Dr. Han Beum Deuk has served as the Mayor of Cheongju from July 2010 to the present. Previously he served as President of Mirae Science Research Institute in 2009; Vice-Minister II, Ministry of Government Administration & Home Affairs in 2007; Lieutenant Governor for Political Affairs, Chungcheongbuk-do Provincial Office in December 2003; Director of Planning & Management, Chungcheongbuk-do Provincial Office in July 2003 and Head of Chungcheongbuk-do Bio Industry Corporation in January 2003. Dr. Han also served as Secretary General of Osong International Bio Exposition in 2001; served in the Secretary's Office, Cheongwadae (President's Office) in 1998; and Executive Officer of Daedeok-gu, Daejeon in 1994. In 1979 he passed the 22nd Higher Civil Service Examination.

Dr. Han majored in Asian History, Seoul National University; received a Master of Public Administration, Cheongiu University; and a Ph.D. In Public Administration from Chungbuk National University.

He has received the Minister of Culture & Public Information Award in 1982; Prime Minister Award in 1991 and the Hongjo Geunjeong Medal in 2003.