Cheongdo County

Cheongdo County (청도군) is a rural county in North Gyeongsang, South Korea, south of Daegu. It is especially known for its traditional bullfighting, in which two bulls compete against each other rather than against a human matador, as in Spanish bullfighting. These contests are an important part of Cheongdo's local culture and take place at the Cheongdo Bullfighting Stadium.

Beyond bullfighting, Cheongdo is also famous for Cheongdo Bansi, a local persimmon known for being seedless. Visitors can also explore Buddhist temples, mountain scenery, and a former railway tunnel converted into a space for persimmon wine.

Cheongdo County is a largely rural area of North Gyeongsang Province, characterized by agricultural villages, river valleys and forested mountains. Many of its attractions are spread across the county rather than concentrated in the main town, so visitors should plan their transportation in advance. A car is particularly useful for exploring more remote attractions.

Cheongdo's history is reflected in its Buddhist temples and old fortress walls. Unmunsa Temple has roots in the Silla period and preserves stone pagodas from that era. Cheongdo Eupseong, a walled town built in the late 16th century, was constructed shortly before the Japanese invasions of Korea. Although much of the fortress was damaged or lost over time, parts of its walls have survived or been restored.

Cheongdo also played a role in South Korea's modern history. Sindo Village is associated with the origins of the Saemaul Undong, a rural development movement launched nationwide in 1970. Visitors can explore this history at the Saemaul Movement Birthplace Memorial Park, which introduces the village's connection to the movement.

Cheongdo has four distinct seasons, with hot summers and cold, relatively dry winters. Average daytime highs reach around 31°C in August, while average nighttime lows fall to about −7°C in January.

Most rainfall occurs during the summer, particularly in July and August. Visitors planning outdoor activities should be prepared for heavy rain during these months.

Spring and autumn are generally mild and suitable for hiking and sightseeing. However, yellow dust can affect air quality in spring, so visitors should check air quality forecasts before outdoor activities.

Cheongdo Station is on the Gyeongbu Line, which connects major cities including Seoul, Daegu and Busan. Regular passenger trains serve the station, but KTX high-speed trains do not stop here. Travelers can check train schedules and book tickets through the official Korail website.

35.640129128.7464821 Cheongdo Station (청도역), 214 Cheonghwa-ro, Cheongdo-eup. The main railway station in Cheongdo County, served by Mugunghwa and ITX trains. It provides a convenient arrival point for visiting central Cheongdo and nearby attractions. Local buses and taxis are available for onward travel.  

35.70483128.716222 Namseonghyeon Station (남성현역), 39 Daro-gil, Hwayang-eup. A small railway station on the Gyeongbu Line, served by a limited number of passenger trains, including Mugunghwa services. It provides an alternative access point to attractions in the northern part of Cheongdo County. Check the timetable before travelling, as trains stop here less frequently than at Cheongdo Station.  

Buses connect Cheongdo with nearby cities, including Daegu and Miryang. From Daegu, buses depart from Dongdaegu Transfer Center, with routes passing through different parts of Cheongdo County. From Miryang, buses travel via Sangdong Station to Cheongdo Bus Terminal. Check the official Cheongdo County transportation website for route information.

35.64127128.746373 Cheongdo Bus Terminal (청도공용버스터미널), 8 Gosudong 4-gil, Cheongdo-eup. The main bus terminal in central Cheongdo, near Cheongdo Station. It serves buses connecting Cheongdo with nearby cities, as well as local rural bus services. Check departure times before travelling, as services may be infrequent.  

Cheongdo County does not have its own airport. The nearest major airport is Daegu International Airport in Daegu.

From the airport, travelers can take public transportation or a taxi to Dongdaegu Station, then catch a train on the Gyeongbu Line to Cheongdo Station. Check train schedules in advance.

35.89417128.658894 Daegu International Airport (대구국제공항), 221 Gonghang-ro, Dong-gu, Daegu. The nearest major airport to Cheongdo County. Travelers can reach Cheongdo by transferring to a train at Dongdaegu Station.  

Cheongdo County is accessible by car via the Daegu–Busan section of the Jungang Expressway, which connects the Daegu and Busan metropolitan areas.

Drivers can exit at Cheongdo Interchange (Cheongdo IC) and follow National Route 25 toward central Cheongdo. The interchange provides access to Cheongdo-eup and nearby attractions, including the Cheongdo Bullfighting Stadium and Cheongdo Provence.

A car is a convenient way to explore Cheongdo County, especially when visiting attractions outside the town center. Major destinations such as Unmunsa Temple and Unmun Dam are located in more rural areas, where public transportation may be infrequent.

Visitors planning to explore several attractions in one day may find driving more practical than relying on local buses. Parking is available at some major tourist attractions, including Unmunsa Temple.

Local buses connect central Cheongdo with villages and other parts of the county. Many routes depart from Cheongdo Bus Terminal.

The county also operates the Cheongdo Happy Bus (청도 행복버스), which serves local communities including Wolgok-ri, Beomgok-ri and Sinbong-ri.

Some rural bus routes operate only a few times a day, so travelers should check schedules before setting out. Route information and timetables are available on the official Cheongdo County transportation website.

Taxis are a useful option for reaching attractions that are difficult to access by local bus, particularly in rural areas of Cheongdo County.

For taxi inquiries, contact Cheongdo Taxi Co., Ltd. (청도택시 주식회사) at +82 54-373-8282. The Cheongdo branch of the Private Taxi Association can also be contacted at +82 54-373-1900 in Cheongdo-eup or +82 54-373-6363 in Punggak-myeon.

For additional contact information, see the official Cheongdo County taxi guide.

Cycling is an option for exploring parts of Cheongdo's countryside. The county has rural roads and scenic areas suitable for recreational rides, but some routes include steep slopes and roads shared with motor vehicles.

Visitors should check the distance, elevation and road conditions before setting out. Cycling is generally more suitable for shorter local trips than for reaching attractions across the entire county.

Central Cheongdo is relatively easy to explore on foot. Cheongdo Station and Cheongdo Bus Terminal are close to each other, allowing visitors to walk between the two transport hubs. Cheongdo Traditional Market is also within walking distance.

However, the county's major attractions are spread across rural and mountainous areas. Walking is therefore most practical for exploring individual neighborhoods, temples, parks and historic sites rather than travelling between distant attractions.

• 35.66151128.9603951 Unmunsa Temple (운문사), 264 Unmunsa-gil, Unmun-myeon (From Daegu Nambu Bus Terminal, take a bus to Unmunsa (about every hour from 07:40 to 19:00). Alternatively, buses run from Cheongdo Intercity Bus Terminal to Unmunsa about 10 times a day.), ☏ +82 54-372-8800. 04:00–20:00 daily. A Buddhist temple founded during the Silla period. It is surrounded by pine and fir forests and is one of the major cultural attractions in Cheongdo. free.  (updated Sep 2026)
• 35.694283128.6865512 Cheongdo Museum (청도박물관), 567 Iseo-ro, Iseo-myeon (From Cheongdo Station, walk about 2 minutes to Cheongdo Bus Terminal, then take Bus 2 to Cheongdo Museum. The bus runs about six times a day.), ☏ +82 54-370-2283. 09:00–18:00, Tue–Sun. A local museum displaying archaeological and historical materials related to Cheongdo County. free.  (updated Sep 2026)
• 35.6405128.74673 Saemaul Movement Birthplace Memorial Park (새마을운동발상지기념공원), 34 Saemaeul 1-gil, Cheongdo-eup (From Cheongdo Intercity Bus Terminal, take Bus 5 and get off at Geoyeon-ri or Saemaul Movement Birthplace Memorial Park, then walk about 5 minutes.), ☏ +82 54-372-5500. 9AM-6PM. A memorial park introducing the history of the Saemaul Movement, which began in villages in the Cheongdo area. Free.  (updated Sep 2026)
• 35.6498128.70884 Cheongdo Seokbinggo (청도석빙고), 119-3 Dongsang-ri, Hwayang-eup, ☏ +82 42-481-4650. A historic stone ice-storage facility from the Joseon period, built partly underground to preserve ice through warmer months. Free.  (updated Sep 2026)
• 35.650592128.7071545 Cheongdoeupseong Walled Town (청도읍성), 48-1 Dongsang-ri, Hwayang-eup, ☏ +82 54-370-6062. Open at all times. Cheongdo Eupseong is a square-shaped flatland fortress located in the center of Cheongdo County, with a circumference of about 2 km and a height of 1.7 m, and is believed to have been built since the Goryeo period.
  During the Imjin War, the east, west, and north gates were destroyed and the fortress walls were dismantled; following the Japanese colonial era, the remaining walls were also damaged, leaving only parts and foundations today.
  Every March, Cheongdo County holds the 'Step on Cheongdo Eupseong' event, where women walk the fortress walls to drive away bad luck and pray for longevity. Free.  (updated Sep 2026)

• 35.64835129.026216 Unmunsan National Recreational Forest (국립 운문산자연휴양림), 763 Unmun-ro, Unmun-myeon, ☏ +82 54-373-1327. A national recreational forest on the slopes of Unmunsan Mountain. Visitors can explore wooded trails, streams and mountain scenery. The forest also has accommodation and camping facilities. Check admission fees, opening hours and accommodation availability before visiting.  
• 35.63371128.707917 Cheongdo Namsan Valley (청도 남산계곡), Dongcheon-ri, Hwayang-eup. A scenic valley on the slopes of Namsan Mountain, known for its rocky landscape and flowing streams. The area contains rocks engraved with writings by scholars from earlier Korean dynasties and offers opportunities for short nature walks.  
• 35.7208128.91358 Unmun Dam (운문댐), Unmun-myeon. A reservoir surrounded by mountains in eastern Cheongdo. The area around the reservoir offers scenic views and drives. Free.  (updated Sep 2026)

• 35.684143128.718219 Cheongdo Provence (청도 프로방스), 272-23 Iseulmi-ro, Hwayang-eup (From Cheongdo Station, take Bus 2 and get off at Gopyeong-ri Hall, then walk for about 10 minutes. Alternatively, take Bus 7 and get off at Samsin 1-ri, then walk for about 10 minutes.), ☏ +82 54-372-5050. M Tu Th F 15:00–21:30; Sa 14:00–22:00; Su & holidays 14:00–21:30; closed W. A themed attraction known for its colorful buildings, photo zones and nighttime light displays. ₩10,900–12,900.  (updated Sep 2026)

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• 35.7152128.718710 Cheongdo Wine Tunnel (청도 와인터널), 100 Songgeum-gil, Hwayang-eup (From Cheongdo Station, take a taxi toward the Wine Tunnel. By car from Busan, take National Route 25 toward Cheongdo.), ☏ +82 54-371-1904. 09:30–18:00, Mon–Fri; 09:30–19:00, Sat–Sun. A former railway tunnel converted into a wine-themed attraction. The cool tunnel is used to store and display locally produced persimmon wine. Free admission.  (updated Sep 2026)
• 35.71808128.9223111 Cheongdo Sin Hwarang Culture Village (청도신화랑풍류마을), 1 Sinhwarang-gil, Unmun-myeon, ☏ +82 54-370-7300. Tu-Su 09:00-18:00, closed M and selected public holidays. A cultural complex introducing the traditions and values of the Hwarang, a group of young elites from the ancient Silla kingdom. The complex includes historical exhibitions, cultural experience facilities, a VR experience zone and a traditional archery range.  

• 35.68888128.719051 Cheongdo Yongam Hot Spring (청도 용암온천), 929 Samsin-ri, Hwayang-eup (About 10 minutes by taxi from Cheongdo Station), ☏ +82 54-371-5500. Daily 06:00–20:00. Bathe in natural hot spring water drawn from about 1,008 m underground. The complex has indoor and outdoor baths, saunas and a bade pool. Hot spring and bade pool from ₩7,000 for children; ₩15,000 for adults.  (updated Sep 2026)

• 35.65116128.720212 Cheongdo Bansi Festival (청도반시축제), 1846 Cheongnyeo-ro, Hwayang-eup. Held annually in autumn; the 2026 festival was held on 16-18 October. An annual autumn festival celebrating Cheongdo Bansi, the county's famous seedless persimmon. The festival features persimmon exhibitions, local food, live performances and hands-on activities. Check the official schedule for future dates. Free admission; some activities may require a fee.  

• 35.65116128.720213 Cheongdo World Comedy Art Festival (청도세계코미디아트페스티벌), 1846 Cheongnyeo-ro, Hwayang-eup. Held annually in autumn; the 2026 festival was held on 16-18 October. A comedy festival featuring live performances, street entertainment and family-friendly shows. It has been held alongside the Cheongdo Bansi Festival, allowing visitors to enjoy both events during the same trip. Confirm future dates and programmes before visiting.  

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• 35.6934128.71984 Watch Cheongdo bullfighting (청도소싸움), 348 Namseonghyeon-ro, Hwayang-eup (takes about 10 minutes from Cheongdo Station and Cheongdo Intercity Bus Terminal to the bullfighting arena It takes about 5 minutes from Cheongdo IC to the bullfighting), ☏ +82 54-370-7500. Sa–Su 12:00–18:00. Watch Cheongdo's traditional bullfighting matches, generally held on weekends. Free.  (updated Sep 2026)

• 35.68683128.726915 GoonPark Luge (군파크 루지), 350-30 Namseonghyeon-ro, Hwayang-eup, ☏ +82 54-516-8888. Ride a gravity-powered luge cart along a 1.88-km winding downhill track. A lift takes visitors uphill before the ride. The attraction is near Cheongdo Bullfighting Stadium. Operating hours may change depending on the season and weather.  

• 35.71808128.922316 Traditional archery at Cheongdo Sin Hwarang Culture Village (화랑국궁장), 1 Sinhwarang-gil, Unmun-myeon, ☏ +82 54-370-7300. Try traditional Korean archery at the cultural village's archery range, inspired by the martial traditions of the Silla-era Hwarang. Ask about session times, age restrictions and availability before visiting.  

• 35.69359128.686317 Comedy experiences at Korea Comedy Town (한국코미디타운), 565 Iseo-ro, Iseo-myeon, ☏ +82 54-372-8700. A comedy-themed cultural facility with interactive exhibits and performance spaces. Visitors can explore the history and culture of Korean comedy and check whether live shows or other programmes are scheduled during their visit.  

• 35.71808128.922318 Hwarang VR Experience (화랑VR체험존), 1 Sinhwarang-gil, Unmun-myeon. Tu-Su 09:00-18:00; closed M. Experience activities inspired by the Silla Hwarang through virtual reality. Visitors can choose from different themed simulations, subject to availability. This is part of Cheongdo Sin Hwarang Culture Village. Adults ₩3,000; ages 7-18 ₩2,500.  
• 35.59025128.7633749 Cheongdo Rail Bike (청도 레일바이크), 919-2, Sindo-ri, Cheongdo-eup (About 10 minutes by taxi from Cheongdo Station.), ☏ +82 54-373-2426. 09:00–17:00. Pedal along a rail track through the countryside beside the Cheongdo Stream. ₩25,000 for 2 people; ₩29,000 for 3; ₩33,000 for 4.  (updated Sep 2026)
• 35.61556128.9591710 Hike Unmunsan (운문산), Unmunsan, on the border between Cheongdo County and Miryang. Daylight hours recommended. Unmunsan is a mountain in the Yeongnam Alps, rising to approximately 1,188 m above sea level. Its forested trails and mountain ridges offer scenic views. Hiking routes are accessible from the Miryang side, including the area around Seokgolsa Temple. Some routes on the Cheongdo side have access restrictions, so visitors should check current trail conditions and entry regulations before hiking. Free.  

35.64394128.746041 Cheongdo Traditional Market (청도시장), 21 Cheongdosijang 1-gil, Cheongdo-eup. Market days are the 4th, 9th, 14th, 19th, 24th and 29th of each month; individual shop hours vary. A traditional market selling fresh produce, meat, seafood, clothing and household goods. On market days, visitors can browse stalls selling regional agricultural products. Look for Cheongdo Bansi persimmons, dried persimmons and seasonal fruit. The market is within walking distance of Cheongdo Station.  

Cheongdo is known for its agricultural products, particularly persimmons, water parsley and peaches. Local markets and specialty shops are good places to look for seasonal produce and regional food products.

• Cheongdo Bansi (청도반시) – A seedless variety of persimmon grown in Cheongdo. The fruit is particularly popular in autumn. Processed products such as dried persimmons (감말랭이), semi-dried persimmons (반건시), persimmon vinegar and persimmon wine are also sold as local specialties.

• Hanjae minari (한재미나리) – Water parsley grown in the Hanjae area. It is known for its crisp texture and distinctive aroma. Fresh minari is especially associated with the spring season, and visitors can buy it from local producers and markets when available.

• Cheongdo peaches (청도 복숭아) – A seasonal summer fruit grown in the county. Fresh peaches are sold at local produce markets and roadside fruit shops during the harvest season.

For a wider selection of local agricultural products, visit Cheongdo Traditional Market, particularly on its five-day market days. Availability and prices vary by season.

• 35.60575128.737551 Hanjae Cham Minari Restaurant (한재참미나리식육식당), 225-7 Hanjae-ro, Cheongdo-eup (In the Hanjae Minari Village area, southwest of central Cheongdo.), ☏ +82 54-373-2866. Daily 10:00–20:00; last order 19:00. A restaurant specializing in grilled pork belly served with Hanjae minari (water parsley), one of Cheongdo's best-known local products. Pork belly from ₩9,900.  

• 35.640788128.7460762 Yeokjeon Chueotang (역전추어탕), 204 Cheonghwa-ro, Cheongdo-eup, ☏ +82 54-371-2367. Daily 07:00-21:00. A traditional Korean restaurant near Cheongdo Station specializing in Gyeongsang-style chueotang (loach soup). The soup is prepared by boiling and grinding loach, producing a rich broth. Fried loach is also available. The restaurant is within walking distance of the railway station.  

• 35.64483128.7471053 Ogyeong Tongdak (오경통닭 옹치기), 2-8 Cheongdosijang 3-gil, Cheongdo-eup, ☏ +82 54-371-5162. A restaurant near Cheongdo Traditional Market specializing in ongchigi, a local Cheongdo chicken dish. Chicken is simmered in a soy-based sauce, with mild and spicy versions available. The dish is served in portions suitable for sharing. Check opening hours before visiting, as the restaurant usually closes on Mondays.  

• 35.65015128.762881 Coffee Myungga Cheongdo (커피명가 청도점), 192-14 Jungang-ro, Cheongdo-eup. A branch of the Korean coffee chain Coffee Myungga, offering coffee drinks and cafe seating. It is an option for a break while travelling through the Cheongdo-eup area.  

• 35.68357128.687272 Verdant (버던트), 330 Yeonji-ro, Iseo-myeon. Daily 10:00-22:00. A large bakery cafe with spacious indoor and outdoor seating. Its menu includes avocado coffee, sandwiches, baked goods and other beverages. Parking is available.  

• 35.65062128.707783 Flower Place (꽃자리), 177 Dojugwan-ro, Hwayang-eup, ☏ +82 54-372-1199. A traditional-style tea house near Cheongdo Eupseong. It serves Korean teas, coffee and desserts, including persimmon-based refreshments. Visitors can relax in its garden seating area.  

• 35.68888128.719051 Cheongdo Yongam Spa & Hotel (청도용암온천호텔), 23 Oncheon-gil, Hwayang-eup (About 10 minutes by taxi from Cheongdo Station.), ☏ +82 54-371-5500. Check-in 14:00; check-out 12:00. A hot spring hotel with 36 Korean- and Western-style rooms. Guests have access to spa facilities including hot spring baths, a bade pool and jjimjilbang. Rooms from ₩130,000.  

• 35.67261128.958572 Fresh Hill (프레쉬힐), 129-15 Unmunsa-gil, Unmun-myeon, ☏ +82 54-371-0700. A small hotel near Unmunsa Temple, suitable for visitors planning to explore the temple and surrounding mountain scenery. Check room availability and current rates before visiting.  

• 35.65546128.640663 Cheongdo Good Spa Kids Pool Villa (청도굿스파키즈풀빌라), 82-60 Daejeonchiryeopsin-gil, Iseo-myeon, ☏ +82 54-996-9866. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 11:00. A family-oriented pension with rooms designed for guests travelling with children. Most rooms have indoor play equipment and private heated pools using hot spring water. Cooking facilities and barbecue areas are available.  

• Daegu – A major city north of Cheongdo, offering shopping, museums, restaurants and connections to Korea's high-speed rail network. Travellers can reach Daegu by train or intercity bus.

• Miryang – A nearby city south of Cheongdo, known for its historical sites and mountain scenery. Passenger trains connect Cheongdo Station with Miryang Station.