“A Tunnel of Light and Flavor”
Tucked away beneath the gentle slopes of Cheongdo in Gyeongsangbuk-do lies a secret passageway into another world. The Cheongdo Wine Tunnel, once a railway built in 1904, has been reborn as Korea’s only tunnel devoted entirely to wine. Step inside, and the air itself seems to hum with history, coolness, and the promise of discovery.
“A Century-Old Secret Beneath the Hills”
The Cheongdo Wine Tunnel is not just a destination—it is an experience. Once the Namseonghyeon Tunnel of the Gyeongbu Line, this 1,015-meter-long red-brick masterpiece whispers the stories of the Korean Empire. Its steady temperature of 13–15°C and naturally ion-rich atmosphere now serve as a sanctuary for over 150,000 bottles of persimmon wine.
Visitors are welcomed by giant oak barrels and a gleaming golden wine glass at the entrance, but it’s once you step inside that the magic truly begins. The dimly lit arches, cool air, and inviting tasting corners transform the space into more than a cellar—it becomes a cultural escape, refreshing in summer, cozy in winter, and always unforgettable.
“The Sweet Gift of Persimmons”
Cheongdo is a land of persimmons—fruits so celebrated they’ve become a symbol of the region’s pride. From these golden orbs is born Gamgreen, a wine that captures both the sunshine and the soul of Cheongdo.
“Gamgreen: A Sip of Sunlight and Time”
The star of the tunnel is undoubtedly Cheongdo’s signature persimmon wine, Gamgreen. Since 2003, Cheongdo Persimmon Wine Co. has pioneered this world-first creation, transforming the region’s famed sweet persimmons into liquid elegance.
Often called the “fruit of the gods,” Cheongdo persimmons contain ten times the tannins of grapes, giving Gamgreen a unique depth. Golden in color, with the richness of red wine, each bottle matures gracefully in the tunnel’s natural embrace. A sip offers not just flavor but the taste of patience, tradition, and innovation combined. Visitors can savor it by the glass, bring home a bottle, or even try their hand at winemaking through immersive programs.
“Bubbles with a Twist: Navoro Sparkling Makgeolli”
Yet Cheongdo is not content with tradition alone—it also reinvents it. Enter Navoro Sparkling Makgeolli, a daring reimagination of Korea’s beloved rice wine. Effervescent, refreshing, and delightfully modern, this creation takes the creamy smoothness of makgeolli and infuses it with the sparkle of natural carbonation.
Available in a range of strengths—from a gentle 4.5% to a bold 12%—Navoro has something for every palate. Live bartending shows inside the tunnel transform it into cocktails before your eyes, dazzling with both flavor and flair. With each sip, the lively bubbles dance in harmony with the natural sweetness of persimmons, winning the hearts of both curious newcomers and seasoned traditionalists.
“From Past to Future, in Every Glass”
The Cheongdo Wine Tunnel is more than stone and brick; it is a bridge between eras. It carries the legacy of a century-old railway into a future where persimmon wine and sparkling makgeolli redefine Korean tradition for the world stage.
“One Glass, Infinite Memories”
This autumn, wander into the heart of Cheongdo and let yourself be swept away by the golden sweetness of Gamgreen and the sparkling charm of Navoro Makgeolli. Here, every glass is not just a drink—it’s a journey, a memory, and a story waiting to be told.
Story by Kulture Magazine | Images from Cheongdo Wine Tunnel
“Discover Korea Beyond the Surface.”
“A Tunnel of Light and Flavor”
Tucked away beneath the gentle slopes of Cheongdo in Gyeongsangbuk-do lies a secret passageway into another world. The Cheongdo Wine Tunnel, once a railway built in 1904, has been reborn as Korea’s only tunnel devoted entirely to wine. Step inside, and the air itself seems to hum with history, coolness, and the promise of discovery.
“A Century-Old Secret Beneath the Hills”
The Cheongdo Wine Tunnel is not just a destination—it is an experience. Once the Namseonghyeon Tunnel of the Gyeongbu Line, this 1,015-meter-long red-brick masterpiece whispers the stories of the Korean Empire. Its steady temperature of 13–15°C and naturally ion-rich atmosphere now serve as a sanctuary for over 150,000 bottles of persimmon wine.
Visitors are welcomed by giant oak barrels and a gleaming golden wine glass at the entrance, but it’s once you step inside that the magic truly begins. The dimly lit arches, cool air, and inviting tasting corners transform the space into more than a cellar—it becomes a cultural escape, refreshing in summer, cozy in winter, and always unforgettable.
“The Sweet Gift of Persimmons”
Cheongdo is a land of persimmons—fruits so celebrated they’ve become a symbol of the region’s pride. From these golden orbs is born Gamgreen, a wine that captures both the sunshine and the soul of Cheongdo.
“Gamgreen: A Sip of Sunlight and Time”
The star of the tunnel is undoubtedly Cheongdo’s signature persimmon wine, Gamgreen. Since 2003, Cheongdo Persimmon Wine Co. has pioneered this world-first creation, transforming the region’s famed sweet persimmons into liquid elegance.
Often called the “fruit of the gods,” Cheongdo persimmons contain ten times the tannins of grapes, giving Gamgreen a unique depth. Golden in color, with the richness of red wine, each bottle matures gracefully in the tunnel’s natural embrace. A sip offers not just flavor but the taste of patience, tradition, and innovation combined. Visitors can savor it by the glass, bring home a bottle, or even try their hand at winemaking through immersive programs.
“Bubbles with a Twist: Navoro Sparkling Makgeolli”
Yet Cheongdo is not content with tradition alone—it also reinvents it. Enter Navoro Sparkling Makgeolli, a daring reimagination of Korea’s beloved rice wine. Effervescent, refreshing, and delightfully modern, this creation takes the creamy smoothness of makgeolli and infuses it with the sparkle of natural carbonation.
Available in a range of strengths—from a gentle 4.5% to a bold 12%—Navoro has something for every palate. Live bartending shows inside the tunnel transform it into cocktails before your eyes, dazzling with both flavor and flair. With each sip, the lively bubbles dance in harmony with the natural sweetness of persimmons, winning the hearts of both curious newcomers and seasoned traditionalists.
“From Past to Future, in Every Glass”
The Cheongdo Wine Tunnel is more than stone and brick; it is a bridge between eras. It carries the legacy of a century-old railway into a future where persimmon wine and sparkling makgeolli redefine Korean tradition for the world stage.
“One Glass, Infinite Memories”
This autumn, wander into the heart of Cheongdo and let yourself be swept away by the golden sweetness of Gamgreen and the sparkling charm of Navoro Makgeolli. Here, every glass is not just a drink—it’s a journey, a memory, and a story waiting to be told.
Story by Kulture Magazine | Images from Cheongdo Wine Tunnel
“Discover Korea Beyond the Surface.”