Mudeungsan National Park (Jusangjeolli)

Designated South Korea’s 21st National Park in 2013 and certified as a UNESCO Global Geopark in 2018, Mount Mudeungsan (1,187 meters) holds exceptional global geological significance. During the Cretaceous period roughly 87 million years ago, volcanic eruptions cooled slowly beneath thick ash blankets, cracking into monumental polygonal volcanic stone pillars—the largest high-altitude columnar joints on Earth situated above 1,000 meters elevation.

The geological icons are Ipseokdae ('Standing Stone Terrace'), featuring dozens of pentagonal and hexagonal stone monoliths rising up to 30 meters high like petrified pipe organs, and Seoseokdae ('Auspicious Stone Terrace'), forming a magnificent 50-meter-wide stone colonnade that glistens like silver crystals when catching morning light. At the western foot sits the ancient Buddhist monastery Jeungsimsa, founded in 860 AD during Silla times.

Spring dresses the mountain trails in royal pink azaleas and soft mountain cherry blooms. Summer provides deep green forest canopies and refreshing crystalline streams at Wonhyo Valley. Autumn is magical as the wind whispers through shimmering silver grass fields on the Jangbuljae ridge, framing the grey volcanic stone columns. Winter turns Seoseokdae into a breathtaking ice kingdom draped in snow crystals and rime frost.

The national park hiking trails are open daily from 04:00 to 17:00 (extended to 18:00 in summer; restricted to 05:00 to 16:00 in winter for safety). The easiest trail from Jeungsimsa to Ipseokdae takes roughly 2.5 to 3 hours uphill. Early morning departures around 07:00 provide pleasant temperatures and breathtaking panoramic views over Gwangju.

Admission to Mudeungsan National Park and Jeungsimsa Temple is completely free of charge. Parking at the Jeungsimsa public lot carries a nominal municipal fee.

The lower 1.5-kilometer trail from the bus turnaround to Jeungsimsa Temple is designated as a barrier-free ecological path with gentle paved walkways and wooden decks accessible for wheelchairs and strollers. High mountain hiking trails to Ipseokdae and Seoseokdae consist of natural stone staircases requiring sturdy trekking shoes. Accessible restrooms are located at the Jeungsimsa terminus and the national park visitor center.

Jeungsimsa Bus Terminus → hike along the valley trail to Jeungsimsa Temple → climb toward Dangsan Tree rest area → reach the open silver grass plateau of Jangbuljae → marvel at the 30-meter stone pillars of Ipseokdae → ascend to the summit colonnade of Seoseokdae → descend via Jungmeorijae ridge (approx. 5 hours round trip).

The Jeungsimsa trail village at the mountain base is celebrated for hearty hiker fare: Mudeungsan Boribap (nutritious barley rice bowls served with 15 fresh mountain herbs and fermented bean paste), sizzling seafood green onion pancakes (haemul-pajeon), and acorn jelly salad paired with local Mudeungsan makgeolli rice wine.

Boribap restaurants are inherently vegetarian-friendly, serving entirely plant-based sets loaded with wild ferns, shepherd's purse, seasoned bean sprouts, and fresh perilla leaves. Tofu stew and boiled mountain greens are staples.

Unmissable photo spots: standing at the Ipseokdae observation platform looking up at the colossal hexagonal stone pillars, the frozen rime-covered stone cliff of Seoseokdae in winter, and the vast sea of silver grass at Jangbuljae with the peak rising in the background.

Maintain national park environmental ethics: pack out all trash, do not pick alpine plants, stay strictly on marked paths, and refrain from smoking or lighting stoves (strictly prohibited with heavy fines). Hiking after official sunset entry hours is forbidden.

National Park Ranger rescue stations are operated at the base and Jangbuljae shelter. Automated external defibrillators (AED) and emergency call boxes are installed every 500 meters along major trails. Contact 119 or 1330 for emergency assistance.

Gwangju National Museum lies 20 minutes northwest, while the Asia Culture Center (ACC) and Yangnim-dong sit 15 minutes west by bus.

Q: Is the summit open to the public? A: The highest peaks (Cheonwangbong and Jiwangbong) house military facilities and open during special civilian open days; however, Seoseokdae (1,100m) is open year-round and serves as the official summit viewing terrace offering panoramic views over the city.

Early morning hike to Mudeungsan Ipseokdae and Seoseokdae columnar joints → hearty barley rice lunch at Jeungsimsa village → afternoon recovery foot spa or rest → evening cultural stroll through Asia Culture Center.