Mungyeong's Aster Fields: Comparing Bongcheonsa Temple and Munhui Farm, Where Purple Flowers Bloom in Late September

As autumn begins, various parts of the country are being dyed with purple aster flowers. In Mungyeong, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Bongcheonsa Temple and Munhui Farm are located as representative attractions where these flowers can be enjoyed. According to a video from the YouTube channel 'Travel Country', both locations possess different charms, making them good choices to visit depending on one's preference.

Bongcheonsa Temple, where the temple and mountain scenery harmonize, with Wang Geon Rock as the key point

The first attraction, Mungyeong Bongcheonsa Temple, is located at the foot of the low Wolbangsan Mountain, 360 meters above sea level. A light purple aster festival will be held from September 18, 2026, to October 18, 2026. The asters, which fill the sloping mountainside covering an area of approximately 3,000 pyeong, are aster plants in the Asteraceae family, characterized by growing up to 2 meters tall, as tall as an adult, when fully grown.

It is said that a few aster plants planted 10 years ago by the head priest of Bongcheonsa Temple, Ji-jeong, have become a nationwide hot spot for autumn flowers that covers the mountainside today through rapid reproduction. The most popular photo spot here is 'Wang Geon Rock', located at the highest point of the hill behind the Daeungjeon Hall. This spot is so popular that many people wait in line to take wonderful photos with the entire colony in the background.

Parking at Bongcheonsa is free, but an entrance fee of 10,000 won is charged during the festival period. Aster colonies are also formed around the Sansingak Shrine on the path leading to the Daeungjeon Hall and in front of the Daeungjeon Hall, providing a tranquil landscape as old pine trees, stone Buddhas, and the Yaksa Yeorae seated statue harmonize with the asters. In particular, the view from the wide rock in front of the Daeungjeon Hall offers high satisfaction, as one can appreciate asters planted more abundantly and densely than at the main spot. The flower language of the aster is 'memory' and 'remembrance', and the peak season is from mid to late September; visiting around this Chuseok holiday is expected to reveal a landscape in full bloom.

A vast 60,000㎡ flower field, the watercolor-like scenery of Munhui Farm

The second attraction, Munhui Farm, is a place gaining attention recently through SNS, boasting an aster flower field of approximately 60,000㎡, which is much larger than Bongcheonsa Temple. Parking and entrance are both free here, and the flowers begin to bloom in September, reaching their peak from late September to early October. Upon visiting, one can encounter the wonderful scenery of the Sogeumgang Rest Area.

At Munhui Farm, the asters spread widely along the gentle mountainside, giving the feeling of looking at a watercolor painting. Well-maintained dirt paths lined with palm mats are built between the flower fields, making it good for walking closely along the flower paths. The S-shaped path adds elegance, and the large trees in the middle of the flower field and large rocks placed here and there serve as natural photo zones and viewpoints. However, during the peak season, parking space may be narrow, so one must park nearby following the guidance.

The small pond located at the very top of the farm is the optimal place to overlook the panoramic view of the aster flower field. The scenery where trees are reflected on the calm water is excellent, and various seasonal flowers, such as purple hydrangeas and various chrysanthemums, bloom around it to add to the autumn mood. Additionally, the garden decorated with bonsai and scholar's stones creates a charming and emotional atmosphere by floating colorful flowers in ceramics. Since the colony can be toured in one large loop, another way is to appreciate the flowers once more through the opposite colony on the way down.

A choice based on preference, the charm of a Mungyeong aster trip

Comparing the characteristics of the two places, the choice may vary depending on the purpose of the visit. Bongcheonsa Temple is suitable for those who want the tranquil atmosphere of a temple, the mountain scenery, and photography centered on specific points like Wang Geon Rock. On the other hand, Munhui Farm is recommended for those who want to enjoy leisure in nature while walking through the vast flower fields.

There are not many large aster colonies like this in the country, and since two large-scale attractions are gathered in Mungyeong, visiting both together will make for an even more special and abundant Mungyeong aster flower trip.