Unaksan 935m

Why it is one of the 100 famous mountains

Selected for its outstanding scenery around the main peak of Manggyeongdae, earning it the title 'Sogeumgang of Gyeonggi.' It is famous for the millennial Hyeondeungsa Temple and the Eight Scenic Views of Unak, including Baeknyeon Falls, Orang-kaeso Pond, Nunseopbawi Rock, Kokkiribawi Rock, Manggyeongdae Cliff, Mupo Falls, Keungolnaechigi Rock Wall, and Nochae-aegiso Pond.

About Unaksan

One of Gyeonggi's Five Rugged Mountains (Gyeonggi 5-ak), Unaksan is a renowned rocky mountain, as its name suggests. The mountain's composition, with peaks and ridges converging toward the summit, is outstanding, and the harmony of rock formations and autumn foliage is beautiful. Thus, it is called the 'Geumgang of Gyeonggi.' On the eastern foot lies Hyeondeungsa Temple, home to the stupa of National Preceptor Bojo Jinul. On the west, there are the vertical Sokkori Falls and the 30m-tall Mujigae Falls, which are frequently visited by ice climbers.

It is the last 900m-class peak along the Hanbukjeongmaek Ridge; to its southwest lie only 600m-class peaks such as Jungyeopsan and Gyemyeongsan (according to the Daedongyeojido map rather than the Sangyeongpyo). Further south in Gyeonggi-do, there are no comparable mountains. In terms of waterways, the eastern side feeds Jojongcheon Stream, which passes the Cheongpyeong safety resort area before flowing into the Bukhangang River, while the western side connects to Myeongdeokcheon Stream, a tributary of Pocheoncheon Stream. Therefore, the Jojongcheon basin—historically Jojong-hyeon, corresponding to Sang-myeon and Ha-myeon—serves as the mountain's front side, and its mountain ridges are best viewed from Seodaegogae Pass between Cheongpyeong and Hyeon-ri. Unaksan was the guardian mountain of Hyeon-ri, which was the seat of government of Jojong-hyeon.

Located about 20km northeast of Cheongpyeong, Unaksan boasts scenery remarkable enough to be called the Sogeumgang of Gyeonggi. Huge rocks encircle the main peak of Manggyeongdae and pierce through the clouds at every summit, while the ancient Hyeondeungsa Temple and the clear waters of Jojongcheon Stream add to its charm.

Public transport

Buses bound for Hyeon-ri operate 11 times daily from Sangbong-dong Terminal in Seoul (via Gwangneungnae and Cheongpyeong), and every hour from Cheongyangni (Seat Bus No. 1330).

From Hyeon-ri, take a local bus toward Sangpan-ri (11 times daily) and get off at the entrance to Hyeondeungsa Temple.

For Unjusa Temple, take a local bus bound for Ildong from Gwangneungnae (14 times daily) and get off at Hwahyeon-ri.