Mudeungsan National Park
무등산국립공원
The city mountain of Gwangju. Seoseokdae and Ipseokdae, columnar-jointed rock formations, are the signature landscapes of this UNESCO Global Geopark.
The main peak of Mudeungsan, Cheonwangbong, stands at 1,187 meters. The mountain became a national park in 2013 and was added to UNESCO's Global Geoparks list in 2018. Near the summit, Seoseokdae and Ipseokdae are clusters of huge columnar-jointed rock pillars, and in autumn the ridges are covered in swaying silver grass. The classic route starts at the Jeungsimsa Temple trailhead, passes Jungbong and reaches Seoseokdae, a round trip of about 5 to 6 hours. You can also climb from the Wonhyosa Temple side. Cheonwangbong is a military zone and is open only a few days a year. Take a bus from Gwangju city center to the trailhead, about 30 to 40 minutes. Entry is free.
Opening hours
All day (some sections closed during fire season)
Nearby sights
- Jeungsimsa Temple
- Gwangju Lake Eco Park
- Soswaewon Garden
- Sigyeongjeong & Hwanbyeokdang (Gasa Literature Area)
- Asia Culture Center & 5·18 Democracy Square
- Gwangju Art Street
- Daein Market & Night Market
- Yangnim-dong History & Culture Village and Penguin Village