In April, when various spring flowers bloom, cherry blossoms are the most popular spring flower. CBT reporters went to the cherry blossom spots in Cheongju that are popular among Cheongju citizens.

  Musimcheon is the most famous cherry blossom spot in Cheongju. Musimcheon has a walking path and bicycle path along the stream, making it a popular place for a walk. Cheongju has been holding a food truck festival since 2023 to coincide with the cherry blossom season, and this year, the third festival, was held from April 4 to 6. Various food trucks and experience booths were set up between Cheongju Bridge and the first Uncheon Bridge. According to Cheongju, about 430,000 people visited this year.

  On April 4, the reporters visited the festival site in person. Though the reporters visited at late afternoon, the site was still crowded with people. The reporters got off at a nearby bus stop and walked toward Cheongju Bridge to enjoy the cherry blossoms. The reporters sat on a bench under cherry blossom trees and enjoyed the cherry blossoms while eating food from a food truck. As the reporters went down the road lined with booths toward the stream, the reporters saw performances related to traditional culture, including traditional Korean musical instruments, taking place on a stage.

  Kim Jeong-ah (55, Gagyeong-dong), who came to the festival site, said, “Every year, when the cherry blossoms bloom, I visit Musimcheon with my family. As Musimcheon has a flat walking path, it is convenient for viewing the cherry blossoms on a nice day.” Han Yu-jeong (26, Yongam-dong) explained why she visits Musimcheon every spring. “It is the most famous cherry blossom spot in Cheongju, so I visit every year. It is easy to get here by public transportation. There are food trucks, and performances to see, so I keep coming back. Above all, the pictures come out the best.” 

  Mt. Uam has become a resting place for Cheongju citizens through the restoration project of the city’s urban ecology axis. In particular, the space for walking has been expanded by installing eco-friendly natural wood decks and landscape lighting, and the nighttime scenery of Mt. Uam has been improved in various ways. If people go up to the Uam Mountain Circular Road, they can enjoy a spectacular view of Cheongju from the observation deck. People can also take a break and breathe in the fresh air at the rest areas located in the middle of the trail. In particular, in spring, large and pretty cherry blossoms line the trail, creating a fantastic spectacle.

  The Uam Mountain Circular Road is about 4.2 kilometers long, from Samil Park to Cheongju Uam Children’s Center. Cherry blossoms are in full bloom on both sides of the long Uam Mountain Trail, along with a panoramic view of downtown Cheongju, and forsythia is in full bloom across the road.

  Kim Soon-nyeo (66, Yulryang-dong), whom the reporters met on the Uam Mountain Circular Road said, “I came here with my husband to see the cherry blossoms. Even if it is not cherry blossom season, I come to the trail every day to exercise or take a light walk. Sometimes, when I go up to the Suamgol Observatory and look at the wide-open view of Cheongju, I feel at ease and healed. I especially visit more often during the cherry blossom season because I can enjoy the cherry blossoms in full bloom and the view of Cheongju. I would like to recommend it to people who are looking for a walking trail that is not crowded.”

  Lee Eun-jik (50, Uam-dong) said, “I heard that cherry blossoms were in full bloom at Mt. Uam, so I visited Mt. Uam with my wife for the first time in a long time. Usually, the cherry blossoms on Mt. Uam bloom within a week after the Cheongju Food Truck Festival with Cherry Blossoms ends. I visit here because it is a special place full of memories with family. Since Circular Road is a mountain, the air is clean and the sunlight is good, making it a great place to enjoy a walk or rest. Mt. Uam is also close to Suamgol, so you can enjoy both. Compared to Musimcheon, which is crowded with visitors and cars, you can focus entirely on walking here, so I recommend it to those who want to see cherry blossoms in a quiet place.”

  The MT. Uam Circular Road is a small and quiet rest area in the neighborhood. It is not well known, but it is a hidden gem where people can enjoy nature and rest at the same time. It is recommended for those who want to escape the noise of the city and quietly feel the spring atmosphere.

  Osong Lake Park is a park located in Osong-eup, Heungdeok-gu, Cheongju. It is often visited by local residents for a walk. A circular walking course that takes about an hour is created around the lake. People can enjoy cherry blossoms in a well-made walking path and a large park, but it is a famous cherry blossom spot that not many people know about because it is far from downtown Cheongju.

  Osong Lake Park, which took about an hour by bus from CBNU, on the first weekend of April, was in full bloom with cherry blossoms. Cherry blossoms were in full bloom on both sides of the circular walking path centered around the lake, creating a beautiful landscape. Especially thanks to the warm weather, many people were enjoying a spring outing by spreading out mats on the lawn and appreciating the cherry blossom walking course and the lake together. The park became even more lively as families continued to visit.

  Lee Yoon-jung (45, Osong-eup), who visited the park to ride a bike with her child, said, “I came to Osong Lake Park to help my child practice riding his bike, and it is nice to be able to see the cherry blossoms in full bloom together. I often visit the lake park. The walking path is well-maintained, so it is good to walk lightly or ride a bike in warm weather. There are also many flowers in bloom, so it is perfect for a weekend with your family to enjoy the flowers.” Osong Lake Park has ample parking space and spaces for children to run around and play, making it a great place for a family outing in the spring.

  In addition to this, there are many other cherry blossom spots in Cheongju, such as Sangdangsanseong, Miwoncheon, and Mihocheon. Cherry blossoms are a special gift of spring that can only be enjoyed for a short period of time. If anyone who missed the season this year and could not enjoy the cherry blossoms, the reporters recommend making good memories with the loved ones at the cherry blossom spots in Cheongju next year.