The Royal Breath of Chojeong Palace
Chojeong Palace, infused with the royal breath
Located in the Naesu-eup area of Cheongju's Cheongwon District, Chojeong-ri is a pride of Chungbuk, home to one of the world's top three mineral springs and a site of historical significance as the location of King Sejong's temporary palace.
Chojeong Spring is a sterile carbonate water that emerges from limestone 100 meters underground, containing various minerals that are beneficial to the skin.
The name Chojeong translates to 'a well where water shoots out like pepper.'
According to the Annals of King Sejong, in 1444, King Sejong built a temporary palace here to treat his skin condition, spending 121 days recuperating during spring and autumn. The palace was destroyed by fire in 1448, and records show that King Sejo also visited Chojeong in 1464.
Thus, Chojeong Spring has long been known for its healing properties for skin ailments.
Chojeong is home to Chojeong Cultural Park and the newly opened Chojeong Palace, which opened in 2020. Chojeong Cultural Park features the source of Chojeong Spring, known as Chojeong Yeongcheon, surrounded by a park for walking and relaxation.
Records indicate that Chojeong Spring has been flowing for over 600 years, but the source was only opened to the public in April 2025.
The area around Chojeong Yeongcheon has been newly renovated, providing facilities for foot baths and relaxation.
Foot baths are available from April, but reservations are required, so please contact the Chojeong Palace Management Office for inquiries.
Inside the palace, foot bath experiences are also available, but again, only for those with reservations.
Established next to Chojeong Cultural Park in June 2020, Chojeong Palace was built to commemorate the stories of King Sejong's stay in Chojeong and his spirit of creativity and love for the people.
King Sejong, who created Hangul, stayed in Chojeong for 121 days to treat his eye ailment caused by the strain of governance and the creation of the script.
Chojeong Palace features various facilities that satisfy all five senses, including a Hanok experience center for lodging, foot baths, outdoor science experience facilities, Hanbok experiences, digital immersive content, and beautiful night lighting.
The palace is open from 9 AM to 10 PM, with closures on Tuesdays.
The Hanok experience at Chojeong Palace allows visitors to stay in a serene Hanok and feel the royal presence of the past.
There are six buildings with 12 rooms available for lodging, with prices varying by season.
Reservations can be made through the Cheongju Integrated Reservation Program.
The Reading Hall embodies King Sejong's passion for learning, showcasing significant historical texts related to the creation of Hangul, such as Hunminjeongeum, Wolin Cheonggang Jigok, and Yongbi Eocheonga, as well as over 1,600 books related to history, science, and health connected to King Sejong.
The palace also recreates the royal chambers where the king and queen stayed, allowing visitors to imagine King Sejong studying astronomy while contemplating his people, with a media art installation depicting the night sky of the Joseon era.
Through the media art titled 'The Sky King Sejong Dreamed Of,' visitors can travel back to the Joseon era and experience a fantastic night sky featuring a solar eclipse, shooting stars, and the meeting of the Cowherd and Weaver Girl.
Additionally, the office where the king conducted affairs has been transformed into an astronomy science hall, while the prince's room has been turned into a children's experience center. The palace also features a kitchen for preparing royal meals, with plans for traditional cooking experiences and exhibitions related to royal cuisine.
As spring approaches, beautiful sculptures and plum blossoms are in full bloom at Chojeong Palace. The palace has a traditional tea house where visitors can enjoy traditional tea after exploring the grounds.
After enjoying tea, visitors can participate in traditional games at the experience center at the entrance and spend a leisurely time.
Source :https://blog.naver.com/cbkb21/224243856467
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