A Day Trip to Chungju: Songgye Valley, Jungangtap Historical Park, and Chicken & Buckwheat Noodles!
Hello, I'm Sudalssaeng, documenting my everyday travels.
This post is about my day trip to Chungju, visiting Songgye Valley and Jungangtap Historical Park.
After a refreshing dip in the valley, I headed to Jungangtap Historical Park.
Jungangtap Historical Park is a cultural complex centered around the seven-story stone pagoda of Tappyeong-ri, National Treasure No. 6 (also known as Jungangtap). It's also North Chungcheong Province's first outdoor sculpture park, and its location along the Namhan River makes it perfect for a scenic lakeside stroll.
The 'Seven-Story Stone Pagoda' is said to be called 'Jungangtap' because it's located in the 'center' of Korea.
Here are some photos from the park:
Jungangtap Historical Park
50 Tappyeong-ri, Jungangtap-myeon, Chungju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do (or 6 Tapjeongan-gil)
The park was created in 1992 to protect the seven-story stone pagoda of Tappyeong-ri (National Treasure No. 6) and improve the surrounding area.
Legend has it that the pagoda was built in the center of Korea during the Unified Silla period, hence the name 'Jungangtap.' A popular story says that during the reign of King Wonseong of Unified Silla, two people started walking simultaneously from the northernmost and southernmost points of the country, and they met at the current location of the pagoda.
This is the only seven-story stone pagoda among Silla pagodas, and it's the largest and tallest of the existing Unified Silla stone pagodas. During its dismantling and restoration in 1917, some old books, two copper mirrors, a wooden lacquered box, and a silver reliquary were discovered in the sixth-story pagoda body, and a bronze box was found in the foundation.
My husband said we had to circumambulate the pagoda at least three times, so we ended up doing 'tapdori' (pagoda circumambulation) around Jungangtap, which wasn't even planned.
Making wishes as we walked!
It's also a filming location for the drama 'Vincenzo'!
I haven't seen that drama though...
I went to see Jungangtap because of its symbolism as being in the 'center' of Korea, and I discovered that there's also an outdoor sculpture park.
Under the theme of 'A Meeting of Cultural Heritage and Lakeside Art,' 26 works by famous Korean sculptors are displayed throughout the large lawn, allowing you to appreciate the art while taking a stroll.
The park is located along the Namhan River, and there's a Rainbow Road where you can walk along the 'Tangeumho' waterway between Chungju Dam and the Adjustment Dam.
This road is famous as a night view spot, selected as one of the Korea Tourism Organization's '100 Must-Visit Nighttime Tourist Spots'!
In particular, the seven-story stone pagoda of Tappyeong-ri is said to be more majestic and elegant at night than during the day, but since I went on a day trip, I unfortunately skipped the nighttime tour.
Now, off to my next destination!
There are several buckwheat noodle restaurants near the park, so I'm heading there for dinner~~
Chicken & Buckwheat Noodles are famous around here!
Heading for Chicken & Buckwheat Noodles~
I was taken to this place by an acquaintance!
It wasn't a particularly famous restaurant.
Since it's called Jungangtap Chicken & Buckwheat Noodles, I wondered, 'Does it have chicken as a topping on the buckwheat noodles?' or 'Is it a set menu of chicken and buckwheat noodles?' But the menu just had chicken and buckwheat noodles separately.
Selling chicken and buckwheat noodles in one restaurant is a novel combination, but it doesn't seem particularly special.
It would have been more special if it were a set menu.
Despite all that, the reason I included a large photo of the chicken is!
The chicken is delicious.
Why? Isn't this a buckwheat noodle restaurant?
The chicken batter is thin and the meat is tender, making it crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
Even though it's a buckwheat noodle restaurant, the chicken stole the show.
The buckwheat noodles are just average.
Chicken > Spicy Buckwheat Noodles > Cold Buckwheat Noodles
I ordered buckwheat makgeolli (rice wine), but they brought me Jipyeong makgeolli without saying anything.
It was only after we talked for a while that they said, 'Oh, it's sold out' when I mentioned I ordered buckwheat makgeolli.
They should have told me that and asked me for an alternative, but oh well~
So I ordered soju (Korean distilled spirit).
Well, I didn't drink it...
Valley water play, scenic views, and delicious food with friends.
It was a fun day.
I enjoy these small trips these days.
Other photos from the day:
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