Majestic natural landscape of Mudeungsan National Park mountain peaks and ridges
Mudeungsan National Park Playbook

Mudeungsan National Park Hiking Playbook

A guide to Mudeungsan National Park, one of South Korea's best mountains. Provides detailed routes, real-world maps, and tips for beginner, intermediate, and advanced courses.

Photo byKemal Güneş/pexels
Beginner Course Overview
Course Length 8.0km
Duration 3h10m
Highest Altitude 617m
Cumulative Elevation Change ±467m
Estimated Calories ~640
Difficulty

Elevation Profile — Dangsan-namu Course (Jeungsimsa Temple~Jungmeorijae Peak Round Trip)

Woljeongsa Temple 600mFir Forest PathOdaecheon ValleySangwonsa Temple 970m
Overall Course Flow
Jeungsimsa Temple Visitor Center→Jeungsimsa Temple→Dangsan Tree→Jungmeorijae→Return to Dangsan Tree→Return to Jeungsimsa Temple Visitor Center

Course Features

  • From Jeungsimsa Temple Entrance (150m) to Dangsan-namu (350m), the slope is gentle, but after that, a rocky path continues to Jungmeorijae (617m), and the elevation rises steeply.
  • ️ Caution: Slippery rock scree after Dangsannamu.
  • ️ Strong winds near Jungmeorijae.
Detailed Route by Section
Departure
Jeungsimsa Temple Visitor Center → Jeungsimsa Temple
Approx. 0.9km 22min Uphill

Depart from Jeungsimsa Temple Visitor Center and head to Jeungsimsa Temple (220m above sea level). This is a thousand-year-old temple. Please proceed with caution for your safety.

The slope can change in the section near Jeungsimsa Temple, so do not overexert yourself and maintain your own pace.
2
Jeungsimsa Temple → Dangsan-namu
Approx. 1.4km 35min Uphill
Difficulty

Depart from Jeungsimsa Temple and head to Dangsan-namu (350m above sea level). This is a 500-year-old protected tree. Please proceed with caution for your safety.

The slope near Dangsan Tree may change, so do not overexert yourself and maintain your own pace.
3
Dangsan Tree → Jungmeorijae Pass
Approx. 1.7km 42min Uphill
Difficulty

Depart from Dangsan Tree and head towards Jungmeorijae (617m above sea level). A wide, flat pass, the first waypoint. Please proceed with caution.

The slope can change in the section near Jungmeorijae, so do not overexert yourself and maintain your own pace.
4
Jungmeorijae → Return to Dangsan-namu
Approx. 1.7km 25min Downhill
Difficulty

Depart from Jungmeorijae and head back to Dangsan-namu (350m above sea level). This is via the descent path. Please proceed with caution for your safety.

The slope near the Dangsan Tree return section may change, so do not overexert yourself and maintain your own pace.
5
Return to Dangsan Tree → Return to Jeungsimsa Temple Visitor Center
Approx. 2.3km 34min Downhill
Difficulty

Depart from Dangsan Tree return and head towards Jeungsimsa Temple Visitor Center return (150m above sea level). Round trip completed. Please proceed with caution.

The slope can change in the section near the return to Jeungsimsa Temple Visitor Center, so do not overexert yourself and maintain your own pace.
Tips & Precautions

Essential Gear

  • Hiking boots or trekking shoes
  • Sufficient drinking water (1L or more)
  • Seasonal windbreaker/cold-weather gear
  • Simple snacks (chocolate, nuts)

Public Transportation Access

  • After getting off Gwangju Metro Line 1 at Hakdong·Jeungsimsaipgu Station, transfer to a bus (take bus no. 09, 50, 51, 54, etc., and get off at Jeungsimsa District Terminal, approx. 10 min travel time).
  • When traveling to the Wonhyosa Temple area, take bus 1187 from Gwangju Station or the Central Bus Terminal and get off at the Wonhyosa Temple terminus.

Recommended Seasons & Attractions

  • Spring Azaleas (Barangjae)
  • Cool valley trail in summer
  • Autumn silver grass (Jangbuljae, Baengmaneungseon Ridge)
  • Winter rime ice (Seolhwa) on columnar joints at Seoseokdae and Ipseokdae

Course Safety Rules

  • Caution: Slippery rockfall area after Dangsan Tree
  • Strong winds near Jungmeorijae
  • During winter, bring essential cold-weather gear to prepare for icy conditions and strong winds around the columnar joint area.

Nearby Amenities

  • Main Trailheads: Jeungsimsa Trailhead Support Center (160 Jeungsimsa-gil, Dong-gu, Gwangju) or Wonhyosa Trailhead Support Center (1550 Mudeung-ro, Buk-gu, Gwangju)
  • The summit area of Mudeungsan National Park (including Inwangbong Peak) is normally a military facility protection zone with restricted access. However, it is opened on specific days each year in consultation with local authorities and military units, so advance confirmation of the schedule is required.
  • Gwangju city bus no. 1187 is named to commemorate the altitude of Mudeungsan National Park (1187m).

National Park Information

  • Mudeungsan National Park Office: 062-227-1187
  • Summit Certification: Blackyak 100 Famous Mountains (Seoseokdae)
  • Reservation system: reservation.knps.or.kr

Dangsan Tree Course (Jeungsimsa Temple~Jungmeorijae Round Trip) Concept Map

Woljeongsa Temple P 600mFir Forest 1kmWoljeongsa Temple (Buddhist Temple)Mid-course Rest AreaSangwonsa Temple 970mOdaecheon Valley5km →NSeonjaegil Trail (10km)
All Checkpoints
1
Jeungsimsa Temple Visitor Center Start
Elevation 150m Cumulative 0.0km
Amenities: Trailhead, Park Information Center
2
Jeungsimsa Temple Temple
Elevation 220m Cumulative 0.9km
Amenities: Ancient Temple
3
Dangsan Tree General
Elevation 350m Cumulative 2.3km
Amenities: 500-year-old Protected Tree
4
Jungmeorijae Summit
Elevation 617m Cumulative 4.0km
Amenities: Wide flat pass, 1st starting point
5
Return to Dangsan Tree General
Elevation 350m Cumulative 5.7km
Amenities: Via descent route
6
Return to Jeungsimsa Temple Visitor Center Arrival
Elevation 150m Cumulative 8.0km
Amenities: Loop complete
Intermediate Course Overview
Course Length 12.4km
Duration 6h00m
Highest Altitude 1100m
Cumulative Elevation Change ±950m
Estimated Calories ~992
Difficulty

Elevation Profile — Saeinbong Peak-Ipseokdae Rock Course (Jeungsimgyo Bridge~Saeinbong Peak~Jangbuljae Pass~Ipseokdae Rock~Seoseokdae Rock)

Sangwonsa Temple 970mJungdaesajaam HermitageJeokmyeolbogungBirobong Peak 1,563mSangwonsa Temple
Overall Course Flow
Jeungsimsa Temple Visitor Center→Saeinbong Peak→Seoinbong→Jangbuljae→IpSeokdae→Seoseokdae→Jungmeorijae→Return to Jeungsimsa Temple Visitor Center

Course Features

  • After ascending steep stairs and ridge trails to Saeinbong, a continuous steep incline leads past Seoinbong and Jangbuljae (900m) to Seoseokdae (1100m).
  • ️ Caution: Steep iron stairs and railing sections at Saeinbong Peak.
  • ️ Caution: Frequent icing and strong winds near Seoseokdae in winter.
Detailed Route by Section
Departure
Jeungsimsa Temple Visitor Center → Saeinbong Peak
Approx. 2.2km 55min Uphill

Depart from Jeungsimsa Temple Visitor Center and head to Saeinbong Peak (490m above sea level). This is a viewpoint for unique rock formations and cliffs. Please proceed with caution for your safety.

The incline near Saeinbong can change, so do not overexert yourself and maintain your own pace.
2
Saeinbong → Seoinbong
Approx. 0.9km 22min Uphill
Difficulty

Depart from Saeinbong and head towards Seoinbong (611m above sea level). This is the peak just before Jungmeorijae. Please proceed with caution for safety.

The incline near Seoinbong can change, so do not overexert yourself and maintain your own pace.
3
Seoinbong → Jangbuljae
Approx. 1.9km 47min Uphill
Difficulty

Depart from Seoinbong and head towards Jangbuljae (900m above sea level). This is a rest area, shelter, and columnar joint viewpoint. Please proceed with caution for safety.

The slope of the trail near Jangbuljae may change, so do not overexert yourself and maintain your own pace.
4
Jangbuljae → IpSeokdae
Approx. 0.4km 10min Uphill
Difficulty

Depart from Jangbuljae and head towards Ipseokdae (1017m above sea level). Jusangjeollidae (Natural Monument). Please proceed with caution for safety.

The slope of the trail near IpSeokdae may change, so do not overexert yourself and maintain your own pace.
5
IpSeokdae → Seoseokdae
Approx. 0.5km 12min Uphill
Difficulty

Depart from IpSeokdae and head towards Seoseokdae (1100m above sea level). This is the highest climbing point for the general public. Please proceed with caution.

The incline near Seoseokdae can change, so do not overexert yourself and maintain your own pace.
6
Seoseokdae → Jungmeorijae
Approx. 2.5km 37min Downhill
Difficulty

Depart from Seoseokdae and head towards Jungmeorijae (617m above sea level). This is the junction with the descending ridge trail. Please proceed with caution for safety.

The slope can change in the section near Jungmeorijae, so do not overexert yourself and maintain your own pace.
7
Jungmeorijae → Return to Jeungsimsa Temple Visitor Center
Approx. 4.0km 60min Downhill
Difficulty

Depart from Jungmeorijae and head back to Jeungsimsa Temple Visitor Center (150m above sea level). Descent completed. Please proceed with caution for your safety.

The slope can change in the section near the return to Jeungsimsa Temple Visitor Center, so do not overexert yourself and maintain your own pace.
Tips & Precautions

Essential Gear

  • Hiking boots or trekking shoes
  • Sufficient drinking water (1L or more)
  • Seasonal windbreaker/cold-weather gear
  • Simple snacks (chocolate, nuts)

Public Transportation Access

  • After getting off Gwangju Metro Line 1 at Hakdong·Jeungsimsaipgu Station, transfer to a bus (take bus no. 09, 50, 51, 54, etc., and get off at Jeungsimsa District Terminal, approx. 10 min travel time).
  • When traveling to the Wonhyosa Temple area, take bus 1187 from Gwangju Station or the Central Bus Terminal and get off at the Wonhyosa Temple terminus.

Recommended Seasons & Attractions

  • Spring Azaleas (Barangjae)
  • Cool valley trail in summer
  • Autumn silver grass (Jangbuljae, Baengmaneungseon Ridge)
  • Winter rime ice (Seolhwa) on columnar joints at Seoseokdae and Ipseokdae

Course Safety Rules

  • Caution: Steep iron stairs and railing sections at Saeinbong
  • Frequent icing and strong winds near Seoseokdae in winter
  • During winter, bring essential cold-weather gear to prepare for icy conditions and strong winds around the columnar joint area.

Nearby Amenities

  • Main Trailheads: Jeungsimsa Trailhead Support Center (160 Jeungsimsa-gil, Dong-gu, Gwangju) or Wonhyosa Trailhead Support Center (1550 Mudeung-ro, Buk-gu, Gwangju)
  • The summit area of Mudeungsan National Park (including Inwangbong Peak) is normally a military facility protection zone with restricted access. However, it is opened on specific days each year in consultation with local authorities and military units, so advance confirmation of the schedule is required.
  • Gwangju city bus no. 1187 is named to commemorate the altitude of Mudeungsan National Park (1187m).

National Park Information

  • Mudeungsan National Park Office: 062-227-1187
  • Summit Certification: Blackyak 100 Famous Mountains (Seoseokdae)
  • Reservation system: reservation.knps.or.kr

Conceptual map of the Saeinbong-Ipdaeseokdae Course (Jeungsimgyo~Saeinbong~Jangbuljae~Ipdaeseokdae~Seoseokdae)

Sangwonsa Temple Parking PSangwonsa Temple (National Treasure Bronze Bell)Jungdaesajaam HermitageJeokmyeolbogung 1,400mBirobong Peak1,563m ★Sangwonsa Temple Return PYew Tree ColonyNClimbing routeDescent route
All Checkpoints
1
Jeungsimsa Temple Visitor Center Start
Elevation 150m Cumulative 0.0km
Amenities: Starting Point Departure
2
Saeinbong Peak General
Elevation 490m Cumulative 2.2km
Amenities: Strange Rock Cliff Viewpoint
3
Seoinbong General
Elevation 611m Cumulative 3.1km
Amenities: Peak just before Jungmeorijae
4
Jangbuljae Shelter
Elevation 900m Cumulative 5.0km
Amenities: Shelter & Refuge, Columnar Joint Viewpoint
5
IpSeokdae General
Elevation 1017m Cumulative 5.4km
Amenities: Jusangjeollidae (Natural Monument)
6
Seoseokdae Summit
Elevation 1100m Cumulative 5.9km
Amenities: Highest climbing point for general public
7
Jungmeorijae Shelter
Elevation 617m Cumulative 8.4km
Amenities: Descent ridge trail junction
8
Return to Jeungsimsa Temple Visitor Center Arrival
Elevation 150m Cumulative 12.4km
Amenities: Descent complete
Advanced Course Overview
Course Length 14.6km
Duration 7h00m
Highest Altitude 1100m
Cumulative Elevation Change ±720m
Estimated Calories ~1168
Difficulty

Elevation Profile — Wonhyosa Temple-Gyubongam Hermitage Course (Wonhyosa Temple~Kkomakjae Pass~Gyubongam Hermitage~Jangbuljae Pass~Seoseokdae Rock Traverse)

Sangwonsa Temple 970mBirobong Peak 1,563mSangwangbong Peak 1,491mDuryeong PassDurobong PeakDongdaesan Mountain 1,434mSangwonsa Temple (Dongpigol)Birobong Peak SectionDongdaesan Mountain Section
Overall Course Flow
Wonhyosa Temple Visitor Center→Kkomakjae Pass→Sinsandae Entrance→Gyubongam Hermitage (Gwangseokdae)→Jangbuljae→Seoseokdae→Mokgyo Bridge→Return to Wonhyosa Temple Visitor Center

Course Features

  • From Wonhyosa Temple (380m) to Gyubongam Hermitage (950m) is a relatively gentle ridge trail, but the section via Jangbuljae to Seoseokdae (1100m) and the old trail descent are steep scree areas.
  • ️ Adjusting stamina distribution is necessary for the 14.6km long-distance hike.
  • ️ Caution: Falling rocks and scree near Gyubongam Hermitage.
Detailed Route by Section
Departure
Wonhyosa Temple Visitor Center → Kkomakjae Pass
Approx. 2.0km 50min Uphill

Depart from Wonhyosa Temple Visitor Center and head towards Kkomakjae (738m above sea level). This is a gentle dirt path pass. Please proceed with caution.

The slope near Kkomakjae Pass may change, so do not overexert yourself and maintain your own pace.
2
Kkomakjae Pass → Sinseondae Entrance
Approx. 2.1km 52min Uphill
Difficulty

Depart from Kkomakjae Pass and head towards Sinseondae Entrance (850m above sea level), a ridge junction. Please proceed with caution.

The slope near Sinsandae Entrance may change, so do not overexert yourself and maintain your own pace.
3
Sinsandae Entrance → Gyubongam (Gwangseokdae)
Approx. 1.5km 37min Uphill
Difficulty

Starting from Sinsandae Entrance, head towards Gyubongam (Gwangseokdae) (950m above sea level). Below the rock face are the Millennium Hermitage and the Three Great Stone Sceneries. Please proceed with caution for your safety.

The slope near Gyubongam Hermitage (Gwangseokdae) may change, so do not overexert yourself and maintain your own pace.
4
Gyubongam Hermitage (Gwangseokdae) → Jangbuljae Pass
Approx. 1.8km 27min Downhill
Difficulty

Depart from Gyubongam Hermitage (Gwangseokdae) and head towards Jangbuljae Pass (900m above sea level), a silver grass plain intersection. Please proceed with caution.

The slope of the trail near Jangbuljae may change, so do not overexert yourself and maintain your own pace.
5
Jangbuljae → Seoseokdae
Approx. 0.9km 22min Uphill
Difficulty

Depart from Jangbuljae and head towards Seoseokdae (1100m above sea level). This is the general highest point. Please proceed with caution for safety.

The incline near Seoseokdae can change, so do not overexert yourself and maintain your own pace.
6
Seoseokdae → Mokgyo
Approx. 0.5km 7min Downhill
Difficulty

Depart from Seoseokdae and head towards Mokgyo (990m above sea level). This is a fork in the old trail. Please proceed with caution for safety.

The slope near Mokgyo Bridge can change, so don't overexert yourself and maintain your own pace.
7
Mokgyo Bridge → Return to Wonhyosa Temple Visitor Center
Approx. 5.8km 87min Downhill
Difficulty

Depart from Mokgyo Bridge and head back to Wonhyosa Temple Visitor Center (380m above sea level). Descent via the old Wonhyosa Temple trail is complete. Please proceed with caution for safety.

The slope of the trail near Wonhyosa Temple Visitor Center may change on the return route, so do not overexert yourself and maintain your own pace.
Tips & Precautions

Essential Gear

  • Hiking boots or trekking shoes
  • Sufficient drinking water (1L or more)
  • Seasonal windbreaker/cold-weather gear
  • Simple snacks (chocolate, nuts)
  • Trekking poles (for long-distance walking assistance)

Public Transportation Access

  • After getting off Gwangju Metro Line 1 at Hakdong·Jeungsimsaipgu Station, transfer to a bus (take bus no. 09, 50, 51, 54, etc., and get off at Jeungsimsa District Terminal, approx. 10 min travel time).
  • When traveling to the Wonhyosa Temple area, take bus 1187 from Gwangju Station or the Central Bus Terminal and get off at the Wonhyosa Temple terminus.

Recommended Seasons & Attractions

  • Spring Azaleas (Barangjae)
  • Cool valley trail in summer
  • Autumn silver grass (Jangbuljae, Baengmaneungseon Ridge)
  • Winter rime ice (Seolhwa) on columnar joints at Seoseokdae and Ipseokdae

Course Safety Rules

  • Adjusting stamina distribution is necessary for the 14.6km long-distance hike.
  • Caution: Falling rocks and scree slopes near Gyubongam Hermitage
  • During winter, bring essential cold-weather gear to prepare for icy conditions and strong winds around the columnar joint area.

Nearby Amenities

  • Main Trailheads: Jeungsimsa Trailhead Support Center (160 Jeungsimsa-gil, Dong-gu, Gwangju) or Wonhyosa Trailhead Support Center (1550 Mudeung-ro, Buk-gu, Gwangju)
  • The summit area of Mudeungsan National Park (including Inwangbong Peak) is normally a military facility protection zone with restricted access. However, it is opened on specific days each year in consultation with local authorities and military units, so advance confirmation of the schedule is required.
  • Gwangju city bus no. 1187 is named to commemorate the altitude of Mudeungsan National Park (1187m).

National Park Information

  • Mudeungsan National Park Office: 062-227-1187
  • Summit Certification: Blackyak 100 Famous Mountains (Seoseokdae)
  • Reservation system: reservation.knps.or.kr

Wonhyosa Temple-Gyubongam Hermitage Course (Wonhyosa Temple~Kkomakjae~Gyubongam Hermitage~Jangbuljae~Seoseokdae Traverse) Conceptual Map

Sangwonsa Temple Parking PBirobong Peak 1,563mHoryeongbong Peak 1,561mSangwangbong Peak 1,491mDuryeong Pass Escape ↓Durobong Peak 1,422mSinseonmogiChadolbaegiDongdaesan Mountain 1,434mDongpigol → Return to Seonjaegil TrailN5 Peaks Loop Main RidgeReturn via Seonjaegil (Dongpigol~Sangwonsa Temple)
All Checkpoints (Loop Hike)
1
Wonhyosa Temple Visitor Center Start
Elevation 380m Cumulative 0.0km
Amenities: Start from Wonhyosa Temple
2
Kkomakjae Pass Shelter
Elevation 738m Cumulative 2.0km
Amenities: Gentle dirt path pass
3
Sinsandae Entrance General
Elevation 850m Cumulative 4.1km
Amenities: Ridge Junction
4
Gyubongam Hermitage (Gwangseokdae) Temple
Elevation 950m Cumulative 5.6km
Amenities: Millennium Hermitage, Three Great Stone Sceneries below the rock face
5
Jangbuljae Shelter
Elevation 900m Cumulative 7.4km
Amenities: Eoksae Pyeongwon Intersection
6
Seoseokdae Summit
Elevation 1100m Cumulative 8.3km
Amenities: Reached general highest point
7
Mokgyo Bridge General
Elevation 990m Cumulative 8.8km
Amenities: Old Trail Fork
8
Return to Wonhyosa Temple Visitor Center Arrival
Elevation 380m Cumulative 14.6km
Amenities: Descent via Wonhyosa Old Trail complete

Mudeungsan National Park's Four Seasons & Attractions