🌿 Visiting Chorok Gamtu Village & Cheongnamdae: Korea’s Presidential Retreat & Eco-Rural Experience
A countryside tour that combines nature, culture, and tradition in Chungbuk, South Korea
Note: This post is based on a 2018 visit, but Chorok Gamtu Village still operates seasonal experiences today.
1. Spring Arrives in Chungbuk – Nature Meets History Nearby
As spring flowers began to bloom, we traveled to Chorok Gamtu Village, a quiet countryside village located in Munui-myeon, Cheongju.
Nearby lies one of Chungcheongbuk-do’s most iconic landmarks: Cheongnamdae, Korea’s former presidential retreat.
Also known as “Cheongwadae in the South,” this villa by Daecheong Lake opened to the public in 2003 and is now a well-known historical and ecological site.
Although we didn’t visit Cheongnamdae during this trip, its proximity adds cultural value to the village and makes it a popular stop for many travelers.
2. The Hidden Village Beside the Presidential Villa
Right beside Cheongnamdae lies a quiet rural village called Chorok Gamtu Village, located in Munui-myeon, Cheongju.
Surrounded by green forests and the clear waters of Daecheong Lake, this eco-friendly village offers seasonal food experiences and farming tours.
🌱 Even though our visit was in 2018, the village continues to run programs today for families, schools, and eco-tourism groups.
3. What We Experienced in the Village
We started our day in Chorok Gamtu Village, welcomed by local residents who prepared a half-day itinerary:
- Tofu-Making Demonstration: See the soybean-to-tofu process in action
- 🍘 Rice Puff Snack (Bbeong-twigi) Tasting: Enjoy freshly popped snacks on-site
- 🛍 Local Farm Produce Market: Seasonal goods and healthy treats
- 🍲 Traditional Lunch with the Community
Though hiking was excluded from our tour, we saw the trail map and heard it offers beautiful lakeside views with morning mist—a highlight of the village.
4. Morning Mist, Quiet Forests, and Unforgettable Views
During a prior scouting visit, we joined a local resident for an early morning walk through the village’s hiking trail.
The view of mist rising from Daecheong Lake while walking along forest paths was breathtaking.
Even with just a phone camera, the photos captured the tranquil beauty of the Korean countryside.
5. Afternoon at Cheongnamdae
After lunch, we moved to Cheongnamdae for a free exploration of the grounds.
Although we didn’t take many photos here, the historic architecture and garden trails were a serene way to end the day.
We plan to revisit Cheongnamdae in spring when cherry blossoms and tulips are in full bloom!
📍 About Chorok Gamtu Village
- Location: Munui-myeon, Cheongju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do, South Korea
- Programs: Tofu making, rice puffs, local market, forest walks, seasonal food experiences
- Perfect for: Nature lovers, family tourists, eco-travelers, school field trips
- Website: 초록감투마을 공식홈페이지
- Current Status: Still active and welcoming group visitors
"This is a tranquil countryside escape blending food, forest, and Korean history."
Want to know if Chorok Gamtu Village is still active today?
Yes—it is! Here’s a more recent blog post showing that the village continues to welcome visitors with seasonal experiences:
👉 2025 blog view (Korean)
(Link to a real or updated post showing current activity—you can insert your own or someone else's post here.)
💡Tip: If you're planning a visit, contact the village directly via their official website or local tourism office to confirm available programs.
🔗 More Korean Rural Experiences
✅ Final Thought
Whether you’re chasing blooming spring flowers or looking for a slower travel pace,
Chorok Gamtu Village offers an authentic experience of Korean countryside life.
And with Cheongnamdae nearby, it’s a rare chance to connect nature, history, and local flavors in one journey.
Ready to explore more of Korea’s hidden rural villages?
Plan your visit to Chorok Gamtu Village and enjoy traditional tofu-making, scenic forest trails, and peaceful moments by Daecheong Lake.
👉 Visit the official village website for current programs and reservations.
👉 See other nature experiences in Korea
We’ll keep sharing more nature-based healing trips across Korea—stay tuned!
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