Mungyeong (문경) is located halfway between Seoul and Busan, in the central region of the country. It is most well-known for the Mungyeongsaejae Mountain Pass (문경새재), one of the main trade and travel routes of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). The mountain pass connected villages to the capital city, allowing not only the transportation of goods, but the spreading of culture from one area to the other. Mungyeong is full of cultural relics; the town even has a “Museum of Old Roads” by the entrance of Mungyeongsaejae Provincial Park, highlighting Mungyeong’s important past as the main bridge over the mountain.

The area is known for its long, proud tradition of ceramics and art. Ceramics masters pride themselves in preserving the old traditional process of producing pottery, down to traditional firing techniques. Artists in Mungyeong are also known for their quality brassware and traditional hanji paper crafts.

Mungyeong is an ancient town far from the big city. Drive just a few minutes from the city’s downtown area and you’ll soon find yourself deep in the countryside. The natural beauty of Mungyeong and its deep historical roots make it a welcoming oasis of refreshment for city-weary people all across the nation.

*Major sites

Perhaps some of the most impressive sights of Mungyeong are its quiet forests where new treasures are hidden in each bend of the winding mountain trail. Go along the Mungyeongsaejae hiking trail to take a walk through the forest or stay overnight at the Buljeong Recreational Forest (불정자연휴양림). For a unique tour experience, take the railway bike along the old railroad, which was once used for the transportation of coal.

1. Mungyeongsaejae Provincial Park

“Saejae (새재)” means “a mountain pass that is so high, even birds have trouble flying over.” As the name implies, Mungyeongsaejae is a very high and steep mountain pass. Once a strategically important military stronghold, the area is now a provincial park that encompasses Juheulsan (주흘산) and Joryeongsan (조령산) mountains, Gate 1 of Juheulgwan (주흘관), Gate 2 of Jogokgwan (조곡관), Gate 3 of Joryeonggwan (조령관), and forests that have remained relatively untouched by man. The Mungyeongsaejae Trail, which goes through part of the park, is 13 kilometers-long roundtrip (about 5 hours) and is a popular destination for active visitors. Those traveling along the trail will be treated to views of old pavilions, waterfalls, springs, and old taverns that were once visited by scholars on their way to the capital. Between Gates 1 and 2 is the KBS historical drama studio, a replication of a traditional village.

2. Mungyeong Rail Bike

The Mungyeong Rail Bike sits upon the tracks of a railroad that was used 20 years ago for the transportation of coal. Now used for recreational purposes only, the railroad is home to a number of specially-designed, pedal-operated “bikes” that give visitors a unique way to tour the area and get an open view of the surrounding river and country road. The track starts at Jinnam or Buljeong stations and is four kilometers round trip. It is a leisurely ride with only a few small inclines (50 minutes round trip, including the 10-minute break mid-way).