Mungyeong Saejae, Numbers Tell the Change... The End of "Passing-Through Tourism"

Impact of Free Access and Integrated Festival Routes
A Stay-Over Destination Chosen by 4 Million Visitors Annually

Mungyeong Saejae Provincial Park, a leading tourist attraction in Mungyeong, North Gyeongsang Province, surpassed 4 million annual visitors, marking a symbolic achievement that is transforming the local tourism landscape.

Mungyeong Saejae Provincial Park Parking Lot

According to Mungyeong City, as of December 2025, the cumulative number of visitors to Mungyeong Saejae Provincial Park was officially recorded at 4,051,765.

This figure represents an increase of about 8% compared to the previous year (3,749,087), which is significant as it indicates stable tourism demand throughout the year, rather than a temporary surge during specific periods.

The rise in visitor numbers has been attributed to an operational strategy that effectively combined festivals, hands-on experiences, and food content. Mungyeong City has been expanding tourist routes by naturally connecting local festivals held throughout the year with Mungyeong Saejae, resulting in a clear shift from "sightseeing and leaving" tourism to "stay-over" tourism.

In fact, this year saw a series of large-scale festivals in the Mungyeong area, including the 2025 Mungyeong Chasabal Festival (240,000 visitors), the Mungyeong Apple Festival (460,000 visitors), and the Mungyeong Yakdol Hanwoo Festival (130,000 visitors). The established pattern of festival attendees also visiting Mungyeong Saejae has been credited with driving the year-round increase in visitor numbers.

In particular, food booths featuring local agricultural and specialty products, which operated during festival periods and weekends, played a key role in extending visitors' stays.

There is also analysis suggesting that Mungyeong Saejae is evolving from a simple exploration site into a destination for eating and relaxing, fundamentally changing the nature of tourism at the park.

The proportion of foreign tourists is also drawing attention. Approximately 180,000 visitors, or about 4.5% of the total (based on sample surveys), are estimated to be foreigners, indicating that Mungyeong Saejae's identity-rooted in traditional culture and historical scenery-is beginning to appeal to international tourists as well.

Mungyeong City has also been working to improve the park's overall infrastructure, including trail maintenance, enhanced safety facilities, upgraded amenities, and improved accessibility. With the establishment of a comfortable and preventive management system, the proportion of family visitors and repeat visitors has continued to rise.

Moon Sangwoon, head of the Mungyeong Saejae Management Office, said, "Since we made the park's parking lot free year-round starting in February 2024, the number of visitors has increased by more than 1.5 million compared to when it was paid, clearly demonstrating the impact of improved accessibility. Operating food booths and electric carts during festival periods has also greatly contributed to higher visitor satisfaction."

He added, "Starting this year, we will expand the exemption of electric cart fees to include basic livelihood recipients, people with disabilities, and families with multiple children, and extend the exemption to all routes, further reducing the burden and improving convenience for visitors."

Mungyeong Saejae is now seen as a model for the future direction of regional tourism, beyond simply achieving 4 million visitors. Attention is focused on whether the operational model-combining festivals, nature, hands-on experiences, and convenience-will lead to sustainable tourism competitiveness.

Mungyeong Apple Festival