Climbing Mt. Mudeungsan, the Youngest National Park

Mt. Mudeungsan is often called the 'mother mountain' of the Jeonnam-Gwangju Unified Special City. Climb Seoseokdae Peak along the Mudeungsan Old Trail, and you'll feel exactly why with your whole body. You can also take in the breathtaking scenery of Mt. Mudeungsan, which opens its embrace across both the Jeonnam-Gwangju Unified Special City and Damyang. Starting from Jeungsimsa Temple, a Unified Silla-era temple, you can climb along the western ridge of Mt. Mudeungsan all the way to the summit.

Along the way

1. 1

   Jeungsimsa Temple

   증심사

   A leading Buddhist site in the Gwangju area, Jeungsimsa Temple sits at the western foot of Mt. Mudeungsan. It was founded in 517 by the eminent Silla monk State Preceptor Cheolgam, Doyun, rebuilt by State Preceptor Hyeso during the reign of King Seonjong of Goryeo (1094), and rebuilt a third time by Kim Bang during the reign of King Sejong of Joseon (1443), at which time the temple's Five Hundred Arhat statues are said to have been made. MoreLess

   

   ReviewsSaveDirections
2. 2

   Lunch (Nabiya Cheongsangaja, Jungang Restaurant)

   점심식사(나비야청산가자, 중앙식당)

   [Nabiya Cheongsangaja] \nAt "Nabiya Cheongsangaja," organic feed is made in-house at a farm in Donghwa-myeon, Jangseong-gun, South Jeolla Province, where black pigs, ducks, and other animals are free-range raised; the fresh meat is aged daily with plum extract, and the restaurant serves charcoal-grilled black goat, black pig barbecue, and herbal chicken and duck dishes. \n[Jungang Restaurant] \nHaving specialized in whole boiled chicken (baeksuk) and dakgalbi (spicy stir-fried chicken) for more than 30 years, this restaurant prides itself on being among the best in the country for flavor, and its location in the Jeungsimcheon valley, with fragrant wood scents and the sound of clear flowing water, adds to the atmosphere. MoreLess

   ReviewsSaveDirections
3. 3

   Mudeungsan National Park

   무등산국립공원

   Mt. Mudeungsan lies on the border of Gwangju, Damyang-gun, and Hwasun-gun, and is also known as Muak, Mujinak, Seoseoksan, and Ipseoksan. The name 'Mudeungsan' ('Rankless Mountain') reflects the idea that its height is so hard to measure and its grandeur so incomparable that it defies ranking altogether. Around its summit stand famous rock formations such as Gyubong, Ipseokdae, and Seoseokdae, along with temples including Jeungsimsa, Wonhyosa, and Yaksasa. MoreLess

   

   ReviewsSaveDirections