Cheongdo Eupseong

A journey through time with your kids, Cheongdo Eupseong

History and background of Cheongdo Eupseong

• Cheongdo Eupseong is a historic fortress located in Dongsang-ri, Hwayang-eup, Cheongdo-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do.
• It was first built as an earthen fortress during the Goryeo period, but in 1590, the 23rd year of King Seonjo, it was rebuilt in stone by royal order in preparation for the Imjin War.
• It suffered major damage during the Imjin War, and part of it was demolished during the Japanese colonial period, but in recent years restoration work has been underway to preserve the region's history and culture.

Features of Cheongdo Eupseong

• The fortress was built on a landscape of flat land and hills, with higher ground to the south and lower ground to the north, and it has a nearly square shape with a circumference of about 1.8 km.
• The fortress walls range from about 1.5 m to 8 m in height, and the east, west, and north gates remain.
• Inside and outside the fortress, cultural heritage sites such as traditional hanok houses, the local Confucian school, and Dojugwan, a former government office building, still remain, offering a glimpse into life in Cheongdo-gun during the Joseon period.

Highlights to enjoy with your kids

• Cheongdo Eupseong has a flat walking course that follows the fortress walls, making it a safe and comfortable place to walk or let your kids run around.
• In spring, the artificial pond and flower gardens create a beautiful scene, so you can enjoy different views in each season.
• Restored traditional buildings and fortress walls can be found throughout the site, making it easy to naturally explain the structure of the fortress and its historical meaning to your kids.

Amenities and nearby information

• At the entrance to the fortress, there is a dedicated parking lot, making parking convenient.
• If the east gate parking lot is full or too small, you can also use the parking lot at the Confucian school or the west gate parking lot.
• About half of the fortress wall, around 940 m, has been restored, and anyone is free to walk along it.
• Around the fortress, there are many historic sites to explore together, including Cheongdo Seokbinggo, created in 1713, Dojugwan, and the local Confucian school, making for an even more rewarding outing.

Things to keep in mind when visiting Cheongdo Eupseong

• The remaining sections of the fortress wall have been well restored, so you can experience the calm charm of an old fortress.
• The walking path along the fortress walls has a relatively gentle slope, so visiting with a stroller or young children is not too burdensome.
• Flowers bloom at different times depending on the season, and the weather also changes the atmosphere, so it is worth checking the seasonal scenery before your visit.

Helpful tips for visitors

• At night, the fortress is well known for its beautiful night view, created by the soft lighting on the walls and the sunset.
• The walking course is well maintained, so it is great for a light stroll along Cheongdo Eupseong.
  • Recommended walking courses include the 'West Gate Half Loop Course,' the 'East Gate Half Loop Course,' and the 'Full Fortress Loop Course.' Choose a half loop if you want an easy walk, or the full fortress loop if you want to see more.
• There are many photo spots throughout the area, so it is a good idea to take pictures in different places.
• There are several cafes nearby, and Kkotjari Cafe is especially famous, so it is worth a visit.

Cheongdo Eupseong is a special place where you can walk with your kids, learn about history, and enjoy nature all at once. Its restored fortress walls, peaceful scenery, and the stories of hundreds of years hidden throughout the site create meaningful memories for a family outing.

Admission fee and programs

• Admission fee: Free