Jusangjeolli Cliff of Mudeungsan Mountain (무등산 주상절리대)

0m 28509 2020-06-05

San 354-1, Yongyeon-dong, Dong-gu, Gwangju
+82-62-227-1187

The Jueangjeolli cliffs are rock pillars of various hexagonal shapes that seem as if they were hand carved. The Jusangjeolli cliffs of Mudeungsan Mountain consist of Seoseokdae, Ipseokdae, and Gyubong Rocks formed about 70 million years ago. Ipseokdae and Gyubong Rocks are both of a distinct pillar shape as they have been heavily weathered, and Seoseokdae, which was less weathered, looks like a folding screen. The Neodeolgeong (cluster of rocks), which sit on the mountain slope, were made when stone pillars collapsed. The standing rocks and Neodolgeong have been designated as Natural Monuments due to their rarity and uniqueness.

Mudeungsan Mountain (무등산)

979.3710376304549m 19970 2018-01-30

Nam-myeon, Damyang-gun & Dong-gu & Buk-gu, Gwangju & Iseo-myeon, Hwasun-gun, Jeollanam-do
82-61-379-3503

Mudeungsan covers an area of about 30 square meters above the metropolitan city of Gwangju, Hwasun-gun and the nearby Damyang-gun. The name means ‘a high mountain’ or, more mysteriously, a mountain beyond classification’.

Mudeungsan Mountain (무등산) is not too steep and many people come for a hike on the weekends or public holidays. Highlights on the way include the Seoseokdae, Ipseokdae, Seinbong and Gyubong Rocks, Wonhyo and Yongchu Valleys – as well as Jigong Neodeol (cluster of rocks) – and the Deoksan Neodeol. To enjoy a great view, try going up Jungmeorijae, Jangbuljae or the Donghwasa Temple Site, or the Jangwonbong Peak. Visitors coming from the Hwasun side of the mountain can see the picturesque Dongbokho Lake from Ipseokdae and Gyubong Rock, Jingong Neodeol, Jangbul, Baekma ridge and Gyubongam temple.

Gyubongam Hermitage (Hwasun) (규봉암(화순))

1.7 Km 22571 2024-02-20

40-28 Dowon-gil, Iseo-myeon, Hwasun-gun, Jeollanam-do

Gyubongam Hermitage is a small hermitage located on Mudeungsan Mountain. It is believed to have been established during the Silla dynasty (B.C. 57-A.D. 935) and underwent renovations in 1959 to attain its current appearance. Renowned for its picturesque scenery, Gyubongam Hermitage is said to be a must-visit spot for those climbing Mudeungsan Mountain. It is particularly famous for its vibrant autumn foliage, and the area around the hermitage is abundant with rocky cliffs.

Hola Alpaca Café (올라알파카카페)

2.7 Km 0 2024-02-20

477 Anyangsan-ro, Hwasun-eup, Hwasun-gun, Jeollanam-do

Hola Alpaca Café is a bakery café in Hwasun where visitors can see alpacas up close and experience feeding them. Its signature menu item is the Alpaca cube latte, where espresso cubes shaped like alpacas are melted into milk. The café offers a popular spot for enjoying beverages and desserts while overlooking the scenic views of Manyeonsan Mountain.

Gwangju Jeungsimsa Temple (증심사(광주))

2.8 Km 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.

Manyeonsa Temple - Hwasun (만연사(화순))

4.3 Km 20049 2020-03-27

367, Jingak-ro, Hwasun-gun, Jeollanam-do
+82-61-374-2112

Manyeonsa Temple is known to have been built in 1208, the fourth year of King Heejong’s (r. 1204-1211) reign during the Goryeo dynasty.

It is said that Manyeonsa Temple was constructed by Great Monk Manyeon after he dreamt of 16 nahans, Buddha’s disciples, preparing to build a temple to preserve Buddha’s statue when taking a short nap during his journey back to Songwangsa Temple in Jogyesan Mountain from Wonhyosa Temple in Mudeungsan Mountain. When he awoke from his nap, he noticed that snow had completely covered his nearby surroundings except for the exact spot where he lied down, which remained so warm that snow had melted and steam was rising from the ground. He then settled in the area by building a dugout where he continued to practice asceticism and later built Manyeonsa Temple.

The temple was partially destroyed during the Korean War (1950) and restoration efforts were made in 1978.

Mudeungsan National Park (무등산국립공원)

4.7 Km 68136 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.

Chungjangsa Shrine (충장사)

5.0 Km 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.

Kkotpineun Chunsamwol (꽃피는춘삼월)

5.3 Km 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.

Jisan Recreation Area (지산유원지)

5.5 Km 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.

Jusangjeolli Cliff of Mudeungsan Mountain (무등산 주상절리대) - Area information - Korea travel information