Visiting the different cities in Gyeongsangbuk-do felt a bit like travelling back and forth in time, as we witnessed a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity.
Whenever Korea travel is mentioned, Seoul or Jeju Island are usually the first destinations to come to mind. But this time round, Weekender Singapore was invited by Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) Singapore to explore Gyeongsangbuk-do, the largest province in South Korea, also known as the North Gyeongsang Province.
There is a good reason why Gyeongsangbuk-do is known as “Korea in Korea”. What awaited us was a richly cultural tour lined with picturesque landscapes and gastronomic delights. While Korea travel is the “in” thing now and many may already be familiar with the country, the following 5 cities take you slightly off the beaten path to experience a lesser-known side of Korea. Whether you are new to Korea, or have already visited Korea numerous times, there will be a fun and enjoyable itinerary in store for you.
Mungyeong
Sights
Surrounded by rolling mountains and breathtaking natural scenery, Mungyeong is another city that perfectly combines history and hiking. It’s so beautiful that many travellers would dedicate days to explore the different hiking trails, but worry not if you do not have so much time to spare, or if you do not wish to walk long distances on foot. There are two iconic places you can easily tour without tiring your legs out so much. One is Mungyeong Saejae Open Film Set, a representative drama set for Korean movies and historical dramas such as “The Moon Embracing the Sun (2012)”, “The King’s Affection (2021)”, as well as the Netflix series“Kingdom (2019)”. Shuttle services are available near the ticketing counter to bring you in and out of the film set and the palace compounds. Another activity we highly recommend is taking the Mungyeong-Dansan Monorail, which will take you to stunning picture spots and allow you to appreciate the vast scenery of the Baekdudaegan mountain range. Remember to take some photos with The Little Prince when you see him!
Food
A representative cuisine of Mungyeong is Yakdol pork, which comes from pigs fed with medicinal rocks. Pork produced this way is said to have a chewier texture, higher levels of unsaturated fatty acids, and a less pungent smell. Good news for meat lovers and those who are health-conscious!
Mungyeong is also known for fruits like omija berries and apples. Omija, which translates into “five flavours fruit” are not only made into refreshing drinks but even liquor that is served at the official banquet of the Korea-U.S. summit. Sounds fancy? Visit the Omynara winery to see how it’s made.
The Cherry on the Cake
The complimentary tea appreciation experience at Mungyeong Saejae was a surprise find, and one that we greatly needed in the hot weather to cool down and take a break from the walking. What better way to wrap up the historical tour than sipping tea and munching on Korean rice cakes in a dainty tearoom? If you are a tea lover, you may also want to catch the yearly Mungyeong Traditional Tea Bowl Festival.
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