Exploring Osong: A small town in ChungBuk
- May 18, 2024
- 5 min read
Hey everyone! So, my husband and I decided to take a spontaneous trip to Osong for the long weekend. With Children's Day being a public holiday, we thought it would be the perfect time to escape the city hustle and enjoy some peaceful suburban vibes. Although the hotel was a bit pricier due to the holiday, the promise of a relaxing retreat made it worth every penny.
On the 5th of May, we set off from our home in Dongtan, heading towards Osong. The drive covered a distance of 100 kilometers and took about 1.5 hours, costing us 4,000 won in tolls. We love long drives, and this one was no different. The scenery was beautiful, with lush green landscapes and quaint little towns along the way. Despite it being a public holiday, we didn't stop at any rest stops—we were too excited to get to our lunch spot!
We arrived at 우림칼국수 around 1 pm and, as expected on a holiday, there was a line. But don't worry, the wait was quick. A little tip for future visitors: make sure to take a number inside by the counter, or you might end up waiting for nothing. The service was fast and efficient, and the ambiance was warm and bustling. We loved the clean, oil-free floors though we had to remove our shoes—but that’s very common in some Korean eateries.
우림칼국수
The restaurant was packed, but we managed to snag a table. We ordered two portions of 칼국수 and a side of 보리밥 (for each) for 비빔밥. The 칼국수 was phenomenal—clear, savory broth with perfectly chewy noodles. The clean aftertaste made the dish even more enjoyable, earning it a solid five out of five from us.
The 보리밥 for 비빔밥 was also delicious, with its nutty flavor and wholesome texture.
But the real highlight was the side dishes, especially the cabbage kimchi 배추김치. Normally, I’m not a fan of 겉절이 (newly-made kimchi), but their version was so good it completely changed my mind. Fresh, crisp, and perfectly seasoned—kimchi lovers, this place is a must-visit!
충북 청주시 흥덕구 오송읍 쌍청2길 5
Closed on Mondays. (Also, they have some remodelling and construction scheduled for May 28-30 2024, and will reopen on the 31st.)
Checking In at 세종시티 오송호텔
After our amazing lunch, we headed to 세종시티 오송호텔 for check-in.
The hotel has a spacious underground car park, making parking a breeze. The lobby on the 1st floor was welcoming, with friendly staff who made the check-in process smooth and quick. Our room on the 11th floor offered a fantastic view of Osong City. The room was clean, spacious, and cozy, with a comfortable bed and a small two-person table by the side, perfect for a relaxing evening. The bathroom was spotless and well-maintained.
We spent some time unwinding in the room, enjoying the city view and the quiet ambiance. The hotel provided all the necessary amenities (except for toothbrush and toothpaste), including free Wi-Fi, two complimentary mineral water bottles in the small fridge, which made our stay even more comfortable.
충북 청주시 흥덕구 오송읍 오송생명로 178 세종시티 오송호텔
Shopping at Lotte Outlet in Cheongju
In the evening, we decided to explore the nearby Lotte Outlet in Cheongju. To be honest, the building felt quite old, and we didn’t spend much time exploring it. We only visited the Nike and Adidas outlets, we didn't buy anything at all. Both outlets had a decent selection of products, with some good deals on athletic wear and shoes. However, the rest of the outlet didn’t impress us much and felt rather lackluster. It seemed like the outlet could use some renovations to improve the overall shopping experience. 😅
We went back to our hotel right after this, and it started pouring, but the restaurant we planned to go a restaurant right behind our hotel. We brought our own umbrella but hotel staff kindly lent us umbrellas, which were much better than our small foldable ones.
충북 청주시 흥덕구 2순환로 1004
Dinner at 다낭
For dinner, we decided to try 다낭, a Vietnamese restaurant close to our hotel. With its high ratings and positive reviews, we had high expectations, and it did not disappoint at all. The atmosphere at 다낭 was cozy and inviting. Normally, the restaurant is crowded, but due to the heavy rain, it was less busy, so we were lucky to find a spot quickly. The service was excellent, and the staff were attentive and friendly. We walked there from our hotel, taking just about 30 seconds to a minute from the back door of the hotel lobby.
Instead of opting for the typical pho, we decided to try something different: Curry Phở and Bánh xèo.
The Curry Phở had a rich, flavorful broth with tender slices of meat and perfectly cooked noodles. It was very Southeast Asian, meaning it wasn't modified to suit Korean tastes. Of course, I added cilantro—twice, actually—free of charge. We also ordered a bowl of white rice, which was surprisingly free as well (tip!).
The Bánh xèo, a savory Vietnamese pancake, was crispy and filled with delicious ingredients. This was my first time trying banh xeo, and it was so good that I definitely want to go back again.
I was so impressed by 다낭 that it quickly became one of my top favourite restaurants. I even considered going there again for breakfast the next morning, but we had already planned our entire trip. Both my husband and I are Js in MBTI, so planning is second nature to us!
📍다낭
충북 청주시 흥덕구 오송읍 오송생명3로 65-22
Open everyday from 10:30am to 9:00pm
(Beware of break time on weekdays)
Second day
The next morning, we visited 오송시장, as we both love traditional markets. The parking building (공영주차장) was convenient and spacious. The market itself was bustling with energy, filled with colorful stalls and the enticing aroma of street food. We enjoyed exploring the various stalls and chatting with the friendly vendors. Unfortunately, it was the 6th of May, so there was no 오일장 (which happens every 4th, 9th, 14th, 19th, and so on). 오일장 is a larger market event that happens on these specific dates, mostly every 5 days, offering even more variety and excitement.
We also planned to have lunch at another restaurant, so we mainly did takeouts at the market:
국화빵 for snacking.
전통 파닭
Various fried foods from 청춘방앗간
We also heard about a restaurant named 광진짜장, known for its cheap Korean Chinese food. Although we didn't try it this time, it's definitely on our list for next time.
세종 조치원읍 조치원8길 42
Lunch at 부민시장
For lunch, we visited 부민식당, a 노포 (70-year-old restaurant). You know it's a really good restaurant when they only have two menu items. 부민식당 offers 물냉면 in two sizes (small for 8,000 won and large for 9,000 won) and 만두 (10 pieces for 6,000 won). The food was excellent and lived up to its reputation.
📍부민식당
세종 연동면 내송길 12
Open everyday from 11:00am to 7:00pm
Our trip to Osong was short but delightful. From the delicious meals at 우림칼국수 and 다낭 to the pleasant stay at 세종시티 오송호텔, every part of the trip was enjoyable. If you’re looking for a quick getaway in South Korea, I highly recommend visiting Osong. Whether you’re a foodie, a market lover, or just looking to relax, Osong has something to offer.
Tips for Travelers:
Remember to take a number at 우림칼국수 to avoid unnecessary waiting.
If visiting Lotte Outlet in Cheongju, focus on the key stores you’re interested in.
Don’t miss out on the Vietnamese cuisine at 다낭 near the hotel.
If you don’t own a car, consider renting one as it’s hard to travel around Osong without it. There are plenty of rental shops throughout Korea, so make sure to check them out before your trip.
Have you visited Osong or have any tips to share?
Leave a comment below and let me know your thoughts!
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