//
주상절리대 - Jusangjeollidae
The Jusangjeollidae (pillar-shaped joint cliff) Overlook of Mudeungsan Mountain is the product of volcanic activity during the Cretaceous Period of the Mesozoic Era. Due to prolonged weathering, it has come to form a beautiful natural landscape that resembles a series of pillars or an extended folding screen. The cliffs set against the surrounding greenery and the rest of Mudeungsan Mountain make for a particularly majestic view.
© OpenStreetMap contributors
무등산 (Mudeungsan)
For a mountain over 1,000 meters tall to be located close to a population center of over 1 million people is a rare occurrence not only in Korea but also in the world. Furthermore, it takes only 10 minutes by car from the urban area to the mountain. An unparalleled landmark of Gwangju, it appears to enfold the city in grandeur. It is a common occurrence to see photos of Mudeungsan in many stores or restaurants; if you see a snowy scene with jagged rocks that look almost like long blocks of stone, or a windswept yellow grass image in the same pose, that's Mudeungsan.
증심사
Jeungsimsa Temple, one of Gwangju’s main Buddhist temples, is located at the western foot of Mudeungsan Mountain. Important cultural artifacts are preserved on the grounds. Climbing up the temple is quite easy. You can walk along the trail with an atmosphere in a quiet stillness. Jeungsimsa operates temple stay programs for tourists.
Located at the Wonhyo valley, at the northern edge of Mudeung Mountain. It was built by Wonhyo, a Buddhist priest during the Silla dynasty.
전통문화관 (Jeontong-munhwagwan)
The center is near the entrance of Jeungsimsa Temple, at the foot of Mudeungsan Mountain. At the center, masters who have been designated as intangible cultural properties teach the public about traditional culture: Pansori (traditional Korean folk opera); Janggu (traditional drumming technique); Gayageum (traditional Korean zither). Performances are also held to demonstrate such elements of traditional Korean art and culture. A free performance of Gugak is held on every Saturday from 15:00.
The river in Gwangju runs from the southeast to the west of the city with a well-paved footpath along all the parts of the river in the city. It is perfect for a nice walk or cycle with a few park areas spaced out along the banks. At night, the park offers fountain shows and night lighting, making it ideal for family outings or romantic strolls.
양림역사문화마을 (Yangnim-dong Modern History Culture Village)
The neighborhood of Yangnim-dong district has a variety of modern and contemporary architecture and dense groves of massive 100-year-old trees. The establishment of a church, school, and hospital by Christian missionaries during the Japanese occupation earned the neighborhood the nicknames “Jerusalem of Gwangju” and the “Western Village.” There are some traditional Korean houses, including the Choi Seunghyo House and the Lee Jangwoo House, and more attractions, such as ‘Penguin Village’ (but there is no penguin).
Yangrim-dong, Nam-gu (Supia Girls' Middle School/Supia Girls' High School, Woo Il-sun's old house, missionary house, etc.) where modernization sites are located as the birthplace of Christian culture in Gwangju are well established along with the theme of modern history and culture. The oldest Western-style house in Gwangju is Woo Il-sun's house, Owen's memorial hall, Bae Ji-woo's house, Bae Ji-won's memorial hall, Bae Yeong School and Hyangsari Church, Gwangju Sungil High School, and Choi Seung-hyo's house, which offers a glimpse of Hanok during the enlightenment period. If Penguin Village is a place that has become famous by word of mouth due to the voluntary creation of the community, the difference is that the historical and cultural village has been systematically created and became famous by writers who write various magazines and travel journals. However, the location is on the hill right behind Penguin Village, and the top of the hill is Sajik Park. Baeyeong School and Hyangsari Church, which were founded by missionary Bae Ji-ji, are connected to Gwangju Seohyeon Church, and if you cross this Gwangju Seohyeon Church, you will find Chungjang-ro, a busy city in Gwangju.