Sun Dec 14 11:40:00 UTC 2025: Muju County: A Historical and Natural Gem in North Jeolla Province

Muju, North Jeolla Province – Nestled in the northeastern part of North Jeolla Special Autonomous Province, Muju County boasts a rich history and stunning natural landscapes. Home to over 23,000 residents across its one ‘eup’ (town) and five ‘myeon’ (townships), Muju has witnessed the rise and fall of numerous Korean kingdoms.

From Mahan to Baekje, Gaya, Silla, Later Baekje, and Goryeo, Muju has played a strategic role throughout history. The Naje Tunnel, once a border gateway between Baekje and Silla, stands as a testament to its past. Officially named Muju County during the Joseon Dynasty in 1414, the region has been a significant administrative area, even hosting the 1997 Winter Universiade.

Designated as the Jinan-Muju National Geopark in 2019, Muju’s mountainous terrain borders four provinces (North Chungcheong, South Chungcheong, North Gyeongsang and South Gyeongsang) , a convergence of Jeolla, Chungcheong and Gyeongsang provinces. The area, along with Jinan and Jangsu counties, is known as “Mujinjang,” or “the roof of Jeolla Province,” due to its towering mountains, including Deogyusan, Jeoksangsan, Minjujisan, and Daedeoksan, all exceeding 1,000 meters in elevation.

Deogyusan National Park, the 10th national park designated in Korea in 1975, showcases the area’s natural beauty and cultural relics, including fortresses and temples. The challenging 69-kilometer Deogyusan Yukgu Traverse is considered one of the three great traverses in Korea.

Jeoksangsan Mountain, with its fortress, served as a vital military point during the Goryeo Dynasty. It also housed the Joseon Dynasty’s royal archives and genealogy during the reign of Gwanghaegun. Anguksa Temple, originally built during the Goryeo Dynasty, was moved in 1992 to the site of the former Hoguksa Temple due to the construction of the Muju Pumped Storage Power Plant.

Muju’s Gucheon-dong Valley, located within Deogyusan, features 33 scenic spots, including Ilsadae, Pahoe, and Susimdae, which are designated as National Scenic Sites.

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