What to do in Chungju: 4 Unique Rural Tourism Experiences

Rural Tourism is becoming a trend all over the world. It’s a way to reconnect with nature and a slower-paced life for those of us who live in big cities. If you are in Seoul Chungju is a great rural tourism destination. Not only is it just a 2-hour drive from Seoul, but it is also a beautiful area with lots of fun to offer.

Chungju Rural Tourism: Cherry Festival

Chungju is famous for its delicious cherries. So once a year around June a Cherry Festival is held. Here you will be able to enjoy some traditional Korean performances such as Gyonggi Minyo and Kilnori folk music.

Plus there are several activities related to cherries including, of course, picking up your own. The entrance is completely free and it never gets too crowded. So, it is the perfect place to go if you feel like escaping from the city and enjoy delicious seasonal fruit. You can always check online to find out the exact dates of the festival and bring some friends with you for extra fun!

Chungju Mushroom Farm

Rural tourism can be very fun, especially if you like food. There are lots of mushroom farms in the region. However, this very particular farm in Chungju harvests a very unique type of white mushroom. The owner is not only kind but also fluent in English and will be happy to give you a tour.

I don’t want to spoil much about the tour but basically, you will learn how mushrooms grow. They need a very specific temperature and moist conditions to grow properly. They also play music for the mushrooms so that they grow big and healthy. How cute!

At the end of the tour, you will be able to enjoy some mushroom dishes such as pajeon (Korean pizza) and fried mushrooms as well as their very own mushroom tea! Also, there were several mushroom-related products that you can purchase to support local commerce. You can also experience harvesting your own mushrooms to cook at home.

Chungju Mushroom Farm (영농조합법인착한농부들)

Address:   Chungcheongbuk-do, Eumseong-gun, Geumwang-eup, Baegya-ro, 347 KR
Korean Address:  충청북도 음성군 금왕읍 백야로 347 KR

Apple Popcorn: My Favorite Rural Tourism Experience

As weird as it might sound, apple popcorn is delicious! There is a farm in Chungju that developed uniquely flavored popcorn snacks. However, it is not only a farm. It is also a cafe, restaurant, and pension. The lovely owner offers the experience of making your own popcorn while teaching you all about corn and the flavored popcorns he develops.

You can find five different flavors of popcorn here: peach, apple, chili pepper, original, and even milk. All of them are organically made by the owner himself. You can tell he is very passionate about what he does and will definitely enjoy learning from him.

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But that’s not all the place has in store for foodies! The place also has a very unique apple pizza. It is made with 6 different kinds of cheese and local apple syrup. It is definitely something you must try! You can also make it yourself and while it is baking you can take a walk around the farm. There are chickens, dogs, resting kiosks, pagodas, and a really nice vibe to the place overall.

Farmer Pops (충주팝콘 농촌체험마을

Address:  37 Naepo-gil, Sinni-myeon, Chungju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do
Korean Address:  충북 충주시 신니면 내포1길 30 긴들마을허브문화센터
Operating Hours: 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Tea Forest Café

Tea Forest is one of the prettiest cafes I have been to in Korea so far. Located at the top of a mountain, it offers you a wonderful view of the Chungju area. They offer a variety of organic teas created from their very own plants. The place is also a nursery garden, so you will enjoy many beautiful flowers and plants.

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I personally HAD to purchase a mini cactus set because it was just so cute. And their green tea was just as good as its view. However, the way to come might be a little bit tricky. So, make sure to use a navigation app or call them if you feel you might have lost the way.

Tea Forest(티포레스트)

Address:    97 Gunja-ri, Maengdong-myeon, Eumseong, Chungcheongbuk-do
Korean Address:  충북 음성군 맹동면 군자리 97
Operating Hours: 10:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Vincenzo Bridge

If you watched the hit Korean drama Vincenzo, then you may recognize this place. The Suju Palbong bridge is not only impressive but actually very beautiful thanks to all the vegetation that surrounds it. You can take awesome shots here and have a great time walking around. Visiting this Bridge is a very relaxing experience that you should not miss when visiting Chungju.

Have you traveled to any rural areas in South Korea? Where should I go next? Let me know in the comments below!

If you want more suggestions on places to visit in Chungju, why not get a little taste of France right here in Korea. Click Here to read about Chungju’s Eiffel Tower!