Happy TravellerWelcome to Mungyeong, a historic city located in North Gyeongsang Province, South Korea. Known for its scenic beauty and rich cultural heritage, Mungyeong is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered by travelers. The city’s name means ‘hearing good news’, and visitors are sure to experience just that during their stay. Let’s explore the many attractions and activities that make Mungyeong a must-visit destination.
History:
Mungyeong has a long and fascinating history, dating back to the Samhan period in the first centuries of the Common Era. The area was controlled by a mixture of Jinhan and Byeonhan states, and later came under the control of Silla. During the Joseon period, Mungyeong became part of Gyeongsang and the road from Seoul to Busan was established running over Mungyeong Saejae. Today, visitors can still see the gates that were erected on the road to control traffic and protect travelers from brigandage.
Geography and Climate:
Mungyeong extends a total of 40 km from west to east, and 37 from north to south. Its shape very roughly approximates a right triangle, with the hypotenuse corresponding to the peaks of the Sobaek mountains. The city’s highest point lies on this line, at 1161-meter Munsu peak of Worak Mountain in Dongno-myeon. Located in the shadow of the Sobaek mountains and west of the Taebaek Mountains, Mungyeong has a humid continental climate, but can be considered a borderline humid subtropical climate using the −3 °C isotherm.
Tourism:
Mungyeong is known for its various historic and scenic tourist attractions. By far the best-known of these around the country is Mungyeong Saejae, the mountain pass where the old road from Busan to Seoul passed over. Visitors can also explore the spectacular cliffs and escarpments created by millions of years of erosion, some of which have become major attractions for local tourism. The city is also home to Daeyasan Mountain Natural Recreation Forest, which offers breathtaking views and a chance to experience the natural beauty of the area. For those interested in history, Gwaneumsa temple, constructed in the Unified Silla period, is a must-visit destination. The temple, of which all but a few traces have vanished, was constructed near Haneuljae in present-day Mungyeong-eup. Visitors can also see the city’s historic gates, which were erected during the Joseon period to control traffic and protect travelers from brigandage.
Economy:
The Mungyeong economy during much of the 20th century was based on coal mining. However, these mines were closed in the 1980s, and since then the municipal government has focused on developing tourism, agriculture and light industry in the region. Because of its mountainous condition, most of Mungyeong’s land is unsuitable for farming. Nonetheless, the agricultural sector continues to play an important role in the local economy as well. Some local produce is sold directly in the area, but most is exported to major urban centers on South Korea. Orchard farming, particularly apple growing plays an important role, with 4.4 km2 of land devoted to orcharding. The local government has set up various institutions to promote agricultural and industrial development, including agro-industrial complexes located around the rural districts.
Conclusion:
Mungyeong is a city with a rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and mouthwatering local cuisine. Whether you’re interested in history,
