Cheongju Jungang Park (청주 중앙공원)

Cheongju Jungang Park is the central downtown park of Cheongju, Chungcheongbuk-do, anchored by the famous Cheongju Apsabal — the over-thousand-year-old zelkova tree that has stood at the heart of the old city since the late Goryeo period and is now designated a Natural Monument. The park sits inside what was once the inner walled city of Cheongju and several Joseon-era civic monuments stand around the great tree: a stele pavilion, a memorial monument to the Eulsa Restraint petition, and stone markers connecting the modern park to the old administrative center. The park is small enough to absorb in 30–45 minutes and works as a quiet downtown break for travelers exploring central Cheongju, pairing naturally with the Munhwa Jejochang culture complex and the Heungdeoksa-ji ruins.