Mireuksan 458m

Why it is one of the 100 famous mountains

Rising at the center of Mireukdo Island, which is linked to Chungmu-si by a bridge, this mountain was selected for its scenic beauty, offering panoramic views of Hallyeohaesang National Park. It is marked as Yonghwasan on topographic maps and is home to Yonghwasa Temple, which preserves a Stone Seated Buddha (Gyeongsangnam-do Tangible Cultural Heritage No. 43) as well as statues of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva and the Ten Kings of the Underworld from the mid-Goryeo period. It is also famous for Dosoram Hermitage, founded by Buddhist Master Dosol, Gwaneumsa Temple, and the remains of a beacon fire station.

About Mireuksan

A majestic mountain rising in the center of Mireukdo Island, south of Tongyeong-si. It is also called Yonghwasan because the ancient temple Yonghwasa is located here, and both Mireuksan and Yonghwasan are used in reference to the Yonghwa Assembly where Maitreya Buddha is said to descend in the future.

At its foot are the ancient temple Yonghwasa, along with hermitages Gwaneumam and Dosoram, and Miraesa Temple, the birthplace of the Hyobong lineage. Though not very high, it possesses all the virtues of a renowned mountain, featuring clear streams flowing through lush forests, uniquely shaped rocks, and rock caves.

Its ancient temples, spring water, spring azaleas, and autumn foliage are outstanding. From the summit, the view of the archipelago across Hallyeohaesang National Park is indescribably beautiful, and on clear days, Tsushima Island in Japan can be seen.

Located on Mireukdo Island at the southwestern end of Tongyeong-si, it is a low mountain but widely recognized among Buddhists as the center of Maitreya faith. Perhaps for this reason, this small mountain is home to numerous large and small temples and hermitages, including Yonghwasa Temple, Gwaneumsa Temple, Dosoram Hermitage, and Miraesa Temple.

In addition, the summit, called Imhaebong Peak, is historically significant as a former beacon mound that guarded the archipelago. Mireuksan is connected to Tongyeong—Korea's finest port city and the site of Admiral Yi Sun-sin's famous naval victory over Japanese forces—via the nation's only undersea tunnel. Known as "Pandaegul," this undersea tunnel was built by the Japanese during the colonial period and remains in use long past its expected lifespan, drawing interest as an example of engineering from that era.

Reaching the summit offers an astonishingly beautiful panoramic view of large and small islands, including Bijindo, Geojedo, Hansando, and Chilcheondo, which adorn the Hallyeosudo waterway like jewels.

Public transport

The starting point is Tongyeong.

- Tongyeong → Yonghwasa: Take city bus No. 20 or 21