Lost in the South: Fall Colors and Temple Hikes: Mudeung Mountain
Mudeung-san, simply put, is the outdoor location to see if you are visiting Gwangju and want some natural exposure. There are incredible volcanic colonnades, sweeping views, vertigo-inducing cliffs and peaceful temples. Mudeung-san is the prominent landmark looming over the East side of Gwangju. Our city’s outdoor pride received National Park status in the spring of 2013, and welcomes droves of local and nation-wide hikers every weekend.
There are two entrances to Mudeung-san, the front and the back entrance. We will focus on the front entrance, and deal with two areas of interest. The first area of interest is Mudeung Village, with restaurants and easy-walking paths for those not interested in hiking but wishing to enjoy the peaceful mountain. The second area is the hiking trails. We have included our favorite hike to enjoy the fall colors of Mudeung-san, with a beautiful temple stop as well.
The Mudeung Park Village
The Mudeung Park village, which sprang to life when the park’s status was changed from Provincial Park to National Park in 2013, is easy to get to, accessible by eight different buses, or is just an affordable cab ride away. It is full of hiking shops and restaurants. Wander around and enjoy the varied and sometimes eye-twisting shades of jackets and hats on display.
The grounds around the Mudeung Village are idyllic, with wide lawns, rows of shade trees and a street of traditional Korean restaurants. All the food is delicious, but look for ones that have a patio or dining area overlooking the stream. You can sit, look at the trees and listen to the water as you eat.
Even if hiking is not your thing, you should still check out the Mudeung Park Entrance. Go with friends for dinner, take a date for a stroll or go alone for stress relief. Whatever the reason, you will not regret it, just go! Explore!
Jeungsimsa
For a longer walk beyond the Mudeung Park Village, head up the paved road to look at the lovely and secluded Jeungsimsa, a Buddhist Temple. Although the driveway leading up to the Jeungsimsa is steep, it is worth the visit. The temple is small, quaint and beautiful. Stacked on several rows of retaining walls, huge trees line the grounds and although only 15 minutes from a bus stop, the site carries an air of seclusion difficult to find so close to the city.
If you are around in the spring time usually in early May, make sure to visit during the Buddha’s Birthday celebration. The temple is decked out in paper lanterns and the holiday festivities last the entire week. Afterwards, enjoy some delicious traditional tea as you listen to a bubbling Korean brook tumble over the rocks at your feet.
The SaeInBong Cliffs Hike
The cliffs are located behind the ridge that looks down on the Mudeung Village. It takes anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour to ascend, depending on your pace and if you stop and see the temples (such as Jeungsimsa) on the way up.
For such a short hike, you are rewarded with stunning hundred foot cliffs and a great view of the city. The cliffs are so situated that you sort of stumble onto them. Honestly, you are on a trail one-second, and a cliff face the next. That stunning effect never goes away. This hike is perhaps one of the best “bang-for-your-buck” hikes, especially in the spring or fall when you can revel in the gorgeous cherry blossoms or fall foliage that bedecks the landscape.
If it is a beautiful day, bring a snack and a drink because you are going to want to stay for a while and take it all in. Enjoy your time on the mountain!
Compass Korea provides English-speaking tourists not only with logistical information so they can travel confidently, but also HD video guides so they can receive accurate sneak peaks of where they will be going. Visit the Compass Korea website at: http://compasskorea.com/