Mudeungsan Mountain (무등산)

5.7Km 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.

Jisan Recreation Area (지산유원지)

6.2Km 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)

6.3Km 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.

Gwangju Jeungsimsa Temple (증심사(광주))

6.3Km 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.

Mudeungsan Lift Monorail (Jisan Park) (무등산 리프트모노레일 (지산유원지))

6.4Km 2023-12-22

14-10 Jiho-ro 164beon-gil, Dong-gu, Gwangju

To use the lift and monorail located at Jisan Park in Gwangju, visitors can purchase a ticket at the ticket office in the convenience store on the first floor and go up to the boarding area on the second floor. Get on the lift with a track length of 745 meters and an operating speed of 12 m/sec and climb for about 20 minutes while enjoying the scenery of Mudeungsan Mountain to arrive at Bitgoeul Station. From here, visitors can transfer to the monorail. Passengers can feel the thrill of riding toward the top on a monorail which can accommodate about 20 people at a time. A spectacular view of Mudeungsan Mountain will unfold in all directions. The view of Gwangju from Palgakjeong Observatory at the end of the monorail is a beautiful sight that visitors to Gwangju must see at least once as it is a famous attraction to enjoy the view of Gwangju.

Hotel Mudeung Park (무등파크호텔)

6.4Km 2021-02-01

14-10, Jiho-ro 164beon-gil, Dong-gu, Gwangju
+82-62-226-0011

Opened in 2004, Hotel Mudeung Park is located at the foot of Mudeungsan Mountain. Situated in a leisure town measuring an impressive 495,000 m², the hotel is one of the representative hotels of Gwangju and is known for its high-quality facilities and services.

In addition to its posh guestrooms, Hotel Mudeung Park offers a myriad of facilities including a convention hall, a banquet hall, a business center, restaurants, a wine bar, a driving range, a bowling alley, and an observatory with a panoramic view of downtown Gwangju.

Uijae Museum of Korean Art (광주 의재미술관)

6.4Km 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.

Gyubongam Hermitage (Hwasun) (규봉암(화순))

6.5Km 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.

Coboc (커볶)

6.5Km 2024-02-13

161-7 Jiho-ro, Dong-gu, Gwangju

Coboc, established in 2006, is a café located near the Jisan Recreation Area at the base of Mudeungsan Mountain. This café is particularly known for its stunning views, especially during sunset. Among its signature offerings are the Mudeungsan Gureum Coffee, a unique cheese cream coffee, and a bagel with chives and bacon. The Mudeungsan Gureum Coffee is distinctively topped with a white, soft cheese cream, reminiscent of the clouds that grace the mountain.

Damyang Changpyeong [Slow City] (담양군 창평면 [슬로시티])

6.7Km 2021-04-16

56-24, Doldam-gil, Damyang-gun, Jeollanam-do
+82-2-383-3807

Damyang Changpyeong Samjinae Village is a farming village that produces vegetables and fruits including tomatoes and strawberries. The name of the village goes all the way back to early Goryeo period. Changpyeong is home to many important historical figures and known for its regional foods and local produce.

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