Still dreaming for visiting Korea ? Complain about the high fare for flying to Seoul ? Now the time is come, fly to Seoul is not dream anymore. AirAsia, the low cost airlines from Malaysia continue his commits to bring everyone flys. As November 1st 2010, Airasia X, the long-haul arm of Malaysian low-cost airline Air Asia, will begin daily direct services between Kuala Lumpur and Seoul (Incheon).
Flights depart Kuala Lumpur International Airport at 1355 for the six-hour journey to Seoul, arriving at Incheon International Airport at 2115. Return flights depart Seoul at 2320 and arrive in Kuala Lumpur at 0505 the next day. An Airbus A330 aircraft, which feature premium flat-bed seats in Business class.
Thank you to AirAsia X. The new route to Seoul will become their eleventh internation route after Australia (Gold Coast, Perth, Melbourne), China (Hangzhou, Tianjin, Chengdu), Taipei, India, and London.
To mark the opening for sale of the new route, AirAsia X is offering a promotional all-in fare from as low as RM99 (Base fare: RM74 + Airport tax: RM25) from Kuala Lumpur to Seoul for the booking period from 4 to 8 August 2010 for travel between 1 November 2010 and 11 August 2011.
Seoul is the capital city of South Korea. The flighs will land at Incheon, about 70 Km from Seoul. Seoul has many more to discover, start from World Heritage Places, Royal Shrines, Tombs, shopping mall, Lotte World, one of the largest indoor amusement parks, Everland, Korea’s answer to Disneyland, or Seoul Land Amusement Park, which features 5 themed areas and rides that are sure to get your adrenaline pumping.
Don’t forget Korea Cuisine – Kimchi soup and Bimbibap. If you are lucky, don’t close your eyes to meet Korea Pop idols who are many at Seoul.
Cheongju (청주) is a capital city of Chungcheongbuk-do (province). Cheongju is located 128km south-east of Seoul and capital city of Chungchongbuk-do.The dry and wet season are clearly divided, so the summer has south-east or south-west winds of heat and moisture, while the winter has north-west cold and dry winds.
Cheongju may be famous for its university as so many high level university in the city such as Chungbuk National University, Cheongju University, Seowon University, Cheongju National University of Education, Chung Cheong College.
Cheongju City Information
Cheongju City has a total area of 153.31㎢ and a total population of 615,155, with an economically active population of 700,000. It is a T-shaped city with its towns developed towards the south and north, following Musimcheon. It has 1,587 public officials. Its financial resources have reached 491.5 billion won, and it enjoys a financial independence rate of 63.8%. Road extension in the city is 944km, with a 99.2%paving rate.
It has a water supply production capability per day of, distribution rate is 95.3, and the car-registration number has reached 196,944, with 0.93 per household.
Cheongju, aside from being the home of the Hanhwa Eagles baseball team and the Korean Air Force Academy, is also the provincial capital of Chungcheongbuk-do and a fairly large city of over 600,000 souls. Unlike nearby Daejeon, which is essentially a product of colonial rule, Cheongju has been a regional center for centuries, sitting as it does amidst some of Korea’s finest farmland. The city grew significantly with the opening of the Chungbuk railway line in the 1920s; this development has left behind a pretty significant modern architectural heritage that includes public offices and schools.
Cheongju is a major transportation hub, so getting there shouldn’t present a problem. Most of the modern historic sites are in the old downtown area of Sangdang-gu.
Special products of Cheongju are locally brewed Judube wine, pottery and aerated water which includes several kinds of mineral.
Cheongju is also famous for the education and cultural city where the oldest metal-printed book”Jigji” was made. Cheongju is peacefull place and they are proud of natural beauty and their history over 1000 years.
The city also features an intriguing traditional covered market downtown selling all manner of wares, from de-boned pig faces to plastic toy swords to live eels, and a maze of walking streets lines with shops of all description.
How to access Cheongju
Cheongju is also located conveniently in the central area of Korea. From here, you can take a bus to Seoul (90 minutes), Daejon (30 minutes), Pusan (4 hours) or a number of other important destinations. It is a clean and exceptionally safe city, and has a number of good bars where the foreigners like to hang out, in the university sector. Attic Bar and Pearl Jam are two of the most popular.
Cheongju National Museum
The Cheongju National Museum opened on October 30, 1987. Its mission is to survey, study, and display the cultural heritage of Chungcheongbuk-do Province and educate the public onthe unique provincial culture.
The museum is at the east foot of Mt. Uamsan and surrounded by beautiful scenery.
The museum building was designed by Swoogeun Kim, Korea’s most renowned architect, and represents a major step forward in design of contemporary Korean buildings. The low yet strong roof lining of the museum naturally harmonizes the building with the surrounding mountain environment, making the museum one of the most beautiful of all throughout Korea.
The museum has a permanent collection of some 2,300 artifacts excavated from Chungcheongbuk-do Province dating from the prehistoric ages to the Joseon Dynasty. The exhibits are chronologically presented to help viewers better grasp and understand the history and cultureof Chungcheongbuk-do Province. On display outdoors are restored relics including a hearth for producing iron from Seokjang-ri, Jincheon dating back to the Baekje Kingdom, and tombs of the Unified Silla from Yongdam-dong, Cheongju. The museum holds special exhibitions and traveling exhibitions every year.
Cheongju main attractions :
There are many things to see and do in Cheongju. Why not take a trip to the Early Printing Museum? It may be small but it can tell you everything you wanted to know about Jikji, a book of Buddhist sayings, the oldest book in the world printed with movable metal parts. Although the book is not at the museum (it was purchased by the National Library of France in 1853), it is still a great place to visit.
What about strolling next door to the Korean Craft Museum? This exhibition centre is three storeys high and contains wonderful displays of creative modern ceramics and other crafts produced by local leading artists.
The Heungdeok Seongdang is not to be missed. It is a fortress-like Catholic church (Jijingno) which still holds Mass in English every Sunday at 5pm.
Some of main attractions of Cheongju :
1. Heungdeok Temple Site.
This temple is the home to the Early Printing Museum, and is purported to be the site of the printing of Jikji, the oldest existent book printed using movable metal type. The museum itself contains exhibits related to the art of printing through the ages.
In Huengdeok Temple precinct is the Ancient Printing Museum located where the Buddhist text titled “Jikji” printed by removable metal types for thefirst time in the world.
2. Sangdangsanseong(Sangdang Moutain Fortress).
It lies on the slopes of Mt. Uam within the city limits. The fortress is comprised mainly of a 3-4 metre tall wall that stretches over 4.2 kilometers in circumference. The present walls date to the 1716 restoration of the site. Within the walls lies a small tourist village that has several restaurants.
National historic site No. 212. Located in Sanseong-dong, Sangdang-gu, Cheongju, the site is a stone wall fortress of large scale ¹)pogok-style, with a circumference of 4.2km and a height of 3m to 4m.
3. Snagdang-sanseong is a parabolic stone fortress. Its name might come from Snagdang-hyeon of Beakje, one of Three Kingdoms. Its circumference is 4Km long, and the size of its inner part is 1,808,000m². Unfortunately the exact construction year is unknown, but the historical book on Three kingdoms called Samguksagi shows some records of the site. The present fortress is the one
rebuilt in the year of King Sukjong(1716) after its reparation during the invasion of Japan in the 29th year of King Seonjo(1596).
4. Chungyeolsa Shrine dedicated to SONG Sanghyeol
Monument No.16 : It is an ancestral shrine for the memorial tablet of Dongnaebusa Song Sang-hyeon who died fighting during the ²)Japanese Invasion of Korea. In the second year of King Gwanghaegun’s (1610) reign, the tomb was moved here from Dongnae and the shrine was then built.
5. Sinjeondonggoga (Ancient house in Sinjeon-dong, Cheongju)
Tangible Cultural Property No.145: The house was built in 1926 and ³)Sangnyang-mun is recorded in Jong-dori Jangyeo (beam) of the main building.
Bars in Cheongju
The following is a list of bars in Cheongju. As we are still trying to get around to doing complete profiles for nightlife in all cities of Korea.
1. Attic
2. Buzz Bar. Located in Chungdae Jungmun this is the place to go if you like Guinness on tap with some cheese nachos.
3. Harlem. Located in Chun Dae Chun Moom a few streets away from Pearl Jam
4. Hunters
5. Kiss Night Club. Cheongju’s hippest night club is located directly across the street from the less popular ‘Don’t Tell Mama’ in Ha Buk Dae.
6. Pearl Jam. Located in Chungdae Jungmun. This bar is one of the main places to meet other Westerners. Hoppin’ on the weekends there is often live music with both Western and Korean bands.
7. Road King. Located in Chun Dae Chun Moon this bar caters primarily to Westerners on the weekend.
8. 86 Bar. Located in Chun Dae Chun Moom in the basement of a small building is 86 Bar.
Photos of Cheongju
A view of Cheongju from the local mountain fortress, Sangdangsanseong.
Chungyeolsa Shrine dedicated to SONG Sanghyeol
Heungdeok Temple Site. Heungdeok Temple Site is the home to the Early Printing Museum, and is purported to be the site of the printing of Jikji, the oldest existant book printed using movable metal type.
Ramada Plaza Cheongju. Located at 500-3 Yulryang-Dong, Sangdang-Gu, Cheongju, 360-817 KR
Sangdangsanseong(Sangdang Moutain Fortress). Sangdangsanseong (Sangdang Mountain Fortress) lies on the slopes of Mt. Uam within the city limits. The fortress is comprised mainly of a 3-4 meter-high wall that stretches over 4.2 kilometers in circumference.
Sinjeondonggoga (Ancient house in Sinjeon-dong, Cheongju)
Watch Cheong-ju Nightlife and night club video here
Yeoju is located in the southeastern part of Gyeonggi Province and borders Wonju City in Kangwon Province in the east, Icheon city in Gwangju Province in the west, Eumsung-Gun, Chungju city in North-Chungchung Province in the south and Yangpyeong-Gun in the north. Together with the neighboring city of Icheon, it is known as a major center of contemporary South Korean ceramics, and hosts the World Ceramic Exposition every year.
Yeoju is famous as a history culture tourism in Korea. Yeoju has 2 famous history sites such as The tomb of King Sejong and the birthplace of Empress Myeongseong.
The tomb of King Sejong
King Sejong was the third son of the 3rd ruler, King Taejong, and his wife Queen Wongyeong. He came to the throne at the age of 22. During his 32-year reign, he was very influential in the development of Korean culture.
Sejongdaewangneung is the tomb of King Sejong (1397-1450) of the Joseon Era and his wife Queen Soheon (1392-1910). King Sejong not only created Hangeul, the Korean alphabet, but also contributed greatly in the fields of politics, economics, culture, defense and education.
Yeongneung (영릉) is the joint tomb of the 4th ruler of the Joseon Dynasty, King Sejong (1397-1450, reign 1418-1450) and his wife Queen Soheon (1395-1446). This was the first joint royal tomb of the Joseon Dynasty.
How to access The Tomb of King Sejong :
- Bus : Take a bus for Yeongdong Express Bus Terminal. There is a bus every 40 minutes. And then take coach bus #111 and get off in front of the air force base. It takes 20 minutes on foot from there.
- Car : Exit from the Yeongdong Expressway at the Yeoju Tollgate and take state route #37 in the direction of Yeoju, then take state route #42 in the Icheon direction for approximately 10 minutes.
Birthplace of Empress Myeongseong (Queen Min)
Empress Myeongseong was a brilliant diplomat who pursued openness and reform to maintain the sovereignty of the nation. Unfortunately, her tumultuous life came to an end in the early morning hours of October 8, 1895 when she was murdered by the Japanese army.
This is the house where Empress Myeongseong (Joseon Period) was born, and lived until she was eight years old. She would grow up to be the wife of the dynasty’s 26th ruler, King Gojong. The birthplace and the adjoining Memorial Hall are open to the public.
We can see the house where Empress Myeongseong lived until the age of 16, when she became the queen of Joseon Emperor Gojong. The structure is estimated to have been built in the 13th year of King Sukjong (1687). She was born in the 2nd year of King Cheoljong’s reign (1851) as daughter to Min Chirok. Drawn into the maelstrom of enlightenment, she lived a dramatic life until the 32nd year of King Gojong’s rule when she was assassinated by Japanese agents in wartime.
The the original Haengnangchae (the rooms on both sides of the front entrance) and Sarangchae (reception room for male guests) have now disappeared, but the extant Anchae (the owner’s room) was restored in 1975 and 1976.
How to access Birthplace of Empress Myeongseong (Queen Min)
- Bus : From the Yeoju Bus Terminal, take the Janghowon bound bus and get off at Jeombong-ri, Yeoju-eup. It’s a 10-minute walk to the house.
- Car : Exit from the Yeongdong Expressway at the Yeoju Tollgate and take state route #37 in the direction of Yangpyeong for approximately 1km.
Yeoju Premium Outlets
Another activities to do in Yeoju is Shopping. Yes, Yeoju has a famous designer outlet named Yeoju Premium Outlets.
Yeoju Premium Outlets is Korea’s very first and only authentic premium designer outlet operated by Shinsegae Chelsea; a joint venture between the Korean conglomerate Shinsegae and Chelsea Property Group, the world’s largest developer of outlet centers. The exotic shopping atmosphere is separated into two buildings, A and B, and shoppers can also enjoy the beautiful outdoor landscape while shopping.
Take advantage of the year-round discounts of 25–65% or more on over 140 popular luxury brands including Burberry, Bally, Bottega Veneta, Coach, Dolce & Gabbana, Escada, Fendi, Ferragamo and Gucci. In particular, lifestyle and beauty brands such as Le Creuset and Royal Copenhagen are also available at the
outlet, with the addition of international beauty brands such as Clinique, MAC and Estée Lauder; sold here at prices lower than at duty-free shops. Moreover,four restaurants are available inside the mall to satisfy your appetite, including a 500-seat food court, a Japanese restaurant, and a family restaurant.
The Yeoju Preumium Outlet Shopping Center is enormous, taking up 265,500 square meters, and is Asia’s 2nd largest outlet to Japan’s Gotenbar Outlet. The outlet center houses such shops as Adidas, Armani, Burberry, Coach, Diesel, Dolce & Gabbana, Ermenegildo Zegna, Escada, Gucci, Hugo Boss, Nike, Polo Ralph Lauren, Royal Copenhagen, Ferragamo, and Valentino, with over 120 popular brand names, 90% of them being foreign brands, also including Korean designer brands such as Kuho, Kim Young Joo, and Hazzys.
How to access Yeoju Premium Outlets
From the Gangnam Express Bus Terminal located in Banpo, Seoul, take the Yeongdong line bus headed towards Yeoju (station #21) and get off at Yeoju Terminal.
The ride takes about 1hr and 30mins, but may take up to 2hrs during the weekends due to traffic congestion. Across the street from Yeoju Terminal, there is a bus that takes you all the way to the outlet. A taxi ride will take about a 15min ride, and come out to about ￦7,000.
Yeoju Ceramics Expo
Together with Incheon, Yeoju is famous for their high quality ceramics. The Yeoju Ceramics Expo was launched in May 1990 by the Yeoju Ceramic Co-operative, which was established in 1985. The Yeoju Ceramics Expo is held every year to promote the excellence of its ceramics both nationwide and abroad. As the first and best ceramics festival in Korea, the expo exhibits unique, high quality ceramic artwork and products.
Yeoju laid the foundations for becoming a major ceramic city by hosting the World Ceramics Expo in 2001, and since hosting the World Ceramics Biennale in 2003 and 2005 it is now internationally recognized as a world center for ceramics. Yeoju has been producing ceramics ever since the early Goryeo period (AD
918 ~ 1392), and through the production of high-quality Goryeongto (Kaolin) and Baekto (white clay) it played an integral role in the development of the early ceramic industry. At the expo, you can see works of art by ceramics masters and buy a variety of ceramic products, such as tea sets, at discounted prices.
Photos of Yeoju tourist :
Birthplace of Empress Myeongseong (Queen Min)
Yeoju Ceramics Expo at Silleuksa Temple tourist site. The Yeoju Ceramics Expo was launched in May 1990 by the Yeoju Ceramic Co-operative, which was established in 1985. The Yeoju Ceramics Expo is held every year to promote the excellence of its ceramics both nationwide and abroad.
Yeoju Premium Outlets, Korea ‘s 1st Luxury Premium Outlet
Tourists are standing in front of Gucci Shop, at Yeoju Premium Outlets
The tomb of King Sejong the Great of Joseon
Yeoju Dojang was completed in 1986 and expanded in 1990. To its north Gwangju Range is situated and commands Namhan River in its southern direction. The ground where Yeoju Dojang is situated takes a shape of ume tree fruition. In February 1993 it has been appointed as headquarters of Daesunjinrihoe.
Yeoju is also famous for its rice. Nureungji (누릉지), which is essentially rice served in a hot stone bowl. The rice in contact with the stone becomes crunchy, and you then add water and mix into a kind of soup or porridge.
Yeoju World Ceramic Livingware
Watch tourist shopping at Yeoju Street Market video here
