Cheongju history

Cheongju is a city with a rich, centuries-old history rooted in the era of the Three Kingdoms of Korea. Throughout its long existence, it has repeatedly changed its name and administrative status, playing a pivotal role in the life of the region and the entire country.

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of settlements on the site of modern Cheongju can be traced back many centuries. Key stages of its early history include:

• Three Kingdoms Period: The territory was part of the Baekje kingdom, and the settlement here was known as the Sandang district (Sandang-hyeon).
• Silla Kingdom: After the unification of the Korean Peninsula under Silla rule, an administrative reform was carried out in 757, resulting in the formation of the Seowongyeong district.
• Goryeo Dynasty: The city received its modern name in 940, when the administrative district of Cheongjumok was established.

Key Factors of Development

Over the centuries, Cheongju developed as a significant administrative and transport hub. Its strategic location contributed to the growth of its influence. In the early 20th century, the city's development received a new impulse: a railway was laid through it in 1905, which significantly accelerated economic growth. Shortly thereafter, in 1908, the provincial government of North Chungcheong Province (Chungcheongbuk-do) was moved from Chungju to Cheongju, definitively securing its status as the regional capital.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

Cheongju's main contribution to world culture is its role in the history of printing. It was here, at Heungdeoksa Temple, that the book 'Jikji' (full title: 'Baegun Hwasan Chrok Buljo Jikji Simche Yojeol') was printed in 1377. This is the world's oldest extant book printed using movable metal type, predating the famous Gutenberg Bible by 78 years. This fact is recognized internationally, and 'Jikji' is inscribed on the UNESCO Memory of the World Register, highlighting the city's exceptional cultural significance.

Chronology of Cheongju's History

The history of Cheongju is filled with events that shaped it as an important cultural and administrative centre. Here are the key moments of its centuries-long journey:

• Three Kingdoms Period: The territory of the modern city was part of the Baekje kingdom and was known as the Sandang-hyeon district.
• 757: After the unification of Korea under the Silla kingdom and subsequent administrative reform, the area was named Seowongyeong.
• 940: During the Goryeo Dynasty, the region was reorganized into the administrative district of Cheongjumok, receiving its modern name.
• 1377: The book 'Jikji' was printed at the local Heungdeoksa Temple — the world's oldest surviving example of printing using movable metal type.
• 1592: During the Imjin War, Korean forces led by Cho Hon and the monk Yeongyu liberated the city from Japanese invaders in the Battle of Cheongju.
• 1905: The Gyeongbu railway line was laid through the county, providing a powerful boost to its economic development.
• 1908: The government of North Chungcheong Province was moved from Chungju to Cheongju, officially cementing its status as the regional capital.
• 1949: Cheongju officially received city status (si).
• 2001: 'Jikji' was inscribed on the UNESCO Memory of the World Register, receiving international recognition as an outstanding monument of cultural heritage.
• 2014: The administrative integration of Cheongju City and the neighbouring Cheongwon County took place, leading to the creation of a single, larger municipality.

The development of Cheongju is the story of an ancient city transforming into a modern technological and cultural hub. The key stages of this journey reflect its economic, urban planning, and cultural transformations.

The Birth of 'Jikji' and World Cultural Heritage (1377)

Cheongju's main contribution to world history was the creation of 'Jikji' — the oldest surviving book printed using movable metal type. This cultural breakthrough, which took place at the local Heungdeoksa Temple, preceded European printing by 78 years. Today, 'Jikji' is listed on the UNESCO Memory of the World Register, and the Early Printing Museum operates in the city to immortalize this event.

Transport Hub and Provincial Capital (Early 20th Century)

In the early 20th century, Cheongju experienced two events that defined its future growth. In 1905, a railway line passed through the county, and in 1926, the opening of the Chungbuk Line gave a powerful impetus to regional development. In 1908, the government of North Chungcheong Province was moved here from Chungju, definitively establishing Cheongju as the administrative centre.

Post-War Industrialisation (1970s–1980s)

The rapid development of the city began after the construction of an expressway connecting it to Seoul in 1970. In the 1980s, a large industrial complex was created, specialising in the food, textile, and chemical industries. This period laid the foundation for Cheongju's transformation into an important economic centre and led to significant population growth.

Centre for High Tech and Semiconductors (21st Century)

In the 21st century, Cheongju has become one of the key centres of South Korea's semiconductor industry. It hosts major production facilities for SK Hynix, including plants for DRAM and HBM memory chips, which are critical for the artificial intelligence industry. The city continues to attract multi-billion dollar investments in high-tech manufacturing, strengthening its status as a technological leader.

Unification and the Creation of a Metropolis (2014)

An important milestone in the city's modern history was the administrative unification of Cheongju with the adjacent Cheongwon County in 2014. This merger led to the creation of a single large municipality with a population of over 800,000 people, allowing for more effective management of urban development, infrastructure, and the economy.

Cultural Renaissance and Urban Renewal

Modern Cheongju is actively working to preserve its heritage by integrating it into the urban environment. A striking example is the opening of a branch of the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MMCA) in a former tobacco factory building. This project demonstrates a successful combination of preserving industrial history and creating a new cultural space, which is part of the urban renewal strategy.

The architectural appearance of Cheongju is a clear reflection of its long history, where ancient traditions blend harmoniously with ultra-modern technologies. The city has journeyed from being an ancient centre of one of the Korean kingdoms to a modern metropolis, and each stage has left its mark on its urban fabric.

Ancient Roots and Traditional Architecture

The historical core of the city formed around defensive and religious structures characteristic of Korean architecture. The most iconic monument of this era is the Sangdangsanseong Fortress. This stone mountain fortress, the name of which dates back to the Baekje era, was founded centuries ago and rebuilt during the Joseon Dynasty. Its massive walls stretching along the mountain ridges and the preserved gates are a prime example of traditional Korean fortification architecture and serve as a symbol of the city. Another important historical site is the grounds of Heungdeoksa Temple, where the book 'Jikji' was printed. Although the original buildings have not survived in their pristine form, this site highlights the deep cultural roots that influenced the city's development.

Modernisation and the Industrial Period

In the 20th century, Cheongju's urban development received new momentum. The construction of the railway at the beginning of the century and the relocation of the provincial capital here turned it into an important administrative and logistics centre. During this period, functional buildings in styles characteristic of the modernisation era began to appear. Post-war industrialisation in the 1970s and 80s led to the creation of large industrial complexes that shaped the appearance of entire districts and defined the city's economic profile. The architecture of this time was predominantly utilitarian, aimed at solving production tasks.

Contemporary Architecture and Urban Renewal

Modern Cheongju demonstrates striking examples of postmodernism and an innovative approach to urban space. A key project was the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MMCA), opened in the building of a former tobacco factory. This example of adaptive reuse turned an abandoned industrial site into one of the country's main cultural spaces while preserving its historical structure. This approach reflects the global trend towards the revitalisation of industrial zones.

The city's gaze towards the future is symbolised by the New City Hall project by the renowned international firm Snøhetta. The plan involves creating a modern administrative complex in the historic centre that will be open to citizens and integrated into the existing urban environment. Alongside this, Cheongju's landscape is defined by large-scale high-tech manufacturing complexes, such as the SK Hynix plants, representing examples of advanced industrial architecture.

Notable Figures Associated with Cheongju

Cheongju, with its rich and centuries-old history, has been the birthplace or place of activity for many iconic figures who have left a significant mark on Korean culture, politics, and history. From medieval scholars and heroes to modern artists, these individuals have shaped the city's legacy.

• Baegun Hwasan (dates unknown): A Buddhist monk of the Goryeo era whose name is inextricably linked to Cheongju's main cultural asset. It was he who compiled the anthology 'Jikji', which was printed at the local Heungdeoksa Temple in 1377. This edition is the world's oldest surviving book printed using movable metal type, predating European printing by nearly 80 years.
• Cho Hon (1544–1592): A prominent Confucian scholar and one of the leaders of the civilian militia (Uibyeong, "Righteous Army") during the Imjin War. He gathered an army and led a heroic assault on Japanese-occupied Cheongju, liberating the city in 1592. His self-sacrifice and patriotism are immortalised in Korean history.
• Yeongyu (died 1592): A warrior monk and loyal companion of Cho Hon. He led a detachment of a thousand monks to assist in the liberation of Cheongju. His bravery and strategic skills played a decisive role in the battle, exemplifying the contribution of Buddhist monks to the defence of the country.
• Han Myeong-hoe (1415–1487): An influential politician of the early Joseon Dynasty, hailing from the powerful Han clan of Cheongju. He was a key strategist who helped King Sejo ascend the throne in 1455 and twice served as Chief State Councillor, exerting immense influence on the politics of that time.
• Song Sang-hyeon (1551–1592): A scholar and official born in Cheongju who became a national hero. During the Imjin War, he was the magistrate of Dongnae Fortress in Busan. He valiantly led the defence and died in battle, refusing to retreat before superior enemy forces.
• Chung Un-chan (born 1947): A renowned economist and politician in modern South Korea. He served as the president of the prestigious Seoul National University and was the Prime Minister of the country from 2009 to 2010.
• Lee Hyori (born 1979): One of the most iconic figures in Korean pop music, a singer, actress, and television presenter. Born in Cheongwon County, which became part of Cheongju in 2014, she began her career in the group Fin.K.L and achieved phenomenal success as a solo artist, earning the unofficial title of the "Queen of K-pop".
• Han Hyo-joo (born 1987): A popular South Korean actress born and raised in Cheongju. She is known for her roles in successful dramas such as 'Dong Yi', 'W', and 'Happiness', as well as numerous films, gaining recognition both in Korea and abroad.