Art and Nature Woven into Daily Life: Chungju Folk Craft Street | Travel Course | Staypick

Bonghwanggyeong is the 7th scenic spot among the 8 views of the Han River and is a great place for a nature study and walking trails. It is inhabited by various species of migratory birds, including mandarin ducks and whooper swans. Along with the migratory birds, the clusters of silver grass and reeds create a spectacular scene attracting many photographers. Through the waterside walking trail, you can see the wild bird sanctuary, and from the observation platform, you can enjoy views of the reed forest, pine forest, and the flight of migratory birds. Centered around the waterside lawn square, there are bicycle paths, embankment paths, and a youth camping site, as well as a recreation and experience center reproducing Mokgye ferry, waterside square, and observation decks.

On National Route 38 passing through Bonghwang-ri, Jungangtap-myeon, Chungju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do, there is a special street where you can encounter old artworks and daily life items. No one officially designated this place for selling old items or antiques, but over time, artisans and antique dealers naturally gathered here. At this folk craft street, reminiscent of a giant museum, visitors can view and purchase old relics, root carvings, jars, sotdae, stone pagodas, suiseki, and folk paintings, while receiving direct explanations from artists and vendors. (Source: Chungju City Culture and Tourism Website)

The Chungju Bonghwang-ri rock-carved Buddha statues are located in Jungangtap-myeon, Chungju-si, where visitors can enjoy a beautiful scenic view at once. A total of nine Buddha and Bodhisattva figures are carved in relief on two large rock faces on the mountain slope, created at slightly different times. On the rock face halfway up the foothill of Haetgol-san, there is one seated Buddha carving facing east at the upper part of the rock. Below on a wide rock line are eight carvings including one seated Buddha, an offering figure, a half-seated figure, and five Bodhisattvas, forming a total of eight figures. These are rare examples of Buddha statues from the Three Kingdoms period. Most of the carvings have worn outlines due to wind and rain erosion. To see the sculptures, visitors must climb tall iron stairs, which are steep and require caution. The view from the top is also thrilling. Extra care is needed when descending the stairs. These rock-carved statues are considered relatively early works and were created based on the historical context of the area connecting the Han and Nakdong river basins. The group of rock-carved Buddha statues shows not only the flow of Silla era Buddha sculpture but also tendencies of Goguryeo Buddha statues, making them extremely valuable materials.

Chungju Songpungjae is a Korean restaurant specializing in tofu dishes. Located in a hanok building that embodies traditional beauty, the restaurant features lamps and windows made of hanji paper, adding to its cozy atmosphere. Run by an elderly couple, the tofu used in the dishes is made from soybeans they grow themselves, processed at their own facility, ensuring safety and quality. Besides tofu dishes, a special menu item is grilled duck on an iron plate.

Below Jeoune Village in Jangcheon-ri, Gageum-myeon, Chungju-si, is a cluster of pine trees known by the old name Mokgye Naru’s Mokgye Pine Forest. The forest contains pine trees aged 100 to 200 years and serves as a resting place for people enjoying summer vacations. It is a 3,800-pyeong area forest composed entirely of pine trees, designated and managed as a protected tree area by Chungju-si. There is a legend related to Mokgye Naru Pine Forest. One story says Mokgye Naru flourished as an inland water transport route during the Joseon Dynasty but suffered great damage every year due to large fires. To overcome these fires, a feng shui expert visited and, sensing the dominance of fire energy, advised a secret method. The method involved redirecting the water flow, so local people brought soil to create a mountain in the middle of the river. After about half a year, the river water was diverted toward Mokgye, and many pine trees were planted on that mountain. This is how today’s Mokgye Pine Cluster was formed.