Unmunsan 1,195m

Why it is one of the 100 famous mountains

Selected for its scenic beauty created by uniquely shaped rocks and crags such as Guyeondong, Donghak (also known as Eoreumgol Valley), and Haebawi Rock blending with the valleys, and its designation as a County Park (1983). It is home to Unmunsa Temple, which houses numerous cultural relics including Daeungjeon Hall (Treasure No. 835), Three-story Stone Pagoda (Treasure No. 678), Stone Lantern (Treasure No. 193), Stele of Master Woneung (Treasure No. 316), and Seated Stone Buddha (Treasure No. 317). Also famous is the 400-year-old drooping pine tree (natural monument No. 180) located within the precincts of Seongnamsa Temple.

About Unmunsan

This mountain marks the western end of the upper ridge of the Yeongnam Alps, which takes the shape of the Chinese character '下' in a mirror image. Although it has a simple shape resembling a huge burial mound, long ridges stretching north from the prominent peaks of Eoksan and Gajisan on either side form the deep valley where Unmunsa Temple is nestled. To the south, however, it stands as a solitary massive rock mountain, earning it the local name Hanbausan (Big Rock Mountain).

While the mountain itself looks plain, the view from the summit is superb. It offers a majestic panorama of the Neungdongsan to Jaeyaksan ridge stretching like an open backdrop behind Baegunsan, which sits below Gajisan, as well as the rising shoulders of Ganwolsan beyond. In autumn, silver grass ripples across these ridges.

As the mountain's name originates from Unmunsa Temple, it feels as though the mountain exists for this temple rich in treasures. The same applies to Gajisan; locals claim that what is now called Gajisan was originally Unmunsan. This claim holds weight since what is visible from Janggunpyeong, where Unmunsa Temple stands, is Gajisan. After all, the name Gajisan (meaning 'the wisdom of Shakyamuni') was merely given when Master Doui introduced the Seon Buddhist teachings in the late Silla period.

Connected to Gajisan to the east, Unmunsan features a grand mountain terrain and lush forests, attracting many hikers. The mountain is home to large and small temples and hermitages, including Unmunsa Temple, surrounded by very beautiful scenery.

Public transport

The starting point is Miryang. From Miryang Intercity Bus Terminal, there are 12 daily intercity buses heading to Seongnamsa via Nammyeong-ri. To Miryang, buses run 11 times a day from Daegu Nambu Terminal and every 40 minutes from Busan Seobu Terminal. KTX trains stop 5 times, and Mugunghwa/Tongil trains stop 10 times a day. From Ulsan or Eonyang, first travel to Seongnamsa Temple, then transfer to the intercity bus coming from Miryang.