Hwangseoksan 1,193m

Why it is one of the 100 famous mountains

Selected for its scenic beauty, including the expansive silver grass fields along the ridge connecting Geomangsan to Hwangseoksan, and historical sites such as Hwangseoksanseong Fortress. During the 1597 Japanese invasion, defenders fought to the last; when the fortress fell, they were killed and women threw themselves from the sheer cliffs, leaving behind the legend that the northern cliffs of Hwangseoksan are stained with blood.

About Hwangseoksan

Hwangseoksan is an extraordinary rocky mountain rising south of Geochang. Among the four mountains branching off from the Baekdudaegan ridge—Gibaeksan, Geumwonsan, Geomangsan, and Hwangseoksan—this soaring peak at the southernmost tip is clearly visible even from Deogyusan. In autumn, the vast silver grass fields along the ridge connecting Geomangsan to Hwangseoksan present a magnificent view.

Between Geumwonsan and Gibaeksan lies the famous Yongchu Valley. Adjacent Geomangsan is where the female partisan commander Jeong Sun-deok was active during the Korean War. Hwangseoksanseong Fortress is an important historical site symbolizing the steadfast spirit and loyalty of the people of Anui, Hamyang. When the fortress fell during the second Japanese invasion in 1597, those resisting until the very end perished, and women threw themselves from the sheer cliffs. Legend has it that the northern rocky bluffs of Hwangseoksan remain blood-stained to this day.

Anui is famous for the eight ponds and eight pavilions of Hwarimdong. In particular, pavilions such as Nongwoljeong, Donghojeong, Geoyeonjeong, and Gunjajeong represent a pavilion culture rivaling that of the Jeolla region.

Hamyang, where Hwangseoksan is located, is a remote backcountry area with relatively inconvenient transport, historically nicknamed a place where even rotten hairtail gathered. Consequently, the mountain preserves pristine, untouched natural beauty.

The trail to the summit of Hwangseoksan offers stunning silver grass ridges, and upon reaching the top, the elegant beauty of twin rock peaks eases the fatigue of the climb. The traverse to adjacent Geomangsan also features superb scenery, but since there are dangerous rocky sections along the way, it is safer to carry an auxiliary rope of about 20 meters.

Public transport

The starting point is Hamyang.

From Geochang, buses run to Anui every 30 minutes, and to Yongchusa Temple every 1 hour.

- Hamyang → Anui: 12 times a day

- Hamyang → Yongchusa Temple: Runs every 1 hour