Mudeungsan Mountain (무등산)

6.8Km 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.

Gwangju Jeungsimsa Temple (증심사(광주))

7.0Km 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.

Uijae Museum of Korean Art (광주 의재미술관)

7.0Km 2024-11-14

155 Jeungsimsa-gil, Dong-gu, Gwangju
+82-62-222-3040

The Uijae Museum of Korean Art was established in memory of the famous Korean artist Heo Baekryeon. Construction of the museum ended in December, 1999, but the museum wasn’t officially opened until November 17, 2001. Built to mimic the curve of a gently sloping road, the museum’s unique design earned architect Jo Seongryong the 10th Korean Architecture Award the same year as the museum’s opening. Measuring 6,000㎡ (B1-2F) in size, the museum is comprised of two exhibition rooms, a storage facility, a seminar room, and a tea ceremony room for visitors. Since its opening, the Uijae Museum of Korean Art has hosted notable exhibitions and seminars such as the 2002 Biennale Project 2 International Symposium.

De Young Museum (드영미술관)

7.2Km 2024-10-10

6 Seongchon-gil, Dong-gu, Gwangju

De Young Museum is an art gallery located at the entrance to Mudeungsan National Park. The gallery opened in 2018 with the concept of being "forever young" and aims to develop the local culture scene through connections with the local community.

Jusangjeolli Cliff of Mudeungsan Mountain (무등산 주상절리대)

7.3Km 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.

Malbaujeong Market (말바우장 / 말바우시장 (2, 4, 7, 9일))

7.5Km 2023-11-20

62 Dongmun-daero 85beon-gil, Buk-gu, Gwangju
+82-62-262-4082

Malbaujeong Market is one of the main traditional markets in the northern region of Gwangju. The market is held on dates ending in 2, 4, 7, or 9.

Gyubongam Hermitage (Hwasun) (규봉암(화순))

7.7Km 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.

Mudeungsan National Park (무등산국립공원)

7.8Km 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.

Yeoro(Sansu-dong Hanok Experience Hall)[Korea Quality] / 여로(산수동 한옥체험시설) [한국관광 품질인증/Korea Quality]

7.8Km 2024-06-26

16-17 , Donggye-ro, Dong-gu, Gwangju
+82-62-227-8815

Yeoro is a hanok guesthouse in a quiet residential part of Sansu-dong, Gwangju, Jeollanam-do. The guesthouse has four ondol rooms, all equipped with a toilet and refrigerator. There is a shared washing machine (free of charge) in an outside bathroom. For breakfast, home-made sweet pumpkin porridge is served. Guests can take part in traditional crafts such as red clay dyeing, making injeolmi ricecakes or gangjeong puffed rice, and pressed-flower hand mirror making. Visitors’ cars can be parked in a nearby public parking lot.

May 18th National Cemetery (국립 5·18 민주묘지)

7.9Km 2024-07-11

200 Minju-ro, Buk-gu, Gwangju
+82-62-268-0518

The May 18th National Cemetery in Gwangju is a symbol of freedom and democracy. The cemetery holds the graves of 764 victims of the May 18th Democratic Uprising in 1980, seven structures, and many monuments.

Mudeungsan Mountain (무등산) - Area information - Korea travel information