Mudeungsan - Christopher E. Brennen

ADVENTURES AROUND THE WORLD
© Christopher Earls Brennen

Hike D2. Mudeungsan

Hiking time: 5.5 hours
Estimated hiking distance: 6.8 mile
Elevation gain: 3208 feet
Topo Map: Mapcarta
Difficulties: None
Permit: None

Characteristics

Mudeungsan is a mountain in South Korea in Mudeungsan National Park closeby the city of Gwangju in southwestern Korea. The highest peak of Mudeungsan is named Cheonwang-bong (elevation 3894ft) summit, but it has been designated as a protection zone for air force military installations. Therefore the highest spot climbers can ascend to without special permission is Seoseokdae Rocks at an elevation of 3454 ft.

Trailhead

The most popular route starts at the temple Wonhyosa Parking Area (35.13341^oN 126.95914^oE , elevation 402 ft). The Wonhyosa Temple has an ornate pavilion overlooking the park and a bronze bell dating to 1710. The temple is just uphill from the parking area. You proceed up the road through the popular tourist area past other historic buildings.

On Mount Mudeungsan

Hike

There are multiple trails in the park but I suggest the direct route to the interesting rock columns. You proceed up the road past the Art Museum at an elevation of 654 ft and 0.6 mi from the start and climb up over Jungmeorijae Pass at an elevation of 2133 ft and 1.9 mi from the start where several trails intersect including the trail by which you will descend. Take the branch toward Jungbong Peak which you should reach about 2.5 mi from the start at an elevation of 2926 ft. Continuing on you will arrive at the first of the two columnar rock formations, namely Seoseokdae Rocks at an elevation of 3454 ft and 3.2 mi from the start. Just beyond them you will reach the highpoint of the hike, Seosuckdae Peak, at 3.3 mi from the start and 3565 ft elevation. (The highest peak in the park is Cheonwang-bong (elevation 3894ft) but is in a restricted military zone). The Ipseokdae columns are about 0.3 mi further and somewhat lower in elevation but well worth a visit.
Starting home you proceed downhill to Jungmeorijae Pass having travelled 4.8 mi and thence down to the trailhead at Wonhyosa having travelled 6.8 mi.

Last updated 1/27/03.
Christopher E. Brennen