Located on the edge of Deogyusan National Park, Muju is a charming mountain town famed for its magical fireflies. It’s home to a lively produce market and excellent cultural museum, as well as South Korea’s largest taekwondo tournament hall.
Things to do in Muju
Mingle with locals at the Muju Firefly Market, which takes place every five days and on Saturday evenings. Browse the fresh fruits, vegetables, meats and fish and sample local street-food specialties, such as steamed buns and chicken skewers.
If you miss Muju’s annual Firefly Festival, you can still learn about these charismatic insects at Bandi Land. See more than 2,000 insect specimens and fossils dating back to the Paleozoic era in the Insect Museum, then experience real-time monitoring of the International Space Station in the Bandi Observatory.
Learn about South Korea’s most popular national sport at Taekwondo Park, which boasts the world’s largest taekwondo tournament hall and spectacular views of Baengunsan mountain. Discover the history and philosophy behind this ancient martial art at the National Taekwondo Museum, then test your taekwondo skills or try taekwon-gymnastics in the Experience Center.
Immerse yourself in Korean culture at the Bandigol Traditional Craft and Cultural Zone, where you can try on royal garments and see vintage kitchen and farming tools. Test your skills playing traditional Korean musical instruments and admire the work of renowned painter Choi Buk and literary critic, Kim Hwan-tae.
Getting around Muju
Muju is around two hours’ drive from Daegu International Airport and three hours from Incheon International Airport. Buses are the main means of accessing Muju’s surrounding sights, while the town is easily explored on foot.