Muhaksan 761m

Why it is one of the 100 famous mountains

Selected for its scenic, charming ridges that serve as a retreat for urban dwellers and its sweeping views overlooking the Dadohae archipelago. The rock formations around Sirubong Peak northwest of the summit serve as a great rock climbing training site. The water quality has historically been so pure that brewing thrived here. Near the entrance of Seowongol Valley stands Gwanhaejeong Pavilion, established by disciples of Choe Chi-won, and nearby Wongaksa Temple and Baegunsa Temple are also well known.

About Muhaksan

Muhaksan forms the main backbone of the Nangnamjeongmaek ridge, stretching north and south to embrace Changwon-si to the east, while Jinhaeman Bay at its foot spreads out like a calm lake, resembling a watercolor painting.

Formed as a three-sided pyramid where three mountain ridges meet, Muhaksan is likened to the shape of a dancing crane. The summit consists of a mass of rock without a single blade of grass. Muhaksan is the home of Masan mountaineers, where expeditions to the north faces of the Alps began and journeys to giant Himalayan peaks also started.

Muhaksan is also the birthplace of the fierce free climbing wave that once swept the nation. Its original name was Ducheoksan (斗尺山), which translates to Majae in native Korean. It was also called Semajae.

Muhakbong Peak, presiding over the Nangnamjeongmaek ridge that begins at Samsinbong Peak on Jirisan at the tail end of the Baekdudaegan, is the guardian mountain of Masan. Overlooking Masanman Bay and Jinhaeman Bay, it features the beautiful shape of a crane spreading its wings toward the sea.

Endowed with every quality befitting a renowned mountain, it offers refreshing open views unique to coastal mountains, while the main ridge trail provides a comfortable atmosphere with silver grass fields and rocky observatory peaks.

Below Daegoksan Mountain lies Mannalgogae Pass, a pass steeped in a touching legend of a mother and daughter separated by an arranged marriage due to poverty who, unable to bear their longing, climbed the pass and fortuitously reunited. The ancient name of Muhaksan was Pungjangsan, but it is said that Choe Chi-won of the late Silla period stayed here, observed the topography, and named it Muhaksan because it looked like a crane taking flight.

Public transport

The starting point is Changwon.

Both Changwon Express Bus Terminal and Changwon Intercity Bus Terminal connect to local city buses.

- Changwon Express Bus Terminal → Seowongol: Bus 71, 71-1

- Changwon Train Station → Seowongol: Bus 28, 208

- Changwon Intercity Bus Terminal → Seowongol: Bus 10, 10-1