Mungyeong Apple Festival 2026 (Oct 17–Nov 1): Free Entry, KTX & Tips

Apple stalls, stage games and an autumn valley walk meet at the foot of a historic mountain pass in North Gyeongsang Province.

Why go

The 2026 Mungyeong Apple Festival runs for 16 days at Mungyeong Saejae Provincial Park, by the First Gate of the old Saejae pass. Autumn is apple harvest season in Mungyeong, and the festival is the easiest way to taste it.

• Apple market: about 30 local farms sell apples in front of the Old Road Museum, and 34 local businesses sell farm products in front of the First Gate. Look for Gamhong, Mungyeong's signature apple variety.
• Apple exhibition hall: prize-winning apples from the local apple contest, displays of different varieties and apple-based products.
• Free hands-on programs: apple hat folding, a Snow White photo booth, apple sticker tattoos, a wooden playground for kids and more. The official notice says all hands-on programs are free except apple picking.
• Visitor games: fastest apple eating, apple splitting, longest unbroken peel, apple basket toss and apple stacking.
• The park itself is a classic autumn walk along the old road through the valley, with the stone gate and fortress wall as a backdrop.

When

• Dates: Saturday, Oct 17 to Sunday, Nov 1, 2026.
• Stage programs: the official schedule lists performances in time slots between 11:00 and 17:00 on selected days. Outdoor stage: Oct 18, 20, 22, 23, 24, 25 and 27. Lawn stage: Oct 18, 24, 25, 31 and Nov 1. Check the official schedule before you go.
• Apple Day with NH Nonghyup: Friday, Oct 23, at the outdoor stage.
• Apple sharing event: Sunday, Nov 1, first come, first served. The time is announced over the on-site speakers.
• The festival site does not list daily opening hours for the market, so plan a daytime visit.

Cost

• Park entry: free.
• Saejae parking: free. Operating hours are 08:30–17:30.
• Hands-on programs: free, except apple picking at partner farms. Contact the farm before you visit. Prices are not listed on the festival site.
• Optional extras: the electric cart along the old road costs 2,000 won one way for adults. The Mungyeong Saejae Open Set, a historical drama filming set, costs 2,000 won for adults and opens 09:00–18:00 (09:00–17:00 from November). The Old Road Museum is free.
• Bring some cash for apples and snacks.

Getting there

• By KTX: ride the Jungbu Naeryuk Line to Mungyeong Station. From the station bus stop, take city bus 10-3, 21 or 21-2 toward Mungyeong Saejae (about 15 minutes) and get off at the Mungyeong Saejae Provincial Park stop. Mungyeong city buses have been free for everyone since Jan 1, 2025.
• By intercity bus: ride to the Mungyeong Public Bus Stop (문경공용버스정류장), then take city bus 10-3 or 21 toward Mungyeong Saejae (about 10 minutes).
• By car: search "문경새재도립공원" or the address 새재로 932, Mungyeong-eup in your navigation app.

Tips

• Weekends will be the busiest, especially Oct 24–25 and Oct 31–Nov 1. Arrive in the morning for an easier start.
• Information desks, first aid, police and fire service booths are in the support zones of the festival site. If you lose your group, meet there.
• Pets are not allowed in the park.
• Bus times are not posted on the festival site. Check the last bus back to Mungyeong Station when you arrive, and book your return train in advance.
• Mountain valleys cool down quickly in the late afternoon. Bring a warm layer and comfortable shoes.
• The festival's English page is a short overview only. A translation app helps at the stalls and program boards.
• The organizers say programs may change depending on conditions on site.

Going alone?

Mungyeong is a doable day trip by KTX, and a bag of apples is nicer to share. On omeetu you can open a meetup at the Seoul Hongdae meetup spot and travel down together. Meet first in a busy public place, and keep chats inside the app.

Questions on the day

• Festival office (Mungyeong Tourism Corporation): +82-54-571-7677 (weekdays 09:00–18:00, closed on weekends and holidays)
• Mungyeong Saejae park office: +82-54-571-0709
• Emergencies in Korea: 112 (police), 119 (fire and ambulance), 1330 (travel hotline with English support)

Official site: 2026 Mungyeong Apple Festival