Chojeong then and now: following King Sejong’s visit

Chojeong in Cheongju has a story about water and a visit by King Sejong. There is a long gap between the 1444 record and the complex travelers visit today. Knowing that helps you understand what you are looking at.

A visit recorded in 1444

The Annals of the Joseon Dynasty contain records of Sejong’s visit to Chojeong and its water in 1444. A royal journey becomes more tangible when it leaves a specific place name you can still look up.

The complex you can visit today

The present Chojeong Haenggung was recreated in 2020. It is not a set of surviving original buildings, nor should its exact historical location be treated as fully established. You are visiting a modern interpretation of the records.

Read the story as you walk

Look at how the site explains the old accounts and represents them in its spaces. Start with why Sejong came here. Historical references to water are not evidence for a present-day health benefit.

A modern bottle is another story

Current drinks using Sejong’s name, such as Sejong Eoju takju, need their own product information. The name does not prove the king drank that product. The historical visit and a modern drink can each be interesting on their own.