Nightlife/Bars
Chungdae (충대)
Chungdae (pronounced "choong-day") is the most popular area to hang out in Cheongju. It's close to Chungbuk National University, so there's a young crowd, and lots of bars, restaurants, and noraebangs (singing rooms).
To get there in a taxi, say 충대 중문 ("choong-day joong-moon"). You should get dropped off near a Lotteria, Starbuck's, and Watson's.
Here are some bars that are foreigner favorites:
The Bugle (aka Pearl Jam)
The Bugle has been a staple foreigner bar in Cheongju for a long time (although it was previously called Pearl Jam and often still is). One of its biggest draws is the food: Mexican food, burgers, Philly cheese steaks, nachos, and more. Wednesday night are rib nights, where you can get a plate of ribs, fries, and a beer. There are quite a few nice beers on offer and Magner's cider. Happy hour is 11~12, when shots are 3,000 won.
Road King
Road King is a spacious foreigner bar with a good atmosphere. They have three types of Craftworks beer on tap and apple and pear ciders. They have a nice menu, including burritos and chili con carne. Wednesday is Wing Night, where you can get a basket of 10 hot wings or garlic wings for 7,000 won. There is sometimes live music on the weekends, and Open Mic nights on Thursdays.
MJs
MJs is a popular bar, especially for events and parties. The drink prices are great and even better during their two-hour-long happy hour, 11~1. They also have a roof-top, which is lovely during nice weather.
Buzz
Buzz is a great bar, especially for Friday and Saturday nights. It has a great cocktail menu with glowsticks in drinks! On weekends, there is usually a DJ and dancing.
Monster Pizza
A bar/restaurant with great drinks and excellent New York style pizza. They have a wide variety of nice, hard-to-find, imported beers and ciders available. It's a couple blocks down from Starbucks.
Nest 257
A new restaurant and bar run by local foreigner Ben Murray. They have delicious burgers, sandwiches, fries, and salads, as well as a nice beer and coffee selection. Nest is down a bit from Burger King, on the 2nd floor above Ebisu.
Mi-na-ne
A fun little bar that often hosts parties and ladies' nights. Located diagonally behind The Bugle/Pearl Jam, above the CU Mart.
Downtown/Shinae (시내)
Shinae is a great place for shopping, restaurants, and movies, but it does have some good bars, as well.
L Bow Room
A tiny bar with loads of atmosphere, L Bow Room recently opened in August 2013. The owner is friendly and speaks English. They offer craft beers and IPAs. Located a block behind Homeplus.
WFactory
A cool wine bar with a classy atmosphere, dim lighting, and tucked away corners The owner is a sommelier who did his training in France. It has a fairly decent wine list but the menu is nothing special. If you're walking towards Homeplus on the same road as CGV, it's the first left before the theater.
L Bow Room
A tiny bar with loads of atmosphere, L Bow Room recently opened in August 2013. The owner is friendly and speaks English. They offer craft beers and IPAs. Located a block behind Homeplus.
WFactory
A cool wine bar with a classy atmosphere, dim lighting, and tucked away corners The owner is a sommelier who did his training in France. It has a fairly decent wine list but the menu is nothing special. If you're walking towards Homeplus on the same road as CGV, it's the first left before the theater.
Geumcheon Square (금천광장)
Geumcheon-dong has this little gem of an area. It's a great spot for a night out when you're not feeling like Chungdae. The main action takes place around the "square," so that's the best thing to say to a taxi-- 금천광장, "Geum-cheon gwahng-jahng." From there you can take your pick of bars and restaurants.
MissnMix
A Western-style bar with a great cocktail menu. The owner speaks English and is really welcoming. It's right in the Square.
MissnMix
A Western-style bar with a great cocktail menu. The owner speaks English and is really welcoming. It's right in the Square.
Sannam-dong (산남동)
Urban Pub (formerly "Bunch of Carrots")
They have a rotating selection of nice beers, like Punk IPA, Sculpin, and Indica. It's located a block behind the Angel-in-Us near the Shinhan Bank on the main street in Sannam-dong.
The Key Craft-- Beer Taphouse
The Key Craft is a new craft beer pub in Sannam-dong. It's a big place, with about 19-20 taps, most are local/Korean craft beer for great prices. Most pours are between 6-9,000 won, and you can also get liter cans canned right there for take away! It's behind the building with Yonamja and S-Fit.
They have a rotating selection of nice beers, like Punk IPA, Sculpin, and Indica. It's located a block behind the Angel-in-Us near the Shinhan Bank on the main street in Sannam-dong.
The Key Craft-- Beer Taphouse
The Key Craft is a new craft beer pub in Sannam-dong. It's a big place, with about 19-20 taps, most are local/Korean craft beer for great prices. Most pours are between 6-9,000 won, and you can also get liter cans canned right there for take away! It's behind the building with Yonamja and S-Fit.