Exploring Muju: Korea’s ultimate winter getaway
Date Dec 26, 2024
Deogyusan Mountain’s winter landscape, popular for hiking in the snow (Photo courtesy of hongcomm.)
If Elsa’s Frozen Kingdom existed in Korea, it would surely be here in Muju. When snow blankets the world in white, bare branches don winter coats and frost flowers bloom. Let’s embark on a journey through Muju’s winter wonderland and the frost-covered trails of Deogyusan Mountain.
A romantic winter that makes you forget the cold
You can’t talk about Muju in winter without mentioning Deogyusan. The mountain spans four counties – Muju, Jangsu and Geochang in Jeollabuk-do Province and Hamyang in Gyeongsangnam-do Province. Established in 1975 in the heart of the mountain range Baekdudaegan, Deogyusan National Park is famous for its ski resort. Its name evokes a nurturing “mother mountain” blessed with virtue and generosity. While hikers flock here year-round for the royal azaleas, cool valleys and vivid autumn colors, winter draws visitors seeking its breathtaking snowy landscapes.
The path to Hyangjeokbong Peak transformed into a snow-covered wonderland (Photo courtesy of Kim Byung-gu, hongcomm.)
A Korean Fir tree covered in rime frost on Deogyusan Mountain (Photo courtesy of Kim Byung-gu, hongcomm.)
However, snowfall alone doesn’t guarantee frost flowers. These delicate formations, known as sanggodae, only appear when three conditions align: temperatures between minus 5°C and minus 10°C, humidity above 90 percent and just the right amount of wind.
Deogyusan stands out as one of Korea’s premier spots for viewing frost flowers, thanks to its perfect combination of elevation (1,614m), abundant rainfall and unique terrain.
Sangje Pavilion, the symbol of Seolcheonbong, is accessible via the Deogyusan tourist gondola. (Photo courtesy of hongcomm.)
While Deogyusan features several peaks – Suryeongbong (933 meters), Daebong (1,300 meters) and Jungbong (1,594 meters) – its crown jewel is Hyangjokbong (1,614.2 meters). A quick gondola ride brings you up to Seolcheonbong. From there, it’s just a 20-minute walk along a 0.6 kilometer trail to reach Hyangjeokbong’s summit. The gentle grade makes it perfect for family outings, which explains why Deogyusan is such a popular destination for all ages.
Winter at Deogyusan appears like a marvelous work of art created by nature. (Photo courtesy of hongcomm.)
Hikers enjoying winter trekking (Photo courtesy of Kim Byung-gu, hongcomm.)
Beyond Hiking
Winter at Deogyusan isn’t just about hiking – it’s also a premier destination for skiing and snowboarding. The runs at Muju Deogyusan Resort, the region’s flagship winter sports venue, opened December 8 this year. As Korea’s only ski resort within a national park, it offers an unparalleled experience, combining thrilling winter sports with breathtaking mountain scenery. Among the resort’s 34 trails are Korea’s longest run – the 6.1-kilometer Silk Road – and its steepest slope – Raiders with a 76 percent gradient. Starting from Seolcheonbong at 1,520 meters, the Silk Road slope lets you glide along ridgelines and pierce through clouds. The resort’s amenities include scenic gondola rides, sledding areas and outdoor hot springs.
Winter Sports at Muju Deogyusan Resort (Photo courtesy of the Korea Tourism Organization)
Nature’s Treasures
Muju is full of natural wonders, each with its own charm. At 1,300 meters up Deogyusan, you’ll spot the Korean Fir (Abies koreana), which is found only in Korea, including Jeju Island. It gets its name from its distinctive hook-shaped needles. While tall Norway spruce or Douglas fir trees typically serve as outdoor Christmas trees, the compact Korean fir is perfect for indoor displays, with well-spaced branches ideal for ornaments. Though now endangered, various conservation efforts are underway to protect these unique trees.
Muju Grape Wine Cave (Photo courtesy of Muju County Office)
Midway up Jeoksangsan lies the Muju Grape Wine Cave, which was originally built as a construction tunnel for the Muju Pumped Storage Power Plant before being repurposed in 2007.
The cave’s darkness is broken by creative lighting displays, and at its deepest point, visitors can sample Korea’s only wild mountain grape wine.
In late summer, Muju comes alive with its renowned Firefly Festival. These luminous insects are living proof of a pristine environment. This eco-themed festival features firefly watching tours via shuttle bus, activities along the stream Namdaecheon, historical reenactments from the Annals of the Joseon Dynasty and the traditional Nakhwa Nori (falling flower fireworks) in Anseong. The latter involves igniting suspended charcoal and salt bundles wrapped in mulberry paper, causing a cascade of flames to scatter like floating petals over water.
Muju Firefly Festival (Photo courtesy of Korea Tourism Organization)
They call Muju a “Special City of Nature” for good reason. Its natural landscape remains largely untouched, with locals living in careful harmony with their surroundings. Take time to explore Muju’s natural beauty – you won’t regret it.
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