Hyangiram Hermitage
향일암
A Guanyin shrine built into the cliffs at the southern tip of Dolsan Island, on Geumo Mountain. Climb through rock crevices and stone steps to the top for sunrise over the South Sea.
Hyangiram is one of Korea's four great Guanyin pilgrimage sites. It is said to have been founded by the monk Wonhyo. Its halls cling to the rock face on the southern slope of Geumo Mountain, where the stone striations look like tortoise shells. To reach the top, you pass through several 'stone gates,' rock crevices just wide enough for one person. It takes about 20 to 30 minutes to reach the Guanyin Hall, which overlooks the vast South Sea and is one of Korea's best-known sunrise spots. Admission is about 3,000 won, and the steps are numerous and steep. From central Yeosu, take bus 111 or 113 for about an hour, then walk up the mountain from the last stop.
Opening hours
All day (temple office roughly 06:00–19:00)
Nearby sights
- Geumodo Bireong Trail
- Yeosu Art Land
- Yeosu Night Sea & Nangman Pocha Street
- Yeosu Maritime Cable Car
- Odongdo Island
- Yeosu Expo Park & Aqua Planet Yeosu
- Yi Sun-sin Square & Jinnamgwan
- Manseongri Black Sand Beach