A Family Trip to the Cheongju National Museum: A Journey Through History and Culture
Hello! Today, I'm excited to share my experience visiting the Cheongju National Museum during my trip to Cheongju. Whenever I travel, I always try to visit the local national museum if possible. I find it refreshing and fascinating to explore the unique history of each region.
01. First Impressions of the Cheongju National Museum
The Cheongju National Museum isn't very large, but it's clean, cozy, and doesn't feel old at all. Perhaps because of a recent renovation, it felt very sophisticated and elegant.
The museum grounds are beautifully landscaped. The combination of trees, flowers, and stones makes it perfect for a stroll. I wanted to subtly introduce my child to the history of Korea and the world, and this environment seemed ideal.
02. Permanent Exhibition Hall: Gold Crowns and the History of Art
The museum is largely divided into the Permanent Exhibition Hall, the Children's Museum, and the Cheongnyeon Hall. I felt the Permanent Exhibition Hall was the main attraction. Upon entering, it gradually introduces the development of metalworking technology in Korea.
The historical progression from earth to stone, from stone to bronze, and from bronze to iron was explained in an easy-to-understand way, which was great.
There were many accessories from the Goryeo and Silla periods that my daughter and I both liked. We had fun chatting and asking each other, "Which style do you like?" and "This is so pretty!"
There was a bronze mirror, which was different from the glass mirrors we have today. It made me wonder, "How did people see themselves in the old days? It must have been frustrating!"
03. Children's Museum: Hands-On Exhibits
In the Children's Museum, it was great that we could experience the iron-making process firsthand. There were interactive media displays, and my child was so busy trying everything out that she lost track of time.
We learned about the melting point of metals and even got to hammer iron. The museum is organized around hands-on experiences, so children can learn naturally without getting bored.
04. Cheongnyeon Hall: 4D Cinema and Digital Blacksmith Shop
I wanted to see the 4D cinema in the Cheongnyeon Hall, but the schedule didn't work out. Instead, we looked around the Digital Blacksmith Shop. It was meaningful to be able to create my own craftwork by typing words and displaying them on the screen using media.
We could also try making a sword, which made it easy to understand the iron-making process. I was impressed by the use of digital technology, which departed from traditional exhibition methods.
05. Visitor Information
Admission to the Cheongju National Museum is free! Parking is also free, so you can visit without any worries.
• Address: 143 Myeongam-ro, Sangdang-gu, Cheongju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do
• Hours of Operation: Tuesday-Friday 09:00-18:00, Saturday 09:00-21:00, Sunday/Holidays 09:00-19:00
• Closed: Every Monday, January 1st, Lunar New Year's Day, Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving) Day
• Admission: Free
• Parking: Free
Reservations for the Children's Museum can be made in advance for each time slot and can also be made on-site using a kiosk.
06. Overall Review
The Cheongju National Museum may not be large, but it is well-organized and a great place to visit as a family. In particular, the exhibition on the history of metalworking technology is systematic and easy to understand, which is very helpful for children's education.
The museum's surroundings are also pleasant, and the free admission and free parking make it an easy place to visit without any burden. I highly recommend including it in your Cheongju travel itinerary!
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