Cheongju International Airport and Daegu International Airport offer new gateways for exploring Korea beyond the usual routes. Fly into either airport and you can easily continue on to destinations across Chungcheongbuk-do and Chungcheongnam-do or Daegu and Gyeongsangbuk-do, each with its own history, culture, food, and local experiences. From traditional heritage and UNESCO World Heritage sites to K-culture, local cuisine, outdoor activities, and wellness, here are 13 themed itineraries to help you choose a trip that suits your interests and travel style.
[✔️Airport Itineraries at a Glance]
- Destinations from Cheongju International Airport: Cheongju, known for documentary heritage and K-beauty; Daejeon, a city of science, technology, and bakeries; Gongju, home to UNESCO World Heritage sites; Boryeong, famous for its mud festival; and more
- Destinations from Daegu International Airport: Daegu, known for modern-era culture and local cuisine; Gyeongju, a city with a thousand years’ history; Andong, a center of Confucian culture; Pohang, known for its coastal attractions and lighthouses; and more
As a gateway to the central part of Korea, Cheongju International Airport offers international flights to destinations in Japan, China, Vietnam, Taiwan, Mongolia, and more as well as domestic flights to Jeju. From the airport, travelers can easily explore Cheongju and other destinations across the region, including: Boeun, Yeongdong, Jecheon, and Chungju in Chungcheongbuk-do; Gongju, Dangjin, Boryeong, and Taean in Chungcheongnam-do; and Sejong and Daejeon.
View Themed itineraries from Cheongju International Airport
Theme ① Exploring Korea’s History and Traditions ✅ UNESCO Heritage & Gugak | 4 Days in Cheongju·Boeun·Yeongdong·SejongA journey through the rich cultural heritage of the central part of Korea, from UNESCO World Heritage sites to gugak, wine, traditional nakhwa nori (fireworks ceremony), and Korea’s documentary heritage.
| Cheongju → | Boeun → | Yeongdong → | Sejong → | Cheongju |
| Cheongju International Airport | Beopjusa Temple | Rainbow Healing Center, Wine Tunnel, Korean Classical Music Experience Village, ILLITE Hotel | Fallen Flower Festival, Ieungdari Bridge, Presidential Archives | Yukgeori Market, Early Printing Museum, J-One Hotel |
| Gateway to central Korea | A thousand-year-old temple and UNESCO World Heritage Site | Relaxation and traditional gugak at the Yeongdong Rainbow Healing Tourist Site | Experience traditional nakhwa nori and Sejong’s urban culture | Local flavors and world-renowned documentary heritage |
A journey through the history of Catholicism in Korea, the host of WYD Seoul 2027, from historic Catholic sites to local culture and everyday experiences in Cheongju, Jecheon, Eumseong, and Dangjin.
| Cheongju → | Jecheon → | Eumseong → | Dangjin → | Cheongju |
| Cheongju International Airport | Baeron Holy Ground, Cheongpung Cable Car | Gamgok Cathedral, Factory Tour Center | Solmoe Martyrs Shrine | Yukgeori Market, Seongan-gil |
| Gateway to central Korea | Catholic heritage and scenic views of Cheongpungho Lake | A unique look at local churches and industrial sites | A pilgrimage site tracing the footsteps of Korea’s first priest, St. Andrew Kim Taegon | Everyday life in Cheongju through traditional markets and downtown streets |
A journey along Korea’s west coast exploring Catholic pilgrimage sites and historic landmarks, with time to relax by the sea and stroll through traditional gardens.
| Cheongju → | Dangjin → | Seosan → | Boryeong |
| Cheongju International Airport | Solmoe Martyrs Shrine, Silli Holy Ground, Myeoncheoneupseong Walled Town | International Shrine of Haemi Martyrs, Haemieupseong Walled Town | Galmaemot Martyrs Sacred Place, Sanghwawon |
| Gateway to central Korea | Explore Catholic pilgrimage sites and a Joseon-era walled town | Discover the history of martyrdom and the atmosphere of an old fortress town | Visit west coast pilgrimage sites and unwind in a traditional Korean garden |
A beauty and wellness getaway featuring K-beauty and shopping in Cheongju, followed by a relaxing soak at Suanbo Hot Springs in Chungju.
| ① Cheongju → | ② Cheongju → | Chungju |
| Cheongju International Airport | Wyne Plastic Surgery, OLIVE YOUNG on Seongan-gil, Connect Hyundai | Suanbo Hot Springs, YOUONEJAE |
| Gateway to central Korea | Medical tourism, K-beauty & K-fashion | Unwind in a centuries-old hot spring |
A flavorful journey through the central part of Korea, with hands-on food experiences in Jecheon, famous bakeries in Daejeon, and local specialties in Cheongju.
| Cheongju → | Jecheon → | Daejeon → | Cheongju |
| Cheongju International Airport | Gastro Tour, Cheongpung Cable Car | Sungsimdang, Hyundai Premium Outlet | Seongan-gil, Seomun Market |
| Gateway to central Korea | Savor local flavors with views of Cheongpungho Lake | Sample Daejeon’s famous baked goods and browse downtown shops | Taste Cheongju favorites like jjageuri (pork stew), jjoljol hotteok (sugar-filled pancake), and samgyeopsal (grilled pork belly) |
A colorful journey through the central part of Korea, with everything from karting and rowing to cave adventures, historic palace visits, and fortress walks.
| Cheongju → | Jeungpyeong → | Chungju → | Cheongju → | Gongju |
| Cheongju International Airport | Belle Foret Resort | Hwarok Cave, Jungangtap Park | Chojeong Haenggung, Chojeong Mineral Spring | Gongsanseong Fortress, Gongju Hanok Village |
| Gateway to central Korea | Unwind at a nature resort and try kart racing | Explore a unique cave and enjoy water sports on Tangeumho Lake | Visit a royal retreat linked to King Sejong and experience naturally carbonated mineral water | Discover Baekje heritage and the beauty of traditional hanok |
A well-rounded trip combining Daejeon’s food and science experiences with coastal activities in Boryeong and a relaxing nature escape in Taean.
| Cheongju → | Daejeon → | Boryeong → | Taean |
| Cheongju International Airport | Sungsimdang, KAIST, Expo Park | Muchangpo Beach | Taean Thalassotherapy Center, Sinduri Coastal Sand Dune |
| Gateway to central Korea | Taste Daejeon favorites like bread and kalguksu (noodle soup), then explore the city’s science attractions | Discover Boryeong’s famous mud culture and enjoy activities along the west coast | Slow down with wellness programs surrounded by Taean’s distinctive coastal scenery |
Daegu International Airport is a convenient starting point for exploring the southeastern part of Korea, with international flights connecting the city to China, Japan, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and more as well as domestic flights to Jeju. From here, travelers can explore downtown Daegu and venture farther into Gyeongsangbuk-do to cities such as Gyeongju, Andong, and Pohang.
View themed itineraries from Daegu International Airport
Theme ① Exploring History and Tradition ✅ Ancient Heritage & Traditional Culture | 3 Days in Daegu·Gyeongju·AndongA journey through Korea’s past—from Daegu’s arts and culture to Gyeongju’s Silla heritage and Andong’s well-preserved traditions.
| ① Daegu → | ② Daegu → | Gyeongju → | Andong |
| Daegu International Airport | Daegu Art Museum, Korean Traditional Culture Center | Solgeo Art Museum, Gyeongju National Museum, Gyochon Traditional Village | Seonseonghyeon Cultural Complex, Manhyujeong Pavilion |
| Gateway to the Gyeongsang region | Experience contemporary art and Korean traditions | Explore Silla art and history among traditional hanok | Experience Confucian culture in harmony with nature |
An in-depth journey through the arts and culture of Daegu and Gyeongsangbuk-do—from traditional art and performing arts to Confucian culture and Silla Buddhist heritage.
| ① Daegu → | ② Daegu → | Andong → | Gyeongju |
| Daegu International Airport | Kansong Art Museum Daegu, Daegu Opera House | Andong Hahoe Village, Byeongsanseowon Confucian Academy, Woryeonggyo Bridge | Bulguksa Temple, Seokguram Grotto, Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond |
| Gateway to the Gyeongsang region | Enjoy Korean classical art and performing arts | Explore UNESCO World Heritage sites with scenic views of the Nakdonggang River | Explore Silla Buddhist heritage and see ancient palace ruins lit up at night |
Experience contemporary K-culture through KBO baseball and theme parks in Daegu, along with live performances and music in Gyeongju.
| ① Daegu → | ② Daegu → | Gyeongju |
| Daegu International Airport | Daegu Dongseong-ro Street, Daegu Samsung Lions Park, E-World | Gyeongju Expo Grand Park, Gyeongju Tower, K Pop Museum |
| Gateway to the Gyeongsang region | Dive into city life with shopping, sports, and theme-park fun | Discover a different side of Gyeongju through performances, exhibitions, and Korean pop music |
A journey through the region’s signature flavors—from market favorites in Daegu to traditional liquor and local dishes in Andong, and Korean cuisine in Gyeongju.
| ① Daegu → | ② Daegu → | Andong → | Gyeongju |
| Daegu International Airport | Seomun Market, Daegu Modern History Streets, Korean Traditional Culture Center | Andong Gu Market, Andong Soju & Traditional Food Museum | Rasunjae, Gyochon Traditional Village, Yosukgung 1779 |
| Gateway to the Gyeongsang region | Sample market favorites and explore Daegu’s modern-era culture and traditions | Dive into Andong’s local cuisine and traditional drinks | Enjoy Gyeongju’s classic flavors in a traditional hanok setting |
A peaceful getaway through gardens, forests, traditional spaces, and temples, with time to relax and recharge along the way.
| ① Daegu → | ② Daegu → | Andong → | Gyeongju |
| Daegu International Airport | Sayuwon, S2BT Beaulounge | Andong Lakeside Recreational Forest, Seonseonghyeon Cultural Complex | Gyeongbuk Millennium Forest Garden, Golgulsa Temple |
| Gateway to the Gyeongsang region | Slow down amid beautiful architecture, gardens, and scenic views | Relax by the lake, in the forest, and among traditional cultural sites | Recharge on forest trails and experience Buddhist spiritual practices at a temple |
A seaside trip featuring a walk over the water in Pohang, a glimpse into the city’s maritime culture, and several historic sites along the coast of Gyeongju.
| Daegu → | Pohang → | Gyeongju |
| Daegu International Airport | Pohang Maritime Skywalk, Space Walk, National Lighthouse Museum | Tomb of King Munmu |
| Gateway to the Gyeongsang region | Walk over the sea and enjoy Pohang’s coastal views and maritime attractions | Discover the offshore tomb associated with Silla’s King Munmu |
- Q. Is it easy to get to nearby cities from Cheongju and Daegu International Airports by public transportation?
- A. Yes. From Cheongju International Airport, you can easily reach Osong Station for KTX trains or take an intercity bus to destinations across the Chungcheong region, including Daejeon and Sejong. Daegu International Airport is also close to Dongdaegu Station, served by KTX trains, and Dongdaegu Bus Terminal, making it easy to travel to Gyeongju, Andong, Pohang, and other cities in Gyeongsangbuk-do.
- Q. Can I do one of these itineraries in a single day?
- A. Each itinerary covers two to four nearby cities, so fitting every stop into one day would be difficult. It is better to narrow the trip down to the places that interest you most or plan for at least two nights.
- Q. Do I need a rental car if I’m visiting several cities?
- A. Public transportation works well within most cities, but renting a car or taking a tourist taxi can make it much easier to travel between cities and reach attractions outside the city center.
- Q. Where can I find the latest flight schedules for Cheongju and Daegu International Airports?
- A. Check the official Cheongju International Airport and Daegu International Airport websites, operated by Korea Airports Corporation, for real-time flight information.
- - Original article by Jung Won Park / Translated by KTO
- - Photos by Korea Tourism Organization and ClipartKorea
