balsan Park provides a scenic overlook revealing open cityscapes and gentle ridgelines in the distance.
Name: The neighborhood took its name from a propitious tale of an auspicious phoenix descending to sing peacefully over the land.
Food: Vibrant morning auctions at the wholesale agricultural market bring fresh fruits and crisp seasonal vegetables directly to enthusiastic shoppers and visitors.
Photo spot: The quiet woodland path of Baekbong Park provides a restful natural frame to photograph autumn leaves and fresh greenery within town.
Story: Ancient iron-smelting workshop remains discovered at the Songjeong-dong historical site revealed that skilled metallurgists produced tools and weapons here during Baekje.
Photo spot: Solbat Park features hundreds of mature pine trees growing densely, creating a pine-scented woodland perfect for taking refreshing nature photos.
Name: The name was formed by combining Songjeong, known for pine-shaded pavilions, with Bongmyeong, where phoenix birds were said to cry.
Story: Local legends tell that Mount Bumosan sheltered helpless villagers during ancient wars, earning its name meaning a mountain like caring parents.
Photo spot: Cheongju Garosu-gil features a breathtaking avenue of towering plane trees forming a scenic green canopy popular with travelers and photographers.
Name: The district received its title from its broad agricultural plains and rolling hills lying west of the major Musimcheon Stream.
Story: Ancient earthen tombs and earthenware vessels were unearthed on Songjeol-dong hill, tracing the lives of early Mahan and Baekje people.
Photo spot: Munam Ecological Park features seasonal flower beds and an artificial waterfall, providing a delightful recreational backdrop for strolls and commemorative pictures.
Fun fact: Cheongju Technopolis has transformed this district into a rising industrial quarter featuring semiconductor facilities alongside modern eco-friendly residential apartment blocks.
Local notes were drafted with the help of AI from public information. Population: Ministry of the Interior and Safety resident registration, September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.