Seeing Gwangju from Above: Mudeung-san’s Lift and Monorail

By Fatimah Muthiah Irbah

Gwangju may not be on every traveler’s list when visiting South Korea, but this city has plenty to offer. As one of the country’s six largest cities, Gwangju is more laid-back than sardine-packed Seoul or beachfront Busan. Some people know it as the hometown of BTS’s J-Hope, but it’s also a city full of charm. One of its standout attractions is Mudeung-san (Mudeung Mountain). From here, visitors can enjoy a unique way of viewing Gwangju from above by taking the lift and monorail at Jisan Amusement Park (지산유원지).

The Lift

Getting there is easy. From downtown Gwangju, take a city bus to the Jisan Recreation Area stop, then walk 7–10 minutes until you reach Mudeung Park Hotel. If you are driving, parking is available around the hotel.

Next to the hotel is an E-mart with a sign reading “Lift” (리프트), where visitors can purchase tickets. Prices vary by service: one-way or round trip, adult or child. The most expensive option is a round-trip ticket, which uses both the lift and monorail, and costs 19,000 won for adults. The full price list will be at the entrance of the mart. More info is available at Naver Map.

The boarding area is on the second floor. The lift ride takes about 20 minutes, offering different sceneries depending on the season. When I was there in November, it was already fall and transitioning to winter. The leaves were falling, creating a romantic, almost melancholy atmosphere.

After getting off the lift, the Gwangju landscape awaits, city views to the right and mountain panorama to the left. Before moving to the monorail, take a moment to enjoy the view and take photos. Love padlocks are seen hanging on the fence with messages and names adding a romantic touch to the scene. From here, it’s a short walk to Bitgoeul Station (빛고을역), the monorail boarding point.

The Monorail

There are times when the monorail has a queue. A round trip takes about 30 minutes, and the wait is worth it. The ride blends nature and city sights of Gwangju and Mudeung-san. Sunset is the ideal time to board, when the skyline, mountains and trees, and the city best complement each other. Autumn is the best time to visit. The leaves are colored brown, orange, and green. The cooler temperatures felt nice after summer’s heat.

While the monorail track rises high above the ground, it is safe and suitable for all ages. However, parents with young children and those with a fear of heights should take note.

The People

Most visitors are locals of all ages, making this a good spot to visit with your loved ones. Few people speak English here. However, the signage is clear and includes English translations, making the area relatively easy for foreign visitors to navigate.

Tips

There is no food stall in sight after the lift, and the cafe on site was closed during my visit. The E-mart where tickets are sold offers limited snacks and drinks, with many items out of stock. Visitors should bring their own refreshments.

Google Maps is unreliable in South Korea, so downloading Naver Map is recommended. The app provides comprehensive information and is available in English, though some location names appear in Korean script. Being able to read it will greatly help your trip. For translations, most locals use Papago rather than Google Translate, At times, it offers more accurate Korean–English results.

Although the lift and monorail are the easiest way to reach the top of Mudeung-san, wear proper shoes and prepare for seasonal weather conditions.

Gwangju is often overlooked by tourists who visit South Korea, but it leaves lasting memories found nowhere else. I recommend paying a visit and seeing nearby places in the city, such as Chungjang Street, or exploring a bit further to Damyang’s bamboo forest, Juknokwon. If there is a next time, I would like to visit Jisan Amusement Park again to see its beauty in every season.

Cover Photograph by Fatimah Muthiah Irbah.