Course Overview
Elevation Profile
Course Flow
This is the most popular short course to experience Wolchulsan National Park's iconic Gureumdari (510m above sea level, 120m high, 54m long). Although the distance is short, there are steep sections, so allow ample time.
Route Guide by Section
280-43 Cheonhwangsa-ro, Yeongam-eup, Yeongam-gun, Jeollanam-do. Park at the Cheonhwangsa Temple parking lot (paid) and enter the mountain at the visitor center. Check for restrooms, convenience stores, and trail maps.
From the trail entrance, cross Cheonhwanggyo Bridge and gently ascend along the stream. Pass through a camellia colony, which serves as an initial warm-up section. At the three-way intersection, choose the direction towards Gureumdari Bridge (left).
Steep uphill section. Continuous stairs and rope sections climbing through rock crevices. Reach Gureumdari, installed on the Maebong-Sajabong ridge. From 120m above ground, enjoy views of Naju Plain in Jeollanam-do and the South Sea.
A short climb towards Sajabong from the other side of Gureumdari (Cloud Bridge) leads to an open rock ridge observatory. From here, you can view the entire ridge of Wolchulsan National Park, connecting Cheonhwangbong~Gujeongbong~Dogapbong.
Descend back the way you came. Using trekking poles is recommended due to the significant impact on knees during descent. It is also possible to change the descent direction towards Baram Falls (right) at the three-way intersection (+0.4km).
Course Map
Gureumdari Course (3.3km)
Tips & Precautions
- Trekking shoes (rocky sections present)
- 1 or more trekking poles recommended
- Gloves (for rope sections)
- Water 1L or more
- Trail Food & Snacks
- View from Gureumdari (Cloud Bridge) (Naju Plain)
- Sajabong Peak Observatory Ridge
- Cheonhwangsa Temple Camellia Colony (February-March)
- Spring Azalea Rock Ridge (April)
- Cloud Bridge controlled during strong winds or rain
- Caution: Slippery rocks
- No hiking after sunset
- Hold hands with children when accompanied by them
- KTX from Yongsan to Mokpo (2h), then bus.
- Yeongam Intercity Bus Terminal → Cheonhwangsa Temple local bus
- Mokpo Station → Yeongam Intercity Bus (approx. 30 min)
- By car: Enter Yeongam IC
- Spring (March-May): Camellia, Azalea
- Summer (June-August): Cool valleys
- Autumn (September-November): Autumn Foliage and Silver Grass
- Winter (December-February): Snow-covered rocky ridges
- Yeongam Galnaktang (Ribs + Octopus Soup)
- Yeongam Saeujeot Gulbi Set Menu (Salted Shrimp and Dried Croaker Set Meal)
- Gangjin Hanjeongsik (Korean Set Meal)
- Wild Vegetable Set Menu near Cheonhwangsa Temple
Course Overview
Elevation Profile
Course Flow
The most popular circular course to conquer Wolchulsan National Park's highest peak, Cheonhwangbong (809m). Experience diverse scenery by ascending via Gureumdari and descending via Baram Falls. With a total elevation gain of 754m, it requires considerable physical exertion.
Route Guide by Section
Start your hike from Cheonhwangsa Temple Parking Lot. Early morning departure is recommended (6-7 AM). Be sure to check for any restricted sections at the visitor center.
After crossing Cheonhwanggyo Bridge and passing through the camellia colony along the stream, there is a steep rocky ridge ascent. Take in the views and rest sufficiently at the cloud bridge (510m) between Maebong Peak and Sajabong Peak.
The steepest rock ridge section after Gureumdari (Cloud Bridge). After passing Yukhyeongjebawi and the rock cave Tongcheonmun, you'll reach a three-way intersection just before Cheonhwangbong. This section includes climbing with your hands on the rock face, so fold your trekking poles.
Wolchulsan National Park's highest peak. A place where ancestral rites were performed since the Silla Dynasty. On clear days, enjoy 360° views stretching to Naju Plain, Mokpo, and the South Sea. After reaching the summit, take ample rest and have a meal.
Descend from Baramjae Samgeori towards Baram Falls. Follow the valley down; foot washing is possible at Baram Falls in summer. Return to the starting point from Cheonhwangsa Samgeori.
Course Map
Cheonhwangbong Peak Loop Course (6.7km)
Tips & Precautions
- Hiking boots (rock climbing specialized recommended)
- 1 pair of trekking poles
- Windbreaker & extra top
- Water 1.5~2L
- Energy bar, packed lunch
- First-aid kit, knee protectors
- Recommended departure between 6-7 AM.
- Target arrival at Cheonhwangbong Peak: 10-11 AM
- Summit meal and rest for 30-40 minutes
- Aim to complete descent before 15:00.
- No entry after sunset
- Rock section just before Tongcheonmun Gate is the most dangerous
- Gureumdari (Cloud Bridge) frequently closed due to strong winds
- Accidents surge during rain or icy conditions
- Slippery rocks at the bottom of Baram Falls
- Summit feels 5-8 colder
- Frequent morning fog in spring and autumn
- Caution: Summer thunderstorms in the afternoon
- Crampons essential for icy conditions in winter
- Wolchulsan National Park: 061-473-5210
- Yeongam Police Station: 061-470-0112
- Provide location coordinates when requesting 119 rescue.
- Prepare a satellite positioning app (mountain map)
- Cheonhwangsa Temple Parking Lot: 280-43 Cheonhwangsa-ro, Yeongam-eup
- Parking fee for passenger cars: 3,000~4,000 won
- Yeongam IC → Cheonhwangsa Temple approx. 15 min
- Public Transportation: Yeongam Terminal → Cheonhwangsa local bus
Course Overview
Elevation Profile
Course Flow
Full traverse of Wolchulsan National Park. Experience cultural and natural attractions like Namgeunbawi and the Rock-carved Seated Buddha (National Treasure No. 144) by traversing the entire main ridge from Cheonhwangbong to Gujeongbong and the Eulalia Field. As this is a one-way course, two cars or a taxi are essential.
Route Guide by Section
It is common to park one car in the Dogapsa Temple parking lot in advance and then start from the Cheonhwangsa Temple parking lot. Alternatively, call a taxi from Dogapsa Temple on the day.
Ascend via Gureumdari (510m). Pass through Tongcheonmun Rock Cave and Yukhyeongjebawi before reaching Cheonhwangbong Peak. This is the steepest section, so energy management is crucial.
Descend south from Cheonhwangbong Peak Summit. Proceed towards Dogapsa Temple at Baramjae Samgeori. The direction of Baram Falls (left) is not part of this course.
Wolchulsan National Park's third peak, Gujeongbong (710.8m). Below the peak is National Treasure No. 144, the Rock-carved Seated Buddha (600m above sea level, the highest located National Treasure in Korea). Views of Namgeunbawi and Keunbawi Eolgul.
Gentle descent along the ridge. Miwangjae Reed Field is at its peak in September-October. In autumn, it offers Wolchulsan National Park's best scenery, with reeds harmonizing with rock ridges.
Descend through the forest path from Eoksaebat (Silver Grass Field) to Dogapsa Temple. Dogapsa Temple was founded by the Silla monk Doseon Guksa. You can view Dogapsa Haetalmun Gate, National Treasure No. 50. Retrieve your vehicle from the Dogapsa Temple parking lot or take a taxi.
Course Map
Cheonhwang~Dogap Traverse Course (9.5km)
Tips & Precautions
- Hiking boots (with strong ankle support)
- 1 pair of trekking poles
- Windbreaker + 2 extra tops
- Water 2L or more
- Plenty of high-calorie lunch and snacks
- Headlamp (for emergencies)
- Winter: Crampons, gloves, winter clothing
- 2 vehicles: Park 1 vehicle at Dogapsa Temple in advance
- Taxi: Dogapsa Temple to Cheonhwangsa Temple, approx. 20-25 min
- Dogapsa Temple Address: 8 Dogap-ri, Gunseo-myeon, Yeongam-gun, Jeollanam-do
- Yeongam Call Taxi: 061-473-0082
- Spring (April-May): Azalea, Royal Azalea Rock Ridge
- Autumn (October): Peak of Silver Grass Fields
- Winter traverse: Depart after ice thaws post-sunrise
- Summer: Stay well-hydrated, aim to complete by morning
- Seated Buddha Engraved on Rock (National Treasure No. 144, 600m above sea level)
- Dogapsa Temple Haetalmun Gate (National Treasure No. 50)
- Gujeongbong Peak's Big Rock Face
- Cheonhwangbong Peak Silla Cheonje Altar Site
- Must depart between 5:30 and 6:00.
- Target arrival at Cheonhwangbong Peak: 8:30-9:30 AM
- Target arrival at Gujeongbong Peak: 11:00
- Descent to Dogapsa Temple completed: 14:00~15:00
- Total Duration: 6.5~8h
- National Park Emergency: 061-473-5210
- 119 Location: Inform them of the nearest checkpoint.
- Difficult to evacuate between Tongcheonmun Gate and Baramjae Pass in case of injury
- Share your course and estimated descent time with an acquaintance before hiking