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For fans of hiking, Jeollanam-do is blessed with many hills and mountains. In a list compiled by "Korea's Mountains and Rivers", 10 Jeollanam-do mountains ranked among the 100 most popular in Korea, with Jirisan being number 1 [1]. Each county has its share of trails, and there are a few peaks in the province that rank among the highest in the country. Here is a brief outline to hiking and rock climbing in the region.
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[edit] Top Spots
Jirisan, Baegunsan, and Mudeungsan are the three highest mountains in Jeollanam-do. Here's a list of the top ten points in the area. This doesn't take into account the different peaks that are part of the same general mountain.
1. Jirisan, 1,915 meters (the third-highest mountain in South Korea)
2. Baegunsan, 1,217 meters
3. Mudeungsan, 1,187 meters
4. Mohusan, 919 meters
5. Jogyesan, 884 meters
6. Byeongpungsan, 822 meters
7. Baegasan, 810 meters
8. Wolchulsan, 808 meters
9. Jeamsan, 779 meters
10. Bangjangsan, 743 meters
[edit] Profiles
Jirisan is the centerpiece of Jirisan National Park, the first and the largest in South Korea. It straddles three counties and rises to 1,915 meters, making it the 2nd highest peak in the country. In a list of the 100 most popular mountains in Korea, Jirisan ranked number 1 [2]. The highest peaks of Jirisan are Cheonwangbong (천왕봉, 1,915 meters), Banyabong (반야봉, 1,751 meters), and Dogodan (도고단, 1,517 meters). The top ten peaks on Jirisan are taller than Baegunsan, the second-highest mountain in the province. There are scores of other peaks and valleys, six national treasures, ten temples, and many fine natural views.
There are many different hiking courses available, ranging from one hour to three days in length. The one-hour course reaches Nogodan, a peak 1,517 meters high, and is recommended for beginners. The Piagol-Nogodan course starts from Yeongoksa, moves to Piagol shelter before reaching Nogodan. It "includes a many ponds and waterfalls along the way, and has outstanding natural features," according to the official website. The "Main Climbing Route" is 25.5 kilometers long, lasts three days, and hits all the major features. You can find lists of courses here in English and here in Korean.
And there are lots of different things to see and do once you're there. Time permitting, visit Jirisan's 10 Sceneries, the top spots as designated in the 1970s. These include the Nogodan's Sea of Clouds, the autumn leaves in Piagol Valley, and Chilseon Valley. Jirisan has also traditionally been a place to watch the sunrise on Seollal, the lunar New Year, as its said that watching the first sun of the New Year will bring good luck for three generations.
Located in Gwangyang city, Baegunsan is the second-highest mountain in Jeollanam-do, but it is a distant second. The top ten peaks of Jirisan are all higher than this mountain. Nonetheless, at 1,217 meters, Baegunsan offers plenty of hiking. There are four primary courses, ranging in length from 10 to 16 kilometers, and ranging in duration from 4 to 7 hours. Baegunsa temple is in the area, and one of the courses starts there. As nearby attractions are few and far between, those interested in trying Baegunsan might wish to wait until early spring and also visit the Maehwa (Apricot) Festival held in Gwangyang each March.
Mudeungsan is one of the most notable attractions in Gwangju, and the large rocks jutting out at the top are very striking and distinctive. It is the centerpiece of Mudeungsan Provincial Park, which spills into neighboring Hwasun and Damyang counties. There are several notable temples, peaks, waterfalls, and pieces of natural scenery. There is a collection of photos here from Tour2Korea.com.
The mountain rises 1,187 meters, making it arguably the 3rd highest mountain in Jeollanam-do, although it is located primarily in Buk-gu and Dong-gu, Gwangju. There are a number of notable peaks, the Jeongsang Three being the most famous of them all. Comprised of Cheonwongbong, Jiwongbong, and Inwonbong, this cluster caps the top of Mudeungsan.
There are 14 primary hiking trails that run along the mountain and through the park. Most are quite short and managable, taking anywhere from 30 minutes to 5 hours to complete. Here is a list of trails.
To get there, first arrive at Gwangju. Then, arrive at the Provincial Office, either by bus or via Docheong Station on the subway. From there, take bus no. 777 to Wonhyosa temple.
Mohusan stands in close quarters with several large mountains in the area, as Jogyesan, Baegasan, and Mudeungsan are reasonably near. Mohusan is the highest point in Hwasun county, and at 919 meters is among the biggest mountains in Jeollanam-do.
The top sites in the area are Yumasa temple, the Mulyeon Red Cliffs, the 10-meter-high Sapyeong Waterfall, and Sapyeong Recreational Forest.
There are two primary hiking trails on the mountain, both of which take around 4 hours to complete. Here is a snapshot of the map, with Yumasa at the bottom-right and Mohusan in the top-center.
Buses head to the mountain from Hwasun-eup, Gwangju, and Suncheon. From Gwangju, take a bus bound for Yucheon-ri---bottom-left on the above map---or Namgye. From Hwasun-eup, head toward Yumasa.
Jogyesan is located in Suncheon, a city of 270,000 people. It is 884 meters high, and is surrounded by Jogyesan Provincial Park. It ranked number 63 on a list of the 100 most popular mountains in South Korea. There are nine primary hiking trails in the park, which is bounded on one end by Songgwangsa and on the other by Seonamsa. Songgwangsa is one of Korea's Three Jewel Temples, and contains 3 national treasures. Seonamsa contains 12 provincial treasures, and has the notable Seungseongyo Bridge (see picture here).
There are nine courses, ranging from 5 to 10.9 kilometers. More information can be found here, and two maps can be seen here and here. Buses go directly to Jogyesan from Gwangju and Suncheon.
Byeongpungsan is the highest mountain in Damyang county, and over time it has acquired the nickname "Folding Screen Mountain," as its profile reminds some of a folding screen [3]. Part of the Naenoryeong mountain range, it reaches 822 meters and is in the northwest corner of the county. Nestled in the mountain are the acclaimed "99 valleys," all but one of which have flowing water. Buses run to the mountain from the terminal in Damyang-eup, and buses from Gwangju arrive at Subuk-myeon.
The primary hiking trail is 9 kilometers long, lasts 4 hours, and starts and finishes at Daebang Lake. A small map is viewable here, in Korean.
Baegasan apparently takes its name from the group of white (백, 白) rocks clustered at its peak (picture). It is 810 meters tall and located in Hwasun county. There is one primary hiking course, which takes about four hours (view map here). The site is best known for its scenic beauty---its surrounded by Baegasan Recreational Forest---but is a little sparse when it comes to nearby attractions. One of the best attributes of the mountain is its proximity to Gwangju. From either Gwangju or Hwasun, take a bus to Su-ri (in Bukmyeon) to reach the mountain.
Though "only" 808 meters high, Wolchulsan is one of the most popular hiking spots in Jeollanam-do. It ranked #14 on "Korea's Rivers and Mountains" list of the 100 most popular mountains in Korea [4]. It is in Yeongam county, about an hour's bus ride from Gwangju, and offers a lot to see and do. It is surrounded by Wolchulsan National Park, the smallest national park in Korea. Inside the park is Dogapsa temple (national treasure no. 50), an 8.6 meter seated Buddha statue (national treasure no. 144), and Wolchulsan Sculpture Park.
There are four primary trails running through the park, which on average take 5-6 hours to complete. Here is one map, and here is another. The most popular is 9 kilometers long, and extends from Cheonhwangsa temple, over the mountain's peak, to Dogapsa. One highlight, so to speak, is the Cloud Bridge, a long suspension bridge 120 meters in the air. Another interesting point is Gujeonbong, named because its profile resembles 9 pots. Legend has it that it was once the home of a dragon [5].
To hike Wolchulsan, take a bus from the terminal in Yeongam-eup. Hikers can also catch a bus to Gyeongpodae in Seongjeon-myeon in Gangjin, and reach two large trails there. Buses run frequently between Gwangju and Yeongam for out-of-town visitors. For those interested, there are a few hot springs and resorts in the area.
Jeamsan is located in Boseong and Jangheung counties, just under two hours away from Gwangju by bus. The most notable feature is the azaleas that bloom each spring, and visitors might be interested in attending the Jeamsan Royal Azalea Festival. Other nearby attractions include Yulpo Beach and the acclaimed Boseong Green Tea Fields. The mountain is 779 meters high and ranked 91st among the 100 most popular mountains in Korea [6]. Nearby Sajasan (Jangheung) is 666 meters high.
There are four primary courses: 2.4 kilometers, 3.1 kilometers, 5.8 kilometers, and 11.7 kilometers. Two maps are available here and here. The best way to get there is to go to the bus terminal in Jangheung---via Gwangju first, if need be---and take a bus toward Jangdong-myeon.
Baekamasan is not among the highest mountains in the province, but a visit to the area is worth making. The mountain, at 743 meters, is located in Jangseong county, and is an hour's bus trip from Gwangju. It is inside Naejangsan National Park, which spills into neighboring Jeollabuk-do. Its most notable features are the colorful danpung (maple) trees in autumn, and Baekyangsa temple. Visit the profile from "Korea's Mountains and Rivers" for several pages of photographs, or visit this page (in Korean) for information about the Danpung trees that make Baekamsan a popular destination for seeing autumn foliage.
There are over a dozen trails in the area, ranging from 3 to nearly 14 kilometers long. Baekyangsa is a popular starting point, and there are caves and a 약수터 about 40 minutes away. Here is a more detailed list of trails (in English), complete with maps, and there are two maps (in Korean) here and here.
To get to the mountain, take a bus from Gangnam in Seoul, Gwangju, or Jangseong to Baekyangsa.
Duryunsan is not among the top 10 highest points in Jeollanam-do either, but it is one of the more popular hiking destinations there. It ranked 61st on a list of the 100 most popular mountains in the country. Located in Haenam county, rises 703 meters and is surrounded by Duryunsan Provincial Park. The mountain is best known for offering views of the archipelagoes that sprawl out into the Yellow and South seas. Daedunsa temple is located on the mountain, and is one of the more notable religious sites in the provinces.
All of the hiking courses either start or pass through Daedunsa on their way to the various peaks. A more detailed breakdown of the courses can be found here. To visit Duryunsun, first arrive at Haenam bus terminal (via Gwangju Bus Terminal if need be). Take one of the buses toward Daedunsa, which run every 30 minutes.
[edit] Wall Climbing
- Outdoor: There is a small outdoor wall in Yeosu, behind the Red Cross building. In Gwangju there is a large outdoor climbing wall in Sangmu Citizens' Park. It is high with steep angles, and not recommended for beginners.
[edit] See also
Visit this page for a list of mountains in Jeollanam-do. For a list of provincial parks in Jeollanam-do, visit this article, and for a list of national parks in the province, please browse this page.
[edit] External Links
