Mudeungsan National Park (무등산국립공원)

13.9Km 68138 2023-11-14

29 Dongsan-gil, Dong-gu, Gwangju
+82-62-227-1187

Mudeungsan National Park is a mountain park lining the edge of Hwasun-gun, Damyang-gun and Gwangju. Mudeungsan Mountain (1,186 meters) features three rock peaks called Cheonwangbong, Jiwangbong, and Inwangbong, also known as the “Jeongsang Three."

Mudeungsan’s gradual slope makes it an easy climb for all. Among the more majestic of these sites are the Seoseokdae, Gyubong, and Ipseokdae peaks. At the base of the mountain are several famous temples including Yaksasa, Jeungsimsa, and Wonhyosa Temples. Mudeungsan Mountain is also known for its beauty throughout the year. The autumn leaves around Gyubongam Hermitage and silver grass of Baengma Ridge are quite spectacular. In winter, snow and ice on the mountain create exquisite scenery as well.

Below the mountain, there are a variety of recreational facilities and tourist sites for visitors.

Jisan Recreation Area (지산유원지)

14.0Km 690 2023-01-25

35-1, Jiho-ro 164beon-gil, Dong-gu, Gwangju
+82-62-221-2760

Jisan Recreation Area reopened around December 2016, resuming monorail operation after 11 years. The unique rattle of a monorail running on one rail gives passengers a thrill. If you ride the monorail, you can see the panoramic view of Gwangju and the top of Mudeungsan Mountain at a glance. The monorail starts on the mountainside, 50 meters away from the end point of the lift, along the forest road, and runs to and from the top of the mountain in Jisan Recreation Area, where the octagonal pavilion is located. After reopening, it became popular among the younger generation through social media and word of mouth as a unique amusement facility where you can enjoy thrills on Mudeungsan Mountain in Gwangju.

Kkotpineun Chunsamwol (꽃피는춘삼월)

15.1Km 0 2024-02-13

50 Seongyo-ro, Dong-gu, Gwangju

Kkotpineun Chunsamwol is a traditional Korean teahouse nestled in a picturesque hanok. It specializes in authentic Korean beverages and desserts. The teahouse's signature offering is ssanghwatang, an herbal tonic tea prepared with chestnuts, gingko, and nuts in a homemade decoction. Other popular items include Yennal Bingsu (shaved ice with grain and black sesame ice cream), and a nutty latte with bean powder. These beverages pair exceptionally well with traditional Korean sweets like yakgwa (honey cookie) and garaetteok gui (grilled rice cake stick), enhancing the overall culinary experience.

Damyang Bamboo Forest (Damyang Marsh) (담양대나무숲 - 담양습지)

15.4Km 22360 2020-01-09

656-2, Taemok-ri, Daejeon-myeon, Damnyang-gun, Jeollanam-do
+82-61-380-3114

Situated between Damyang-gun and Gwangju Metropolitan City, Damyang Wetland is one of the best places to experience the ecology of Yeongsangang River. It is a habitat for the hawk, wildcat, Boreal digging frog (endangered species), and kestrel. It became the first river wetland to be designated as a wetland reserve in 2004.

Sane Flower ((주)산에는 꽃이피네)

15.5Km 7470 2024-08-05

20-1 , Dongnyeok-gil, Naju-si, Jeollanam-do
+82-10-4612-4232

Mountain Flowers Bloom in Dorae Hanok Village, Naju-si, Jeollanam-do, is a 100 year-old house built in the traditional way using local timber and no nails. Guestrooms are well insulated and equipped with bathroom and kitchen. Interiors are lined with Korean paper and are old-time and cozy. There’s a wooden veranda from which visitors can see the fine old maple tree in the yard. Among other local attractions, Naju’s Redwood Road is nearby, offering guests a peaceful walk in the woods; some weekends, the owner offers neighbourhood guided tours.

Doraemi House (도래미)

15.7Km 4415 2024-08-05

18-26 , Dongnyeok-gil, Naju-si, Jeollanam-do
+82-61-336-3646, +82-10-6604-6621

Doraemi House in Dorae Village, Naju, Jeollanam-do, is a hanok stay with a bonchae (‘main house’), a sarangchae (men’s house) and a byeolchae (‘reception room’). The bonchae has two bedrooms with a hidden attic space. The sarangchae has a living room with bedrooms on either side; while the byeolchae, atop a low hilll, has a single cozy room. A walk along a forest road takes you to a pavilion by a pond. Next to the bonchae is a quiet and tranquil reading room.

Gwangju Jeungsimsa Temple (증심사(광주))

15.8Km 17879 2021-11-09

177, Jeungsimsa-gil, Dong-gu, Gwangju
+82-62-226-0108

Located on the western foothills of Mudeungsan Mountain, Jeungsimsa Temple is a representative temple of Gwangju. First founded by Buddhist monk Cheolgamseonsa Do Yun in 517 (Silla Kingdom), the temple was remodeled by Buddhist monk Hyesoguksa in 1094 (Goryeo dynasty) and again by Kim Bang in 1443 (Joseon dynasty). The temple was burned down during the Imjin War and was reconstructed in 1609 by three Buddhist monks: Seokgyeong, Sujang, and Dogwang. It underwent several additional restorations before being destroyed again by fire during the Korean War. Most of the existing buildings, including Daeungjeon Halll (main temple building), were rebuilt in the 1970s.

Postponed: Yeongsanpo Skate Festival (영산포 홍어축제)

16.2Km 4743 2022-05-06

Samyeoung-dong, Naju-si, Jeollanam-do
• 1330 Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese) • For more info: +82-61-339-8722

Yeongsanpo has 600-year history of hongeo (skate fish) fishing. At Yeongsanpo Skate Festival, visitors can get a taste of Yeongsanpo’s unique delicacy, and walk along fields of canola flowers.

Chungjangsa Shrine (충장사)

16.9Km 29569 2023-01-25

13, Songgang-ro, Buk-gu, Gwangju
+82-62-613-5407

When you reach Baejae along the tourist road leading up to Wonhyosa Temple, you can see the well-maintained tomb and the magnificent building of Chungjangsa Shrine on the left. It was built in 1975 as a memorial to General Kim Deok-ryeong, born in Mudeungsan Mountain. In the precincts, there are the shrine, where Kim Deok-ryeong's portrait and command paper are enshrined; the east room and west room; Eullyun Monument and Commentary Monument, the relics hall; Chungyongmun Gate; and Ikomun Gate. In the relics hall, the clothes of 'General Kim Deok-ryeong,' designated as Important Folk Material, and the coffin excavated from the general's tomb, as well as his handwriting, are on display. On the hill behind the shrine is Kim Deok-ryeong's tomb and tombstone, as well as his family's tomb.

Café Yeongsannaru (카페 영산나루)

17.1Km 0 2024-02-19

28 Jumyeon 2-gil, Naju-si, Jeollanam-do

Café Yeongsannaru is a large dining café located near the Yeongsangang River Hwangpo Sailboat Quay. One of its signature dishes is the yeontan dongaseu (handmade squid ink pork cutlet). This unique black-colored dish features a thick and crispy coating, popular for its distinctive texture. With a small pond, fountain, and outdoor tables available, visitors can enjoy a leisurely time in the spacious garden.

Mudeungsan National Park (무등산국립공원) - Area information - Korea travel information