Muju-gun is a hidden gem and winter wonderland in South Korea known for its breathtaking landscapes, ski resorts, and rich cultural heritage.
If you are a fan of snow and loved Elsa’s Frozen kingdom, Muju is the ultimate destination in Korea for you. It becomes a white wonderland in winter when the snow blankets everything. Blooming frost flowers just add on to the natural charm of this place.
Muju or Muju-gun is a county that connects six cities and counties across five Korean provinces. It shares border with South and North Chungcheong, South and North Gyeongsang, and North Jeolla provinces. Muju is the heart of Korean peninsula with the Daejeon-Jinju Expressway cutting through it from north to south. It’s about 2 hours from Seoul and Busan, making it a perfect getaway.
Things to Do in Muju
Muju is the ideal spot to soak in the breathtaking winter scenery. Surrounding the town are over ten majestic mountains, with Deogyusan, the fourth highest mountain in the country, standing tall. Namdeogyusan, Muryongsan, Jeoksangsan, and Daedeoksan Mountains also grace the landscape. Most of the land here is nestled between 400 and 500 meters above sea level, creating a delightful temperate climate with a five-degree Celsius difference in temperature depending on your exact location.
Let’s explore winter wonderland in Muju and embark on Deogyusan Mountain’s frosty trails.
Hiking at Deogyusan
The winter wonderland of Muju cannot be without Deogyusan. The mountain range is spread across four counties – Muju, Jangsu and Geochang in Jeollabuk-do Province and Hamyang in Gyeongsangnam-do Province.
Deogyusan National Park is located in the heart of Baekdudaegan mountain range. It was established in 1975 and is popular for its ski resort. The name of this mountain sounds like a loving “mother mountain” that’s full of goodness and kindness. People come here all year round to see the beautiful royal azaleas, cool valleys, and stunning autumn colors. But in winter, it’s a winter wonderland with breathtaking snowy landscapes.
Snowfall doesn’t always mean frost flowers. These beautiful, delicate flowers called sanggodae only show up when three things happen: temperatures between -5°C and -10°C, humidity over 90%, and just the right amount of wind. These frost flowers are a signature of Deogyusan making it one of the important spots for viewing them in Korea. The right elevation combination, sufficient rainfall, and unique terrain make it the best place.
There are several peaks in Deogyusan, but the Hyangjokbong (1,614.2 meters) is the crown jewel. You can also explore other smaller peaks – Suryeongbong (933 meters), Daebong (1,300 meters) and Jungbong (1,594 meters). Take a quick gondola ride up to Seolcheonbong, and then it’s just a 20-minute walk along a 0.6 kilometer trail to reach Hyangjeokbong’s summit. The gentle slope makes it ideal for family outings, which is why Deogyusan is such a beloved destination for all ages.
Winter Sports at Muju Deogyusan Resort
Deogyusan Mountain is not just famous for hiking its frost covered trails. It is also a signature destination for snowboarding and skiing. Muju Deogyusan Resort is the premier winter sport venue that lies within a national park in Korea. You can enjoy thrilling winter sports amidst stunning mountain scenery.
With 34 trails, it boasts Korea’s longest run, the Silk Road, stretching 6.1 kilometers, and its steepest slope, Raiders, with a whopping 76 percent gradient. From Seolcheonbong at 1,520 meters, the Silk Road slope takes you on a thrilling ride along ridgelines and through clouds.
The resort offers scenic gondola rides, sledding areas, and outdoor hot springs to relax and rejuvenate after a day of adventure.
The Taekwondowon, established in 2004, is a must-visit for taekwondo enthusiasts. It holds immense significance for the 80 million followers of this martial art globally.
A Place for Natural Wonders
Abies koreana (Korean Fir)
Muju is a land of natural wonders. Korean Fir is one such beauty that you can find at 1,300 meters up Deogyusan Mountain. This fir tree is only found in Korea – it’s also found in Jeju. The name of the tree comes from the distinctive hook-shaped needles.
While tall Norway spruce or Douglas fir trees are usually the go-to for outdoor Christmas trees, the small Korean fir is a great choice for indoor displays. Its branches are spaced out perfectly for hanging ornaments. Sadly, these trees are now endangered, but there are ongoing efforts to protect them.
Muju Grape Wine Cave
Jeoksangsan’s Muju Grape Wine Cave is a hidden gem. Originally a construction tunnel for the Muju Pumped Storage Power Plant, it was transformed into a unique wine cave in 2007. The cave’s darkness is filled with creative lighting displays, and at its deepest point, you can try Korea’s only wild mountain grape wine.
Firefly Festival
Come late summer, Muju is home to popular Firefly Festival in Korea. The tiny insects are a testament to nature’s pristine beauty. You can watch the fireflies in this eco-themed festival through shuttle bus. There are activities you can explore along the Namdaecheon stream, historical reenactments from the Annals of the Joseon Dynasty are also common. You can also see the traditional Nakhwa Nori (falling flower fireworks) in Anseong. The latter involves setting fire to charcoal and salt bundles wrapped in mulberry paper, creating a mesmerizing display of flames that spread like floating petals on water.
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