Cheongju Photography Spots with Sofu Yoshida | ISSUE #97

Traveling solo to overseas cities for 1-2 nights or 2-3 nights, capturing the lifestyle, culture, and atmosphere of the locals through my work, has gradually become my life’s work.

'Cheongju' is an inland city in central South Korea, located about 1.5 to 2 hours from Seoul by high-speed train or bus. As a regional city, it has less information available compared to Seoul or Busan, fewer tourists, and more affordable prices than those major cities.

Since the summer of 2023, Aero K has launched direct flights connecting Narita Airport and Cheongju International Airport, making access significantly more convenient. It takes about 2.5 hours from Japan, with round-trip tickets costing around 20,000 yen and accommodations starting at 4,000 yen per night.
When you feel like photographing outside of Japan, Cheongju, a regional city in South Korea, is a perfect casual destination to explore.

Located in the heart of Cheongju, Seongan Street (성안길) is a bustling area lined with clothing stores, restaurants, movie theaters, cafes, general stores, and parks. It resembles Seoul’s Myeongdong or Tokyo’s Harajuku.

It’s a popular spot for Cheongju’s youth, where you can observe locals enjoying dates, shopping, and dining, offering a glimpse into their lifestyle.

Cheongju is known as the birthplace of Samgyeopsal (grilled pork belly). Near Seongan Street, you’ll find 'Samgyeopsal Street,' home to over 30 specialty restaurants.

Here, you can enjoy authentic 'Cheongju-style' Samgyeopsal, marinated in soy-based sauce before grilling, at an affordable price.

Like regional cities in Japan, some areas may feel quiet, but the city is safe, making it ideal for solo travelers. You can access the city from Cheongju International Airport via buses or ride-hailing apps like Uber.

As you walk through the streets, you’ll encounter unique shop signs, vacant buildings, street food vendors selling odeng, tteokbokki, and hotteok, elderly gentlemen playing traditional games like Yutnori in parks, and piles of socks stacked outside storefronts. These vibrant and lively scenes are perfect for capturing the essence of the city.

Whether you’re into city snaps or portraits, you’ll surely feel the unique vibe of South Korea. On weekend nights, the streets light up, bustling with young people, offering a completely different atmosphere from daytime.

'Yukgeori' (육거리) means 'six streets,' named after the six-way intersection that once existed in front of the market. Today, it’s one of South Korea’s largest traditional markets, with over 1,600 shops and approximately 4,000 workers.

Offering everything from fresh produce and dried goods to daily necessities, it has long been loved as the 'kitchen of the locals.'

Walking straight from Seongan Street, you’ll find the arcade of Yukgeori Market.

Compared to Seoul’s tourist markets, prices here are very reasonable. You can enjoy light snacks like tteokbokki, mandu, and sundae, as well as unique local breakfasts and lunches.

Even with my limited Korean phrases like '이거 하나 주세요 (One of this, please)' or '소주 주세요 (Soju, please),' the market vendors were very kind.

From piles of freshly dug garlic to women chopping fresh chili peppers, fish casually laid out in the aisles, and colorful parasols lining the streets, the market offers a raw and vibrant atmosphere perfect for photography.

Strolling through while enjoying street food, every taste and conversation will leave a lasting memory. Visiting in the morning or early afternoon is ideal to experience the lively local atmosphere.

'Suamgol' (수암골) is a village formed by refugees after the Korean War. Since 2007, local residents and artists have painted murals throughout the area, turning it into a tourist attraction.
It’s also famous as a filming location for Korean dramas, with many displays and statues related to movies and dramas along the café street.

The slope leading to the observatory is lined with stylish cafes, allowing visitors to enjoy Korea’s unique café culture. The Suamgol Observatory offers a panoramic view of the city, making it a popular spot for sunsets and nightscapes.

I visited Suamgol on a cold December night.
After getting off the bus, I relied on a map to navigate the uphill path.

Walking for about 15 minutes through deserted streets, I began to wonder if there was really a tourist spot ahead. Suddenly, stylish cafes lit up the area, appearing amidst the old low-rise residential buildings.

Climbing the steep slope further, I finally reached the Suamgol Observatory.

From the observatory at night, you can enjoy a stunning view of Cheongju’s city lights. However, the area is quite dark, making it challenging to shoot with handheld old lenses. I wished I had brought a small portable tripod.

The observatory is lively with people enjoying the nightscape, and in winter, the clear sky is filled with cheerful Korean voices.
In summer, you’ll hear the sounds of insects, and in autumn, the vibrant colors of the foliage create a different atmosphere. Each season offers a unique experience.

What did you think? Be sure to visit the photography spots recommended by Sofu Yoshida and experience their beauty firsthand.