The Hidden Treasure of Muju: The Muru Wine Cave
A treasure trove shaped by nature and refined by humans,
The Muju Muru Wine Cave
Located in Jeollabuk-do, Muju-gun, at the foothills of the red-skirted Juksang Mountain, there lies a secret door where cool breezes and the sweet scent of grapes flow throughout the year. This is the Muju Muru Wine Cave, a place where nature and industry coexist.
As you navigate the winding uphill road, the Muju Muru Wine Cave sits at an elevation of 450 meters, making it quite a high spot. Although the road leading up is a continuous incline, arriving at the relatively spacious parking lot right next to the cave makes you forget that you are in the mountains.
At the entrance, there is a wine house where you can purchase various products made from Muju Muru grapes, along with a ticket booth. The operating hours vary by season, with closures on Mondays and public holidays.
In January, despite the chilly weather, the sight of the valley water flowing down from the mountains lifts my spirits. During my visit to Muju, I contemplated the unique charm of the Muju Muru Wine Cave compared to other themed caves in South Jeolla Province, such as those in Gokseong and Gwangyang, which I had experienced before.
This cave was originally a working tunnel excavated for the construction of the Muju Pumped Storage Power Plant. The pumped storage method involves raising water from a lower reservoir to an upper reservoir during off-peak hours and releasing it to generate electricity during peak demand.
After the construction was completed, the temporary tunnel was destined to be abandoned. However, in 2007, Muju County decided to combine this unused tunnel with the local specialty, Muru grapes, creating new value. After remodeling the 579-meter-long tunnel, it reopened in 2009 as the Muju Muru Wine Cave, a prime example of creative regeneration that transformed industrial waste into a tourist attraction and revitalized the local economy.
Muju is the home of Muru grapes, accounting for about 60% of the country's production. The high-altitude climate and the energy of the Baekdudaegan mountain range provide an optimal environment for grape cultivation. The significant temperature difference in Muju enhances the sweetness and firmness of the grapes, which are rich in antioxidants and nutrients, earning them the nickname 'medicine of the mountains.'
As you enter the cave, a dreamlike landscape unfolds, with approximately 290 meters of captivating sights from the entrance to the wine house. Various objects and trick art related to the six local wine companies, such as Deogyu Brewery and Chateau Muju, are displayed throughout the tunnel.
The cave is illuminated by vibrant LED lights, creating a 'light tunnel' with sculptures and constellations inspired by Muru grapes and wine. The trick art and themed photo zones keep visitors engaged, while the firefly lights symbolize Muju.
The Muju Muru Wine Cave features a photo exhibition showcasing the old Muju and strives to promote the region to tourists, going beyond just the themes of 'Muru' and 'wine.'
As you walk through the tunnel, explanations of the pumped storage principle are presented in an easy-to-understand manner. The Muju Pumped Storage Power Plant, completed in 1995, is the largest of its kind in Korea, utilizing the elevation difference between the upper and lower reservoirs to generate electricity.
After exploring the tunnel, you can enjoy a wine tasting corner and snack bar offering free samples of Muru wine, allowing visitors to experience its unique flavors. The highlight of the visit is the Muru wine foot bath experience, which is especially popular among tourists.
In conclusion, the Muju Muru Wine Cave is a space that breathes new life into an abandoned tunnel and serves as a place of collaboration for local farmers. Enjoying a glass of sweet wine while feeling the cool cave breeze is a delightful experience.
This weekend, consider a trip to Muju, where special stories await beyond the usual tourist spots.
Source :https://blog.naver.com/jbgokr/224188328362
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