Cheongju Chojeong Mineral Spring: 600 years of mystery, a healing journey of the world’s 3 great mineral waters
Do you believe there’s a mysterious spring water in the world that can cure chronic diseases as if washed away and even make your skin smooth just by drinking it? In Cheongju, Chungcheongbuk-do, there is a special water that has proven its efficacy for over 600 years, attracting countless visitors. It is one of the world’s top three mineral waters, alongside Shastā in the U.S. and Apollinaris in Germany: Chojeong Medicinal Water.
This place, where cold, effervescent natural sparkling water gushes out at 8,500L per day, is more than just a spring; it’s a historic healing space that treated King Sejong the Great’s eye disease during the Joseon Dynasty. What secret could be hidden in this water that it has become people’s hope for centuries? Shall we explore its mysterious benefits and how to fully enjoy Chojeong Medicinal Water right now?
Not Just Water, A Healing Spring Steeped in 600 Years of History
Chojeong Medicinal Water is a wondrous gift of nature, where sterile carbonated water, rich in various minerals harmless to the human body, continuously gushes from a limestone layer 100m deep underground. It is particularly believed to contain a large amount of radium, which is known to be highly effective not only for eye diseases but also for skin conditions. Its efficacy has been recorded in ancient texts, and it has been renowned nationwide for a long time.
The Miraculous Efficacy That Cured Even the King’s Eye Disease
It is said that King Sejong the Great, the virtuous ruler of the Joseon Dynasty, personally visited this place and stayed for 60 days to treat his eye disease. It is truly remarkable to imagine the mystical power of this water, which even cured the eye disease of a king who strove to benefit his people widely. King Sejong the Great’s anecdote proves that Chojeong Medicinal Water is not just a simple spring, but a special place imbued with history and stories of healing.
- One of the World’s Top 3 Mineral Waters A natural sparkling water, counted among Shastā in the U.S. and Apollinaris in Germany.
- Rich in Minerals Sterile medicinal water gushing from deep underground, full of beneficial ingredients for the human body.
- Presumed Radium Content Known to be effective in improving eye diseases and skin conditions.
Experiencing Chojeong Medicinal Water with All Five Senses, How to Enjoy It?
At the well-maintained Chojeong Medicinal Water Spring, anyone can turn on the tap to taste the refreshing medicinal water or fill up their water bottles. The combination of tingling freshness and subtle minerals will offer a unique experience. Additionally, a foot bath area is available except during winter, allowing you to directly feel the efficacy of the medicinal water from your toes.
- Taste the Mysterious Sparkling Water Take a sip of the medicinal water flowing directly from the tap. The refreshing and clean taste of the sparkling water is excellent.
- Take Home the Invigorating Spring Water Prepare an empty bottle and fill it with the medicinal water. You can continuously enjoy the benefits of Chojeong Medicinal Water even at home.
- Relaxation Spreading from Your Toes Throughout Your Body In the foot bath area, open except during winter, soak your feet in the warm medicinal water to relieve travel fatigue. You can also expect a skin-soothing effect.
Medicinal Water Theme Travel, Along with Nearby Attractions
In this area, there are two beverage factories that use Chojeong Medicinal Water to manufacture and sell natural beverages. Discovering various products imbued with the medicinal water’s benefits will also be an interesting experience. There are also hot spring facilities nearby that utilize the medicinal water’s components, allowing you to plan an overnight trip for true healing of mind and body.
| Nearby Attractions | Features |
|---|---|
| Unbo’s House | An old house and art museum where you can glimpse the artistic world of painter Unbo Kim Ki-chang. |
| Cheongju Sangdangsanseong | A historic mountain fortress known to have been built during the Baekje period, featuring beautiful surrounding trails. |
| National Cheongju Museum | A national museum where you can see the history and culture of the Chungcheongbuk-do region at a glance. |
Chojeong Medicinal Water, The Road to the Mysterious Spring Water
Chojeong Medicinal Water, located in Chojeong-ri, Naesu-eup, Cheongwon-gu, Cheongju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do, can be easily found using navigation when driving. When using public transportation, there is a method of taking a bus towards Naesu-eup from Cheongju Intercity Bus Terminal and then transferring to a bus towards Chojeong Medicinal Water. Although located in a mountainous area, accessibility is not difficult, so please refer to this when planning your visit.
Tips for Visiting Chojeong Medicinal Water, Don’t Miss Out
Here are a few tips to help you enjoy Chojeong Medicinal Water more fully. Whether it’s a short visit or a long break, these small pieces of information will enrich your trip.
- Consider Your Visit Season The foot bath facility operates except during winter, so you should visit in warmer seasons to experience complete healing.
- Bring Your Own Water Bottle It’s convenient to prepare a clean, empty water bottle in advance so you can fill up on the medicinal water freely.
- Stay at Nearby Hot Springs If you want to experience the efficacy of the medicinal water more deeply, consider staying at a hot spring hotel or resort nearby that utilizes Chojeong Medicinal Water.
- Visit a Beverage Factory Don’t miss the pleasure of visiting a beverage factory located near the spring to taste and purchase various drinks made with Chojeong Medicinal Water.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What benefits is Chojeong Medicinal Water known for?
Chojeong Medicinal Water is known to contain a large amount of radium, which is highly effective in improving eye diseases, including various eye conditions, and various skin diseases. Additionally, being a sterile carbonated water rich in minerals, it can contribute to health promotion.
Q2. When can I use the Chojeong Medicinal Water foot bath facility?
The foot bath facility at Chojeong Medicinal Water Spring operates during the warmer seasons, excluding winter. It is recommended to check information related to Cheongju-si before visiting to confirm the exact operating period.
Q3. Is there a cost to drink or take Chojeong Medicinal Water with me?
At Chojeong Medicinal Water Spring, you can drink the medicinal water for free, and if you bring your own water bottle, the area is well-maintained for you to take the medicinal water home for free.
Q4. Are there accommodations near Chojeong Medicinal Water?
Yes, there are hot spring facilities nearby that utilize the components of Chojeong Medicinal Water. For relaxation of mind and body, we recommend staying at a hot spring hotel or resort.
Q5. What does Chojeong Medicinal Water taste like?
Chojeong Medicinal Water is a cold, natural sparkling water with a tingling freshness and a unique, subtle mineral taste. It will offer a distinct and refreshing experience, unlike regular mineral water.
