Although today it is little more than a tourist attraction, in past ages it played a key role in connecting the eastern and western regions of the Korean peninsula.

Today the Jungang Line railroad passes underneath Jungnyeong; the tunnel is 4.5 kilometres long.

During the early Silla period, the kings held spring and autumn rites here in honor of the mountain gods.

These practices continued into the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), when a temple to the mountain god was built here, known as "Jungnyeongsa."

In addition, the area was used as a location for Buddhist worship; as Buddhism took root in Silla in the seventh century, the temples of Buseoksa, Choamsa and Huibangsa were built.