Cheongju Airport Guide 2026: How to Get to Seoul, Exchange Money, and More
Transportation, currency exchange, tax refund, food options, and useful airport tips for international travelers
- 1. How do you get from Cheongju Airport to Seoul?1
- 2. How do you get from Seoul to Cheongju Airport?
- 3. What should you know before using Cheongju Airport?2
- 4. How do you get around Cheongju from the airport?
- 5. Where can you go from Cheongju Airport besides Seoul?
- FAQ
Planning to travel through Cheongju Airport? Here’s what you actually need to know before you go.
I recently passed through Cheongju Airport and realized it works quite differently from larger airports like Incheon. The airport is much smaller, which makes it easier to navigate, but it also means fewer services and options overall.
If you're heading to Seoul or nearby cities, it’s helpful to understand how transportation, currency exchange, tax refunds, and key facilities work in advance. Some things are more limited than you might expect, while others are simpler and more convenient.
In this guide, I’ll walk through the most useful and up-to-date information based on that experience, including how to get to Seoul, what to expect at the airport, and which older travel tips are no longer reliable.
1. How do you get from Cheongju Airport to Seoul?
Cheongju Airport⇋Seoul Bus Tickets｜Reserve
Cheongju Airport is relatively small and has only Gate 1 to Gate 3. If you want to take the bus to Seoul go straight to Gate 1. If you want to exchange currency first head to Gate 3 and find Shinhan Bank. It is the only place where you can exchange currency in Cheongju.
If you are taking the bus from Gate 1, remember to buy a ticket first, since you cannot use T-money card for express buses (you can use T-money for other Cheongju buses). I have sorted out the latest information on Cheongju transportation. I recommend that you make a reservation for the ticket, since they almost always run out 1 hour before the departure.
📍 Departure from Cheongju Airport
Boarding: Bus Stop No.1 in front of Gate 1
Depart from Cheongju Airport (to Seoul Express Bus Terminal) | |
08:55 | 09:35 |
11:35 | 14:25 |
14:55 | |
Bus stop: In front of Gate 1. Schedules may change, so please check the latest information at the ticket machine.
As you can see that there are very few shifts, so it is necessary for you to book a ticket.
Next to Gate 1, there is a self-service machine to buy tickets. You can choose the language, and use cash or credit card. If you don't want to book beforehand, you can try your luck here.
Some foreign credit cards may not work at self-service ticket machines, so it’s a good idea to prepare cash as a backup.
I made the reservation before visiting, and I got the QR code on my phone. I can just tag the QR code when I get on the bus.The bus will arrive on time, and it will arrive at the Bus Stop 1 outside of Gate 1.
It takes about 1.5 hours from Cheongju to Seoul. Sometimes there is traffic jam from Cheongju to Seoul, so when you are making a schedule make it a bit loose.
[스팟] Express Bus Reservation: Seoul ↔️ Cheongju Airport
2. How do you get from Seoul to Cheongju Airport?
Seoul⇋Cheongju Airport Bus Tickets｜Reserve
📍 Departure from Seoul Express Bus Terminal
- Address: 176 Sinbanpo-ro, Seocho-gu, Seoul
- Transportation: Subway Lines 3, 7, 9 (Express Bus Terminal Station)
- Boarding: Central Terminal / Honam Line
| Depart from Seoul Express Bus Terminal (to Cheongju Airport) | |
| 07:40 (Weekdays only) | 08:20 |
| 10:50 | 11:50 |
| 13:50 | 14:45 |
| 16:50 | 18:10 (Weekdays only) |
| 18:20 (Weekends) | 19:00 |
| 20:10 | 20:50 |
When you are taking the bus from Express Bus Terminal Station, you need to get to Exit 2 or 7 and get to Honam line (호남선) or the Central Terminal.
If you walk straight you will get inside the department store building. Don't worry and just keep ahead.
There are many platform gates. Just find the gate listed on your bus ticket!
 |  |
Basically, the trains to Cheongju depart from gate 11, but you need to check your ticket to make sure. You can ask the staff about the contents of the ticket. Bus normally arrives 5 minutes prior to departure, so you can get on the bus then.
3. What should you know before using Cheongju Airport?
The scale of Cheongju airport is very small, and you won't get lost in here. Still, I have gathered information about currency exchange and tax refunds which will come in handy for everyone.
- Cheongju Airport Currency Exchange
Currency Exchange at Cheongju Airport only offers service from Shinhan Bank. If you are traveling through Cheongju, it is better to exchange money from your home country or arriving in Seoul than in Cheongju Airport.
- Cheongju Airport Tax Refund
Tax refund procedures at Cheongju Airport may be more limited than at larger airports. Depending on the current setup, travelers may need to use a staffed counter or follow additional steps before departure.
Because operating details can change, it’s best to arrive early and check the latest tax refund process at the airport on the day of your flight.
Also, there aren't much foreign travelers in Cheongju, so the service is not as perfect in Seoul.
Editor Tip: Because Cheongju Airport is smaller than Incheon, don’t assume every service will work the same way. For tax refund and exchange services, it’s best to leave extra time and double-check the latest operating details before your flight.
- Cheongju Airport Restaurant / Shop
Based on the airport food map available at Cheongju Airport during my visit, the dining options are more varied than many travelers might expect from a smaller regional airport.
On the 2nd floor duty-free area, there are spots like A Twosome Place for coffee and dessert, as well as Hanwadam for Korean food. In the 2nd floor general area, travelers can find several additional options, including Beurre Beurre, No Brand Burger, Gontran Cherrier, and FLAVOUR 6, which appears to operate as a food court.
- Cheongju Other Services
The tourist information office of Cheongju offers simple consultation. However, if you are here too late or early, there will be no staff available.
Those who want to do automatic customs clearance, there is the Cheongju Immigration Office in gate 3. You can apply for it 09:00 ~ 18:00 on weekdays.
Cheongju Airport also offers a few practical services for travelers, including basic information support and luggage storage.
If you have time before your flight or don’t want to carry your bags around, the luggage storage service can be helpful for short-term use.
If you need portable internet during your trip, the airport also has a Wi-Fi Dosirak service point where travelers can rent or return pocket Wi-Fi devices. This can be especially useful if you want a stable internet connection right after arrival or before departure.
As with other airport services, operating hours and availability may vary, so it’s best to check the details directly on-site.
[스팟] WIFI Dosirak eSIM | Unlimited, Convenient Data
[스팟] WIFI Dosirak | Portable WIFI
4. How do you get around Cheongju from the airport?
When I visited Cheongju before I never cross the road before, since there were all the long-distance buses on this side of the road. After crossing the road I could take the buses running within the city.
Basically, the buses keep the time table. You can look up the time table for the bus you need and schedule your trip.
In case the bus doesn't arrive on time there is a electronic sign at each terminals so you can estimate the arrival time.
5. Where can you go from Cheongju Airport besides Seoul?
In addition to Seoul, intercity bus routes from Cheongju Airport may also be available to nearby cities such as Cheonan, Chungju, Daejeon, and Yuseong. Be sure to check the latest schedules before traveling.
From Cheongju to Cheonan & Chungju (latest)
From Cheongju to Daejeon & Yuseong (latest)
FAQ
Q. Is Cheongju Airport a good alternative to Incheon Airport?
A. It can be a convenient option for some travelers, especially if you find a better flight route or fare. It is smaller and easier to navigate, but facilities are more limited than Incheon.
Q. How do I get from Cheongju Airport to Seoul?
A. One of the most common options is the intercity bus to Seoul. Depending on traffic and your destination, the trip can take around 1.5 hours or longer.
Q. Can I exchange money at Cheongju Airport?
A. Yes, but exchange options are limited. It’s better to exchange only what you need at the airport and use better exchange options later if possible.
Q. Is tax refund available at Cheongju Airport?
A. Yes, but procedures may differ from larger airports. It’s best to arrive early and check the current tax refund process before departure.
Q. What food options are available at Cheongju Airport?
A. Food choices are limited compared to larger airports, so it’s a good idea not to rely on having many late-night or early-morning options.
Q. What is the best train option from Cheongju Airport to Seoul?
A. Many travelers use Osong Station as the nearest KTX connection point. From the airport, you can reach Osong by bus, train, or taxi depending on your schedule.
Cheongju Airport can be a practical option if you’re looking for a smaller airport with direct access to Seoul and nearby cities. Just keep in mind that facilities are more limited than at larger airports, so planning transportation, exchange, and refund-related steps in advance will make your trip much smoother.
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