Mungyeong Saejae Provincial Park | Attraction Guide

This pass over the ridgeline of Joryeongsan in the Baekdu Daegan has long been the highest and most difficult peak on the Yeongnam road connecting the Han River and Nakdong River basins, serving as a vital point for socio-cultural, economic exchange, and national defense. Saejae (鳥嶺) is said to mean ‘a pass so steep that even birds find it hard to fly over’ or ‘new pass’ (새, 新). The area is renowned for its outstanding natural scenery, historic sites, legends, and folk songs. After the Imjin War, three checkpoints (Juhulkwan, Jogokgwan, and Joryeonggwan) were established at Mungyeong Saejae as a national defense fortress. The inn site Wonteo and Gyoguijeong site, where the old and new Gyeongsang provincial governors exchanged official seals, were reconstructed in 1999. There remains a Korean inscription stone warning of forest fires, erected long ago. The site is steeped in history, including various legends, the Imjin War, General Shin Rip, the Donghak Peasant Revolution, and the righteous armies. This area was designated a provincial park in 1981 for preservation. Cultural resources such as Hyeguksa Chungnyeolbi, Joryeongwonji, Donghwawonji, and natural attractions like Suok Waterfall, Yeogung Waterfall, Palwang Waterfall, and Yeongcheon Mineral Springs form part of the scenery. It is also connected with Suanbo Hot Springs, Mungyeong Hot Springs, Mungyeong Ceramic Site, Bongamsa Temple on Heiyang Mountain, and Seonyudong Valley, attracting many tourists. Plant species observed here are categorized by habitat into wetland herb fields, ecological wetlands, ecological ponds, dry herb fields, and wildflower gardens, creating a natural ecological park and ecological maze park for eco-learning and ecotourism visitors. The Korean Broadcasting System built a filming site on February 23, 2000, in Yongsagol behind the first gate of Mungyeong Saejae to produce historical drama series set in the Goryeo period. Mungyeong Saejae's Joryeongsan and Juhulsan resemble the Songaksan Mountain of Kaesong, the Goryeo capital, and the well-preserved old road makes it highly suitable for historical drama filming. It has served as the main filming location for KBS grand dramas such as Taejo Wang Geon, Morning of Empire, The Age of Warriors, Dae Jo Yeong, and King Sejong, and films including Scandal and Romantic Assassin, providing many attractions and entertainment for visitors.