Exploring the Charm of Mungyeong Ga-eun-eup
As the season deepens in greenery, Mungyeong Ga-eun-eup, once the heart of the coal industry, has transformed into a travel destination filled with nostalgia and romance.
Instead of the dazzling cityscape, I visited Mungyeong Ga-eun-eup, where you can feel the charm of slow-paced life in quaint alleyways and a small station.
Designated as National Registered Cultural Heritage No. 304
The first stop on my Mungyeong journey was Ga-eun Station, a small station that once transported coal from the old Eunsung Mining Company.
This place almost faded into history when the tracks were closed in 2004.
Currently, the station building operates as a café as part of a modern cultural heritage project, and the Ga-eun Line features a rail bike experience.
Stepping through the creaky wooden doors of the charming station, you are greeted by the aroma of coffee and desserts made from Mungyeong's specialty apples.
The vintage exterior and surrounding green mountains make it a pleasant place to stroll.
The pastel-colored doors and window frames, along with cute flower pots, add to the vintage feel, making it a perfect backdrop for photos in the spacious plaza or along the tracks!
Nearby, a statue honoring the miners' hard lives and a coal cart filled with black coal silently stand guard.
The miner, waving his hand while wearing a safety helmet, conveys the vibrant energy and weight of life that once filled this area during the Eunsung Mining days.
Next to Ga-eun Station, there is a station resembling Seoul Station and a platform for a small train (currently preparing for operation).
Please wait a little longer as it is undergoing remodeling.
The small train at Ga-eun Station, whimsically reinterpreted from the past coal carts, operates on a charming 431-meter track.
This station, reminiscent of the old Seoul Station, features tall red bricks and a classic dome roof, evoking a strange feeling as if you've traveled back in time.
Its grand yet refined European-style architecture is destined to become another landmark of Ga-eun Station.
A short walk around Ga-eun Station leads you to the Mungyeong Ga-eun Double Bridge, which preserves the fierce traces of the past coal industry.
The lower part is for regular vehicles and pedestrians, while the upper part features coal carts that once transported coal from the Eunsung Mining Company.
Make sure to visit this unique dual-structure modern industrial cultural heritage.
Just a short walk down from the small train at Ga-eun Station, you will find the peaceful and beautiful Mungyeong Ga-eun Catholic Church, nestled under the clear blue mountains and sky.
In the vicinity, there is also the 'Mungyeong Meokbaengi Catholic Village,' where seven households gathered around 1869, led by John Bang, to cultivate life and faith after the harsh winds of the Byeongin Persecution.
The noble footsteps of the ancestors who preserved faith and love for neighbors over 150 years ago are embedded in this church.
The highlight of any journey is often a food tour of local traditional markets where the life of the area thrives in its rawest form.
Across from Ga-eun Catholic Church, you can find a collection of eateries at the Ga-eun Ajagae Market.
While there are many local restaurants, I decided to visit a soup restaurant this time.
Ga-eun Ajagae Market is a cultural tourism market that blends tradition with modern culinary experiences.
A five-day market is held on the 4th and 9th of each month, featuring unique specialty menus and tavern streets, so be sure to stop by.
The soup restaurant I visited is a place that has been frequented by renowned figures in the culinary world, including 'Golf Queen' Park Se-ri and the recently popular chef 'David Lee.'
Recognized by culinary elites, the deep and rich flavor of the pork soup made with stone-cooked pork is simply mouthwatering.
After scooping a spoonful of the rich and spicy soup with the savory flavor of Mungyeong stone-cooked pork and sweet green onions, topping it with crunchy, bright red kimchi, you must try it!
With each bite, the deep umami of the soup and the refreshing texture of the kimchi alternate, creating a strange addiction that makes it impossible to stop until the last drop of soup is gone.
Mungyeong Ga-eun-eup may not be flashy, but it is filled with heartwarming stories and unexpected charm!
This weekend, why not pack a light camera and embark on a slow journey to fill your heart in Mungyeong Ga-eun-eup, where time flows slowly?
Source :https://blog.naver.com/gyeongbuk_official/224341131364
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