Cheongju Cheongnamdae North Korea? No—Presidential retreat in Chungbuk

Overview

Cheongnamdae is a historic tourist destination that was once used as the official retreat and villa for the presidents of the Republic of Korea. Its name means "the Blue House of the south," and from 1983 to 2003, five presidents came here to rest and consider state affairs. Located in Chungcheongbuk-do, this place became a representative local attraction after it was opened to the public, and through facilities such as the main building and the Presidential Memorial Hall, visitors can glimpse one side of modern Korean politics. Along with its historical significance, it also offers well-maintained walking trails and natural scenery, making it highly worthwhile for foreign travelers to visit.

Highlights

• Main Presidential Villa
• Presidential Memorial Hall
• Retreat site of former presidents
• Lakeside walking trail
• Hiking trail

Best Time to Visit

Cheongnamdae in Cheongju is best visited in spring and autumn. The weather is relatively mild, making outdoor walks and sightseeing comfortable, with less heat than in summer and less difficulty than in winter.

The most recommended time of day is 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. Since it is soon after admission opens, it is relatively quiet, and buying tickets and entering is easier.

The best days are weekdays from Tuesday to Friday. They tend to be much less crowded than weekends, making it easier to explore at a relaxed pace. Mondays are closed, and if Monday is a public holiday or substitute holiday, it closes on the first weekday after that. It is also closed on January 1, Lunar New Year's Day, and Chuseok Day.

Operating hours are usually 09:00 to 18:00, and entry is allowed until 16:30. However, in December and January it closes at 17:00, with entry until 15:30, so for winter visits, morning or early afternoon is the safest choice.

How Long to Stay

If you focus only on the main highlights, 1.5 to 2 hours is enough. If you want to enjoy both the presidential villa and a leisurely walk, about 2.5 to 3 hours is appropriate. If you include the shuttle transfer from the Inquiry Ticket Office and nearby courses around Daechung Lake, it is practical to set aside half a day, or around 4 to 5 hours.

How to Get There

Cheongnamdae cannot be reached directly by subway, so visitors usually take a bus from KTX Osong Station or Cheongju Bus Terminal.

Subway/Train

The most convenient starting point is KTX Osong Station. You can take the Cheongnamdae tour bus from Osong Station, but it does not stop at Osong Station on Wednesdays, so check the operating days in advance. If you are not using the tour bus, go into downtown Cheongju first and then take a bus.

Bus

From Cheongju Bus Terminal, take City Bus No. 311 at the bus stop in front of the terminal main gate, across from CGV. It takes about 1 hour to reach the Inquiry stop.

Alternatively, you can get off at the Aviation Technical Training Center stop and walk.

Walking

After getting off at the Inquiry stop, go straight toward the kimbap shop to reach the Inquiry Ticket Office. If you get off at the Aviation Technical Training Center stop, it takes about 15 minutes on foot.

Entry Tip

If you want to drive in directly, advance reservation is required. If you have not reserved, you can buy a ticket at the Inquiry Ticket Office and then take the shuttle bus into Cheongnamdae.

Photo Spots

• Path from the entrance to the main building
  This is the representative walking trail lined with round ornamental trees. After passing the entrance, walk toward the main building and take a photo while standing in the middle of the path and facing the main building; this captures the neat tree lines well. In the morning, the light is soft and there are relatively fewer people, making it a good time for photos.
• Metasequoia Road photo zone
  This is a section where metasequoia trees continue for a long stretch, and the designated photo zone here is a good choice. Standing in the middle of the road or near a bench and looking straight into the tree-lined path creates a beautiful symmetrical composition. Shooting in the early morning or late afternoon gives soft light and a pleasant mood.
• Benches and sunbeds between the metasequoia trees
  Benches and sunbeds placed among the trees are great spots for capturing relaxing scenes. Sit on a bench and slightly turn your body toward the direction of the tree-lined path or toward the lake to create natural travel photos. The warm light in the late afternoon works best.
• Presidential duties experience center photo zone
  This is an official indoor photo zone, ideal for keepsake photos. Stand in front of the marked photo spot and face forward for the shot. It can be photographed regardless of the weather, and it is especially good to visit at midday or on rainy days.

Night View

There is not much information about Cheongnamdae's own signature night view, but the Cheongju area has recently developed good nighttime lighting, making it a nice place to continue traveling into the evening. Nearby, there is an atmosphere where you can enjoy walking and taking photos under gentle lights.

In particular, at night, walls, bridges, deck paths, and waterside spaces are lit up, creating a calmer and more romantic mood. Some areas also feature visual effects such as photo zones and media facades, making them suitable for an easy nighttime course.

The recommended time is from just after sunset until around 9 p.m. This is when the lights are most visible and walking is relatively comfortable. Public transportation and other travel options may be reduced late at night, so it is best to check in advance.

In downtown Cheongju, there are places offering nighttime attractions such as media facades, LED landscape lighting, and waterside lighting, so it is a good idea to include them in your itinerary before or after visiting Cheongnamdae. Night events and lighting displays may vary depending on the season and operating conditions, so please check the latest information on the day of your visit.

Seasonal Guide

Cheongnamdae has a distinct atmosphere in all four seasons, so it is enjoyable to visit at any time. For foreign travelers, it is a good idea to decide when to visit by considering both the seasonal scenery and crowd levels.

Spring

In spring, cherry blossoms are the biggest attraction. The scenery around the walking trails and lake is especially beautiful, making it great for photography and light walks. However, some facilities may have restricted access until mid-April due to spring maintenance work, so please check operating information before visiting.

Summer

In summer, the deep green foliage enhances Cheongnamdae's charm. It is a great place to walk along the 5 km trail and enjoy the lakeside scenery, and it is recommended for travelers who want to enjoy nature in a relatively quiet setting. Since it can be hot and humid during the day, bring water, a hat, and comfortable shoes.

Autumn

Autumn is the most popular season, with many visitors coming to see the fall colors. Red and yellow foliage colors the walking trails and surrounding forest, creating a very beautiful landscape. Since it can be crowded during peak season, it is best to arrive early in the morning.

Winter

In winter, the quiet snowy scenery is appealing. After snowfall, the walking trails and surrounding nature become even more impressive, and you can explore in a relatively calm atmosphere. However, since temperatures are low and paths can be slippery, prepare warm clothing and anti-slip shoes.

The most popular times are cherry blossom season in spring and foliage season in autumn, but if you want a quieter visit, the summer greenery season or a winter visit are also good choices.

Local Tips

Visitors often say that traveling by private car is more convenient than using public transportation at Cheongnamdae. Since the road to the entrance can be somewhat remote, it is good to plan for driving in advance.

During the spring and autumn peak seasons, be sure to check parking information in advance. In particular, it can be crowded during periods such as April 22 to May 7 when there are many visitors.

During the Yongchun Festival period on weekends and public holidays, city buses operate between Cheongnamdae and Inquiry. If you do not have a car, check transportation options first during this period.

It is also worth visiting the Inquiry Cultural Heritage Complex in Inui-myeon, where the Cheongnamdae ticket office is located. It preserves the guesthouse of the mid-Joseon Inquiry County office and traditional houses that were relocated to avoid submersion during the construction of Daechung Dam.