Mungyeong Voyage Tips and guide

Mungyeong is a city of 77,000 people (2011) in North Gyeongsang. Also, mungyeong is a city in northwestern Gyeongsangbuk-do.

Map of Mungyeong

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.

Mungyeong has a temperate climate characterized by four distinct seasons. Winters (December to February) are cold and dry, with average temperatures ranging from -7.3°C to 5.8°C, and minimal precipitation, often in the form of light snow. Spring (March to May) is mild and gradually warms, with temperatures rising from around -0.8°C to 23.5°C; rainfall increases moderately during this period. Summers (June to August) are hot and humid, with high temperatures peaking at 30.4°C in August, and the highest precipitation of the year, especially in July and August due to the East Asian monsoon. Autumn (September to November) is cool and dry, with temperatures falling from 25.2°C in September to 11.7°C in November, and relatively low rainfall. Overall, Mungyeong experiences significant seasonal variation in both temperature and precipitation, typical of inland regions in central South Korea. The climate has an average annual temperature of 11.9°C, a maximum temperature of 34.2°C, a minimum temperature of -12.4°C, precipitation of 1,205.4 mm (based on normal values), and an average snowfall of 215 mm, indicating a continental climate.

Mungyeong, located in the central part of Gyeongsangbuk-do, has long been a significant transportation hub connecting the northern and southern regions of the Korean Peninsula. During the Silla Kingdom, the area served as a strategic outpost between the eastern capital of Gyeongju and the western provinces.

Throughout the Goryeo and Joseon periods, Mungyeong prospered as a market town and postal relay point. The Mungyeong Saejae Pass, established during the Joseon Dynasty, became one of Korea’s most important mountain passes, facilitating trade and communication between the capital and the southern regions.

In modern times, the city's growth accelerated with the development of the Gyeongbu Railway, which connected it to major cities. The establishment of the Mungyeong Coal Mine in the 20th century further contributed to the region's economic development.

Today, Mungyeong is recognized for its rich cultural heritage, including the well-preserved Mungyeong Saejae Provincial Park, and continues to be a vital part of Korea's historical landscape.

Express and intercity buses (Mungyeong Bus Terminal). The terminal has frequent services to major cities across Korea.

• Seoul (Dong Seoul Terminal) – about 2 hr 30 min
• Busan – about 3 hr 30 min
• Daegu – about 1 hr 10 min
• Daejeon – about 2 hr
• Andong – about 1 hr 30 min
• Gwangju – about 3 hr 30 min

Mungyeong is connected by the Jungang Line at Jeomchon Station (점촌역).

36.595608128.2033531 Jeomchon Station (점촌역), 1 Jeomchon-ro, Mungyeong-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do (Connected by the Jungang Line). The main railway station serving Mungyeong. Trains on the Jungang Line connect to Seoul (about 2h 30min by ITX-Saemaeul), Andong (1h), Yeongju (40min), and Daegu (1h 30min via connecting lines). The nearest KTX stop is Gimcheon–Gumi Station, about 40 minutes away by car or bus.  

There is no airport in Mungyeong. The nearest major airport is Daegu International Airport, about 1 hr 20 min away by car or bus. Alternatively, Cheongju International Airport and Incheon International Airport are reachable within 2–3h by bus or car.

Mungyeong is accessible via the Jungbu Naeryuk Expressway (Route 45) and the Jungang Expressway (Route 55).

• From Seoul – about 2 hr 30 min (via Jungbu Naeryuk Expressway)
• From Daegu – about 1 hr
• From Busan – about 3 hr
• From Daejeon – about 2 hr

• 36.5868128.16692 Jeomchon Intercity and Express Bus Terminal (city center). (updated Jul 2021)
• 36.595608128.2033533 Jeomchon Train Station. (updated Jul 2021)

• Daeyasan Mountain Natural Recreation Forest
• Mungyeongsaejae Provincial Park
• Mungyeongsaejae Open Set
• 36.72988128.1091141 Mungyeong Spa (문경종합온천), 24, Oncheon 2-gil, Mungyeong-eup, ☏ +82 2-54-571-2002. A huge hot spring complex that can accommodate up to 2,5000 people at one time. ₩7,000. (updated Oct 2020)
• Mungyeong Flying Land
• 36.680757128.1367542 Patriot Park Yeol Memorial Hall (박열의사 기념관), 44 Saemgol-gil, Maseong-myeon, ☏ +82 54-572-3396. 09:00-18:00 (closed M). The size of memorial hall takes you by surprise. It contains detailed and interesting information about Korea's independence activists. (updated Oct 2020)
• Buljeong Recreational Forest
• Mungyeong Saejae Four Season Sledding Slope
• 36.652791128.0613513 Mungyeong Eco Rala & Coal Museum (문경에코월드), 432-5 Wangneung-ri, Gaeun-eup, ☏ +82 54-572-6854. 09:00-18:00 (closed M). A museum with a nostalgic theme, dedicated to the miners who once worked in the area. (updated Oct 2020)
• 36.653739128.0618124 Mungyeong Eco Museum (문경석탄박물관), 45 Saejae 1(il)-gil, ☏ +82 54-550-8383. Daily 09:00-18:00. An interactive museum that children will enjoy. Be sure to watch the movie in the 4D theater. (updated Oct 2020)
• Mungyeong Youth Training Center

• Mungyeong Tourist Shooting Range
• Mungyeong Leisure Town
• Mungyeong Rail Bicycle

Mungyeong’s small design and souvenir shops reflect the region’s natural scenery and traditional charm through creative, handmade goods. Many stores are run by local artists and young creators who produce postcards, pottery, keychains, tote bags, and other handcrafted items inspired by the area’s heritage. These shops often blend gallery and café atmospheres, offering visitors an intimate way to experience the city’s culture beyond typical sightseeing.

• 36.604128.1861 Artiatti (아티아띠), 5 Jeomchon 1-gil (From Mungyeong Station, take a taxi or local bus toward Jeomchon / downtown. Head toward Mungyeong Youth Center; the shop is located on the 4th floor, room 405.), ☏ +82 50-7-1400-0606, [email protected]. 12:00 – 18:00 (Monday to Saturday). A small design goods shop offering handmade stationery, keychains, postcards, and local crafts. Artiatti emphasizes creative, minimalistic designs inspired by Mungyeong’s culture, and serves as both a local creator hub and gift boutique. (updated Oct 2025)
• 36.5958128.19922 LORO (로로), 55 Jeomchon-ro (From Mungyeong Station, take a taxi toward downtown Jeomchon (about 3 km). The shop is located along Jeomchon-ro, near the café district and within walking distance of Mungyeong City Hall.), ☏ +82 10-7140-2729. 11:00 – 19:00 (Tuesday – Sunday, closed on Mondays). A local design and souvenir shop that features creative goods inspired by Mungyeong. LORO offers postcards, keyrings, eco-bags, mugs, and magnets made by local artists. It serves as a small cultural hub for travelers looking for modern interpretations of traditional Mungyeong themes. (updated Oct 2025)

Mungyeong is famous for its clean mountain environment and high-quality local produce. The region’s signature specialties include omija (five-flavor berry), shiitake mushrooms, apples, and yakdol rice grown in mineral-rich soil. These ingredients are widely used in traditional drinks, desserts, and processed gift sets. Visitors can find omija teas and juices, dried mushrooms, and other artisanal food products at local markets and direct sales centers throughout the city.

• 36.594128.1933 Horong Store (호롱상회), 910 Saejae-ro, Mungyeong-eup (From Mungyeong Station, take a taxi or local bus toward Mungyeong Saejae (about 20 km). After arriving at the Saejae entrance, walk along Saejae-ro where local souvenir shops are clustered; Horong Store is located on the first floor of a small building near the special product market area.), ☏ +82 10-2507-0183. A small ceramic and souvenir shop located at the entrance of Mungyeong Saejae Provincial Park. The store offers handmade pottery, mugs, and locally inspired crafts. Visitors can browse unique items reflecting Mungyeong’s traditional ceramic culture, and occasionally watch the artisan at work. (updated Oct 2025)
• 36.5946128.19934 Mungyeong Agricultural & Specialty Products Market (Saejae Direct Sales Center) (문경 농특산물 직판장), 935 Saejae-ro, Mungyeong-eup (From Mungyeong Station, take a taxi or local bus heading toward Saejae (about 20 km). When you get near the Saejae entrance, follow Saejae-ro until you reach a cluster of specialty shops; the direct sales center is located along Saejae-ro at number 935.), ☏ +82 54-571-9600. 09:00 – 18:00 (year-round). This is the main direct sales center for agricultural and specialty products in Mungyeong, located in the Saejae area. The market features local produce such as omija (five-flavor berry) in various forms (juice, dried, extracts), premium shiitake mushrooms and related products, traditional food items, and regional gift sets. Visitors can sample or purchase fresh goods and artisanal food products representing Mungyeong’s agricultural heritage. (updated Oct 2025)
• 36.544128.1355 Eune Market (으네마켓), 127 Dongseong-gil, Maseong-myeon (From Mungyeong Station, take a taxi or local bus toward Maseong area (approx. distance). At Maseong-myeon, head toward Dongseong-gil and follow the road to number 127. The shop is located along Dongseong-gil in a small building, and signage for “Eune Market” is visible.), ☏ +82 50-7-1390-5117, [email protected]. 10:00 – 18:00 (every day). Eune Market is a dessert & gift shop specializing in products made with local ingredients like omija (five-flavor berry), apples, and regional flavors. Its product line includes omija breads, omija wafer sandwiches, jam-infused goods, and packaged gift sets. The store blends café-style ambiance with retail, often appealing to travelers seeking edible souvenirs of Mungyeong. (updated Oct 2025)
• 36.5947128.19946 Saejae Mall (Mungyeong Love Saejae Market) (문경사랑 새재장터), 935 Saejae-ro, Mungyeong-eup (From Mungyeong Station, take a taxi or local bus toward Mungyeong Saejae (about 20 km). After arriving at the Saejae entrance, walk along Saejae-ro past the main souvenir shops; Saejae Mall is located near the agricultural specialty market area along the main road.), ☏ +82 54-571-6421, [email protected]. 10:00 – 18:00 (Closed on Sundays and public holidays). A government-supported specialty market and online store operated by Mungyeong City and the Mungyeong Tourism Corporation. Saejae Mall sells a wide range of regional products such as omija (five-flavor berry) drinks, dried omija, apples, mushrooms, and traditional Korean snacks. Visitors can purchase authentic local goods in person or order them online for nationwide delivery. (updated Oct 2025)
• 36.5955128.19657 Omynara (오미나라), 609 Saejae-ro, Mungyeong-eup (From Mungyeong Station, take a taxi toward Mungyeong Saejae (about 20 km). Follow Saejae-ro to number 609; Omynara is located near the entrance of the Saejae area.), ☏ +82 54-572-0601. 10:00–12:00 / 13:00–17:00 (Closed on Mondays). A winery shop specializing in omija (five-flavor berry) wine and local specialty liquors. Visitors can purchase a range of bottled wines, liqueurs, and omija-based gift sets made from berries grown in Mungyeong. The on-site store offers limited editions and premium products that represent the region’s signature flavor. (updated Oct 2025)

Mungyeong has several large supermarkets where visitors can buy groceries, snacks, and daily necessities. Homeplus Mungyeong Branch and No Brand stores (operated by Emart) are the main options in the city. These markets provide a convenient place to shop for both local products and general goods, often including regional specialties such as omija drinks and local fruits.

• 36.5874128.19078 Homeplus Mungyeong (홈플러스 문경점), 65 Mojeon-ro (From Mungyeong Station, take local bus or taxi toward Mojeon-dong. Homeplus is located along Mojeon-ro, near the city’s main shopping district.), ☏ +82 54-559-8000. 10:00 – 22:00. A large supermarket / hypermarket chain selling a full range of groceries, household goods, electronics, and local specialty products. Homeplus Mungyeong offers a one-stop shopping experience for both daily necessities and regional souvenirs, making it convenient for travelers wanting to pick up snacks, local produce, or packaged goods. (updated Oct 2025)
• 36.59122128.187099 No Brand Mungyeong Mojeon Branch (노브랜드 문경모전점), 242 Danggyeo-ro, Mojeon-dong (From Mungyeong Station, take a taxi or local bus toward Mojeon area. Follow Danggyeo-ro to number 242 in Mojeon-dong. The store is along a main road in the Mojeon neighborhood.), ☏ +82 54-553-8899. 10:00 – 22:00. A discount supermarket branch of the No Brand chain, offering groceries, daily necessities, and a selection of packaged local products. It’s a convenient spot for larger shopping needs while visiting Mungyeong. (updated Oct 2025)
• 36.604128.1910 No Brand Mungyeong Central Market Branch (노브랜드 문경중앙시장점), 25 Jungang Market-gil, Jeomchon-dong (From Mungyeong Station, head into Jeomchon’s central market area. The store is located on Jungang Market-gil near the main commercial street, integrated with the traditional market buildings.), ☏ +82 54-555-6103. 10:00 – 19:00. A supermarket branch located within the central market district, offering a variety of grocery items, household goods, and packaged local products. It provides convenient access for both locals and tourists to shop for everyday needs and souvenirs while exploring the market. (updated Oct 2025)

Mungyeong is well known for its pristine mountains and forests, which provide an abundance of fresh ingredients. The region is especially famous for mountain vegetables, traditional teas, and local specialties that reflect the clean environment of the Sobaek mountain range. Visitors can experience both rustic Korean flavors and unique regional dishes that are difficult to find elsewhere. The following are representative specialties of Mungyeong.

• San-namul (Mountain vegetables). Thanks to the unspoiled forests of Mungyeong, the area is renowned for its wide variety of wild greens harvested in spring and early summer. These vegetables are typically served as bibimbap, namul side dishes, or pancakes. Restaurants such as Songnaechon Sannamulbap specialize in these dishes, offering healthy and earthy flavors.

• Omija (Schisandra berries). Mungyeong is one of the leading producers of omija, a fruit known as the "five-flavor berry." Locals make omija tea, juice, and even omija makgeolli (rice wine). The berry’s unique sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and spicy profile makes it a popular specialty, and omija drinks are especially refreshing in the summer.

• Yakdol makgeolli. This traditional rice wine, made with local glutinous rice and pure mountain spring water, has a clean taste and is slightly sweeter than standard makgeolli. It is a favorite drink to accompany hearty regional meals and is often enjoyed with mountain vegetable dishes or jeon (Korean pancakes).

• Mungyeong Apple. The highland climate with large daily temperature differences produces crisp, sweet apples. Mungyeong’s apples are recognized throughout Korea for their excellent quality, often featured in gift sets. The apple harvest season is in autumn, making it a perfect time to taste freshly picked fruit.

• 36.5994128.0151 Minji Song-eojang (민지송어장), Minji-gil 68-15, Gaeun-eup (From Mungyeong Station (문경역): head south towards National Route 34, then take Regional Road 34 → turn onto local roads towards Gaeun-eup → follow signs to “민지길 (Minji-gil)” until you reach No. 68-15; the restaurant has its own parking.), ☏ +82 54-571-3106. 11:00 - 20:00 (last order 19:00). Minji Song-eojang is a trout restaurant located in Gaeun-eup, Mungyeong. They specialise in fresh trout dishes (sashimi, fry, cutlet, sushi, stew). It has its own trout farm, free parking, and is well-known to locals and travelers. Trout sashimi ~₩34,000; Trout fry ~₩34,000; Trout cutlet ~₩15,000; Trout sushi/roll ~₩15,000; Stew (Maeuntang) ~₩3,000; Rice ~₩1,000. (updated Sep 2025)
• 36.7612128.07712 Mokryeon Garden (문경새재 목련가든), 31, Saejae-2-gil, Mungyeong-eup (From Mungyeong Station (문경역): head toward Mungyeong-eup, then follow signs for Mungyeongsaejae (문경새재) → enter 문경새재 Provincial Park → Mokryeon Garden is located immediately at Entrance Parking Lot No. 1 (제1주차장) on Saejae-2-gil.), ☏ +82 54-572-1940. 08:00 - 20:00. Mokryeon Garden is a Korean food restaurant in Mungyeong’s Saejae area, located at Entrance Parking Lot No.1 of Mungyeongsaejae Provincial Park. It offers traditional Korean dishes including grilled meats (석쇠구이), 산채비빔밥, 전골, 정식 한상 차림, 냉면 등. It opens early at 8:00, making it a good breakfast or early meal spot for tourists visiting the trail. Gochujang Grilled Set Meal is available for ₩15,000, Wild Vegetable Bibimbap for ₩10,000, and Freshwater Spicy Fish Stew for ₩55,000. The Magnolia Set Meal is offered at ₩18,000, while Cold Noodles are ₩10,000 and Spicy Cold Noodles cost ₩12,000. A variety of hot pots, pancakes, and grilled dishes are also available. (updated Sep 2025)
• 36.7101128.11343 HanGukGwan SikDang (한국관식당), 5 Bongmyeong-gil, Maseong-myeon, ☏ +82 54-572-5050. 07:00–22:00 (Open daily). Korean Gwan Sikdang is a traditional Korean restaurant offering meals with rice, soup, and various side dishes (banchan). It often features Korean BBQ, where diners grill meats like bulgogi or pork belly at the table. The restaurant provides a communal and flavorful dining experience reflecting Korean culinary traditions. Korean Gwan Sikdang offers traditional Korean dishes such as grilled meats, stews, and banchan, with prices ranging around ₩10,000–₩20,000 per meal. (updated Sep 2025)
• 36.7514128.08414 Familia (파밀리아), 30, Hapusil-gil, Mungyeong-eup (From Mungyeong Station, take a taxi or local bus toward 문경읍. Continue toward 문경새재 direction. Once in 문경읍, head along Hapusil-gil until you reach number 30. The restaurant is visible from the road and has a large parking lot.), ☏ +82 507-1402-4717. 11:00-21:00 daily except Wednesday. Familia is a charming Italian-style restaurant set in a hanok-inspired building in 문경새재 area. The setting is picturesque, with a lovely garden and ample parking, making it a relaxing spot for lunch or dinner. The menu includes pasta, risotto, steak, pizza, and salads. Signature dishes such as “트러플 쑥 크림 파스타 (Truffle Mugwort Cream Pasta)”, “부채살 수비드 스테이크 (Flatiron Sous-Vide Steak)”, and “흑미 필라프 (Black Rice Pilaf)” are well praised. It’s a popular place for family meals and dates, especially during nice weather. entree / main course ~ KRW 13,000-33,000. (updated Sep 2025)
• 36.6459128.1675 Songnaechon Sannamulbap (송내촌산나물밥), 25-1, Gayeol-2-gil, Hogyemyeon (From Mungyeong Station (문경역), take a taxi or bus toward 호계면 (Hogye-myeon). After entering 호계면, follow signs toward 견탄리 (Gyeontan-ri). The road 가열2길 (Gayeol-2-gil) leads to 25-1. The restaurant is tucked in the village; there is a 공용주차장 (public parking) at 견탄1리, then it's a short walk.), ☏ +82 507-1333-4431. 11:00-20:00 daily except Monday; break time 15:30-16:30; last order 19:00. Songnaechon Sannamulbap is a rustic, homey Korean restaurant specializing in healthy 산나물 (mountain greens) dishes in a scenic village setting. The focus is on 자연산 나물 (wild mountain greens), minimal seasoning to let the ingredients’ own flavour shine, and balanced sides. Signature dishes include 산채육회비빔밥, 문경산신령비빔밥, 발효산나물밥, as well as 산나물전 (fried greens pancake) and 수육/발효수육. It’s good for groups/families, quite tranquil, with public parking; many visitors recommend reserving ahead especially on weekends. Most main dishes range between KRW 13,000 and 18,000. The signature “Mountain Vegetable Raw Beef Bibimbap” is about KRW 18,000, while the “Mungyeong Spirit Bibimbap” costs around KRW 15,000. The “Fermented Mountain Vegetable Rice” is about KRW 13,000. Side dishes such as vegetable pancakes or grilled tofu are generally priced around KRW 12,000. (updated Sep 2025)

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• Cafe Seodeul (카페 서들).

Address: Hanae-1-gil 32-160, Maseong-myeon Phone: +82 50-7144-1569 Hours: 10:00–20:00 Notes: Large scenic café with terrace and ample parking; popular photo spot and regional “new” cafe.

• Cafe Ga-eun Station (Cafe Gaeun / 카페 가은역).

Address: Daeya-ro 2441, Gaeun-eup Phone: +82 54-571-2441 Hours: 10:00–18:00 Notes: Converted old train station (heritage building) offering retro atmosphere, coffee and local snacks.

• Cafe Eune (으네).

Address: Dongsung-gil 127, Maseong-myeon Phone: +82 50-7139-05117 Hours: 10:00–18:00 Notes: Dessert-focused café known for local specialties (omija/apple pastries), good for takeout and gifts.

• Omynara (오미나라) – Omija winery & tasting (winery/distillery experience).

Address: Saejae-ro 609, Mungyeong-eup Phone: +82 54-572-0601 Hours: 09:00–18:00 Notes: Winery/distillery specializing in omija (Schisandra) wines and local fruit distillates; offers tours and tastings—book ahead for guided programs.

• Yeonine Pocha (연이네 포차).

Address: Jungang-2-gil 5, Jeomchon (central district) Phone: +82 54-555-2848 Hours: 18:00–02:00 Notes: Casual indoor "pocha"-style pub popular for late-night drinks and shared anju (Korean pub dishes); common local favourite.

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• STX Resort Mungyeong (STX 리조트 문경).

Address: Cheonghwa-ro 509, Nongam-myeon Phone: +82 54-460-5000 Hours: Check-in 14:00; Check-out 11:00 Notes: Full resort with spa and meeting facilities, set in a mountain area.

• Petro Hotel (formerly Ramada Mungyeong Saejae) (페트로호텔).

Address: Saejae-2-gil 32-3, Mungyeong-eup Phone: +82 54-504-7077 Hours: Check-in 15:00; Check-out 11:00 Notes: Located near Mungyeong Saejae Provincial Park, behind the Saejae management office.

• Mungyeong Tourist Hotel (문경관광호텔).

Address: Saejae-2-gil 32-11, Mungyeong-eup Phone: +82 54-571-8001 Hours: Check-in 15:00; Check-out 11:00 Notes: Standard tourist hotel close to Mungyeong Saejae, offering ondol and twin rooms.

• Mungyeong Saejae Resort (문경새재리조트).

Address: Well-Being Town-gil 7-12, Mungyeong-eup Phone: +82 54-572-5100 Hours: Check-in 15:00; Check-out 11:00 (front desk generally 06:00–22:00) Notes: Condo-style resort with family-sized rooms; confirm late check-in policies.

• The Best Hotel (더 베스트 호텔).

Address: Saejae-2-gil 10-3, Mungyeong-eup Phone: +82 54-572-2400 Hours: Check-in 15:00; Check-out 11:00 Notes: Budget-friendly hotel near Saejae entrance, convenient for city access.

• Jinnam Hanok Stay (진남한옥 스테이).

Address: Jinnam 1-gil 171, Maseong-myeon Phone: +82 54-552-9800 / +82-10-4396-3698 Hours: Check-in 14:00; Check-out 12:00 Notes: Traditional hanok lodging in a rural scenic area, ideal for cultural experience.