BBQ Picnic Party at the Club ES Resort in Northern Chungcheong - near Chungju Lake in Korea!

I had a conversation with Mr. Kim of the Korea Tourism Organization Cheongbuk-do Division while we were having a BBQ party and I asked him his favorite place in Korea and why. He told me he liked Jecheon because it's called the Healing City and it's very true for him. I guess that warrants a second look at the Northern Chungbuk Province on what cool things and experiences it has to offer. This province is located between Seoul and Busan and can be reached via Korail. We spent our last night at a Korean-style resort villa in the Club ES Resort near Chungju Lake. And I wouldn't mind going back to this place because I had some memorable experiences here ;) 

Many thanks to our wacky driver and guide ;)

Jeongnimsa Temple Site in Chungnam, 황금똑갈비 Ddukgalbi Lunch, Cheongpung Cultural Heritage Complex in Jecheon and the Chungju Lake Cruise in Chungbuk!

Our last day in the Southern Chungcheong Province ended with a trip to Jeongnamsaji. The Baekje Historic Area was recently inscribed on the UNESCO world heritage list just this May 2015! Our group then travelled all the way to the Northern Chungcheong Province after for 4 hours (with a lunch stop) and we took in the scenic route through a ferry ride in Chungju Lake. 

Interesting Places in Chungcheongnam-do and Chungcheongbuk-do near Seoul and Busan!

Fancy going on a Korea countryside experience? We were able to do this and more in around 2.5 days. Chungbuk Province (short for Chungcheongbuk-do) is around 1.5 hours away from Seoul via Korail (and Chungnam too) so it's not impossible to get there, probably more convenient to rent a car or tour company if you'd like to go to more places in this list. I would also like to introduce you to 2 condominium style resorts we stayed in both Chungnam and Chungbuk at for the whole package :)