Muju-gun is one of 15 cities, counties and districts in Jeonbuk. It has 6 neighborhoods (1 eup · 5 myeon) and 23,499 registered residents (September 2026). The most populous neighborhood is Muju-eup with 9,563.
6neighborhoods
23,499residents
Landmark stamp: Deogyusan Mountain
Extending across expansive ridgelines in Muju, this majestic national park draws outdoor enthusiasts with gentle alpine slopes, wildflower meadows, and white winter snowscapes.
What to see
In winter, gleaming frost formations and pristine snowscapes blanket the high ridge of Hyangjeokbong Peak in pure white magnificence.
Visitor tip
Riding the scenic resort gondola takes visitors effortlessly up to Seolcheonbong Peak before embarking on a gentle summit hike.
History
Situated along the scenic mountain valley, Baengnyeonsa Temple is an ancient sanctuary said to have been founded during King Sinmun of Silla.
Food, festivals and stories of Muju-gun
Local food
Muju is known for spicy freshwater fish porridge called eojuk and fragrant wine fermented from mountain wild grapes.
Festivals
The annual Muju Firefly Festival invites travelers to observe glowing fireflies in an ecologically preserved natural environment.
Did you know?
Muju houses Taekwondowon, an international martial arts complex, and Deogyusan Mountain, celebrated for majestic snowy winter scenery.
On screen
Dynamic ski jumping scenes of the inspiring Korean sports drama film Take Off were shot at Muju Deogyusan Resort.
Neighborhoods of Muju-gun (6)
Every neighborhood has its own stamp in Random Passport. Tap “Land here” to fly straight to one.
Muju-eup무주읍eup · 9,563 residents
Photo spot: Climbing the historic Hanpungnu Pavilion along Namdaecheon Stream rewards visitors with refreshing river breezes and picturesque panoramic views of the entire downtown area.
Story: Local residents gathered donations after national liberation to successfully bring back Hanpungnu Pavilion, which had been dismantled and relocated to Yeongdong during colonial rule.
Food: Spicy fish porridge and crispy pan-fried freshwater fish caught in Namdaecheon Stream are widely cherished as signature local culinary specialties.
Story: Old prophetic books historically designated this tranquil mountain basin as one of the ten auspicious refuges where people could safely escape wartime chaos.
Food: Crisp and sweet highland apples grown with abundant autumn sunshine across the elevated mountain basin are celebrated as a signature agricultural specialty.
Fun fact: Nestled beneath the ridge of Samdobong Peak, this region naturally embraces traditions and dialects from three distinct neighboring provinces.
Story: Folklore tells that crossing the ancient rock tunnel of Rajebongtong between Silla and Baekje instantly led travelers into distinct dialects and customs.
Photo spot: Walking along the historic Gucheondong Eosagil Trail allows travelers to capture scenic photographs of crystal-clear mountain streams and pristine primeval forests.
Fun fact: The area houses Taekwondowon dedicated to traditional martial arts alongside ecological parks celebrating glowing fireflies in clean natural habitats.
Name: The area takes its name from Jeoksangsan Mountain, whose autumn foliage vividly resembles a red skirt draped around steep rocky cliffs.
Story: Royal annals of the Joseon Dynasty were safely preserved inside the rugged mountain fortress here to protect invaluable historical records from foreign invasions.
Food: Rich local wine brewed from wild mountain grapes cultivated on cool hillsides stands as the town's most celebrated specialty.
Story: The sacred tomb of Chilyeon-uichong commemorates brave righteous army soldiers who fought fiercely against foreign troops during the late Joseon period.
Photo spot: Surrounded by dense forest foliage, the cascading seven-tiered waterfalls of Chilyeon Falls offer visitors picturesque scenic photography spots.
Food: Carefully cultivated Gastrodia elata roots nurtured in the cool mountainous climate have earned widespread national fame as a healthy local specialty.
Story: Villagers historically practiced a traditional mill ritual of secretly borrowing a neighboring treadle mill to ward off infectious diseases and pray for health.
Photo spot: Riverside trails framed by the meandering upper Geumgang River and sheer red rock cliffs provide fantastic scenic photography backdrops.
Food: Savory soup cooked with fresh freshwater snails harvested from the pristine upper Geumgang River is prized as a delightful local delicacy.
Local notes were drafted with the help of AI from public information. Population: Ministry of the Interior and Safety resident registration, September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.