Cheongju, South Korea
A central Korean city known for its printing heritage, the Jikji metal type, and a growing biotech industry.
Overview
Cheongju is a city in CGB with a population of 850,000. A central Korean city known for its printing heritage, the Jikji metal type, and a growing biotech industry. Housing is more affordable than the national average. The overall cost of living is below the national average. Gardening thrives here — the 5a growing zone supports Cool — many vegetables, some fruit trees. A large share of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Reported crime rates are relatively low.
Last updated: August 30, 2026
Below Average vs South Korea Avg (100)
Affordable
Household income
Job market health
Cheongju vs South Korea Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 6.0%
- Sales Tax: 10.0%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: ₩32,000,000
- Unemployment: 4.0%
- Population: 850,000
Climate
- Sunny Days: 205/year
- Summer High: 86°F
- Winter Low: 22°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 5a
Housing
- Median Home: ₩190,000,000
- 1BR Rent: ₩290000/mo
Cost of Living
Cheongju's cost of living index is 69 (South Korea average = 100).
| Category | Cheongju | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 69 | 100 | -31.0% |
| Housing | 60 | 100 | -40.0% |
Data source: KOSIS / Numbeo, 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | ₩190,000,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | ₩290000/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | ₩362,500/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | ₩126,666 |
Data source: KB Kookmin Bank / Zigbang, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Cheongju:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | ₩50000 | |
| Heating & Cooling | ₩770 | Estimated based on local climate. |
| Cooling (AC) | ₩1 | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | ₩15000 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | ₩30000 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | ₩5000 | Private service |
| Total Utilities | ₩100771 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: KEPCO, Korea Water Resources, SK Broadband 2025
Remote Work Score
Cheongju scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Cheongju has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 42°F | 22°F | 2.5" |
| April | 71°F | 37°F | 2.8" |
| July | 86°F | 61°F | 1.5" |
| October | 66°F | 40°F | 2.2" |
Cool — many vegetables, some fruit trees
Natural Hazards
Cheongju faces the following natural hazards:
Significant typhoon risk.
Moderate seismic activity with occasional earthquakes.
Monsoon and typhoon floods.
South Korea experiences winter storms.
Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 6%
- Sales Tax: 10%
- Property Tax: ~0.3% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 4.0%.
Schools & Education
Academic Schedule
School year starts in March. Many students attend private academies (hagwons) after school.
Demographics
The population of Cheongju is diverse. The figures below show the ethnic, educational, and religious composition of the local population.
Ethnicity
Education
Religion
City-level demographic data is not available for this location. The figures shown are national averages, which may differ from actual conditions in this city.
Data source: Statistics Korea (2020)
Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Cheongju, South Korea?
The cost of living index in Cheongju is 69, which is Lower the South Korea national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Cheongju?
The median home price in Cheongju is ₩190,000,000. The housing index is 60.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Cheongju is approximately ₩290000/mo.
Does Cheongju, CGB have income tax?
Cheongju is in CGB, which has an income tax rate of 6%.
What is the climate like in Cheongju?
Cheongju enjoys approximately 205 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 86°F, while winter lows can drop to around 22°F.
Data Sources
- Cost of Living: KOSIS / Numbeo, 2026
- Housing Data: KB Kookmin Bank / Zigbang, 2026
- Income & Employment: Statistics Korea (KOSTAT) Labour Force Survey, 2024
- Utilities KEPCO, Korea Water Resources, SK Broadband 2025
Data last updated: September 13, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.