Wolchulsan 811m

Why it is one of the 100 famous mountains

Selected for its scenic beauty, high ecological value with mixed warm-temperate and temperate forests, and designation as a National Park (1988). Centered around Cheonhwangbong Peak are Geungnakbojeon Hall of Muwisa Temple (National Treasure No. 13) and Haetalmun Gate of Dogapsa Temple (National Treasure No. 50). Near the Yongamsa Temple site beneath Gujeongbong Peak is the renowned Rock-carved Seated Buddha (National Treasure No. 144), located at the highest altitude in Korea.

About Wolchulsan

It is a mountain reminiscent of France's World Heritage site, Mont Saint-Michel. Looking at Cheonhwangbong Peak alone, it also resembles a pyramid. The average slope toward Cheonhwangsa Temple is 37 degrees; there is no steeper mountain in this land.

Not only Cheonhwangbong Peak, but also major peaks such as Hyangnobong Peak, Yangjabong Peak, Sirubong Peak, and Munpilbong Peak (Wolgaksan) are made entirely of rock, soaring toward the sky like flames. Few trees are visible, with only dwarf bamboo or scrub scattered like dust to give a faint hint of green. In Feng Shui terms, it is a so-called 'Seokhwasung' (Stone Fire Star), taking on the fiery star shape symbolizing sharpness beyond merely having a rocky summit.

Rocks, outnumbering trees and stars, each resemble something distinct. Bizarre rocks line up east to west, such as Eumgul Cave, Namgeunbawi Rock, and Tongcheonmun Gate, creating a rock exhibition hall. The silver grass field on Miwangjae Ridge is distinctive, and historical cultural sites surrounding its base—Muwisa Temple, Dogapsa Temple, Wolnamsaji Temple Site, Gurim-ri—make it the top destination for exploring the Namdo region.

Mont Saint-Michel, an abbey atop a rocky hill, is also the name of the bay between Normandy and Brittany. People reach the abbey by boat during high tide and on foot during low tide. The fields in front of Gaesin-ri near Cheonhwangsa Temple and Gurim-ri, the birthplace of Dr. Wangin, were originally also such seas. Wolchulsan is a mountain worthy of UNESCO World Heritage status.

Wolchulsan is the smallest national park in Korea, and its myriad of bizarre rock formations is reminiscent of a landscape stone gallery. Harmonizing the steep rocky peaks of the north with masculine grandeur and the gentle southern ridges with feminine delicacy, it is counted among the Five Celebrated Mountains of the Honam region alongside Jirisan, Byeonsan, Cheongwansan, and Naejangsan. It was called Wolnasan during the Silla Dynasty, Wolsaengsan during the Goryeo Dynasty, and has been called Wolchulsan since the Joseon Dynasty.

Public transport

The starting point is Yeongam. Take the Honam Line KTX (11 times a day) or regular trains (9 times a day) to Gwangju, then take a bus toward Haenam running every 15 minutes and get off at Yeongam. You can also take a train to Mokpo and transfer to a bus.

>Yeongam → Cheonhwangsa Temple: Runs 5 times a day

>Seongjeon Terminal → Gyeongpodae: Runs 6 times a day

>Yeongam → Dogapsa Temple: Runs 2 times a day

>Mokpo → Yeongam: Runs at 1-hour intervals