Yeongam-Gun combines a distinctive mountain landscape with themes from culture and history. Wolchulsan is known for its rock formations, the red suspension bridge and a route that takes about six hours; Yeongam also offers a national treasure, a gayageum exhibition and the history of a fortress. When planning your trip, it helps to decide what you want to focus on: would you like to spend time in the mountains, or are you more interested in history and musical culture?

Wolchulsan: Rock Formations and Views

Wolchulsan National Park is characterized by distinctive rock formations. Depending on the angle, they can resemble human faces or animal shapes. More than 700 plant species and 800 animal species live in the park. Alongside the striking rocks, the diversity of plants and animals offers another perspective on this natural environment.

The red suspension bridge on a route in Wolchulsan National Park is 120 meters high and 54 meters long. It offers a picturesque view of Wolchulsan and the fields and rice paddies below the mountain. The view takes in both the mountain and the landscape beneath its rocky slopes.

Plan for the Main Ridge Trail

For a longer hike, consider the main ridge trail. It runs from the Cheonhwangsa temple site or Baramgyegok Valley, over the peaks of Cheonhwangbong and Gujeongbong, to Dogapsa Temple. The hike takes about six hours; conditions may vary depending on the season. The approximate walking time helps you estimate how much time to allow, and seasonal differences are worth factoring into your plans. The address of Wolchulsan National Park is 280-43 Cheonhwangsa-ro, Yeongam-eup, Yeongam-gun.

Culture and History

One cultural highlight is the seated Buddha carved into the rock at Wolchulsan. It dates from the late Unified Silla period, is a National Treasure of South Korea, and is located in Hoemun-ri, Yeongam-eup. The Gayageum Theme Park in Yeongam displays relics and materials related to the gayageum. This traditional Korean string instrument has twelve strings. Yeongam’s cultural history thus encompasses different subjects: a national treasure and the history of a musical instrument.

Yeongam Fortress is associated with a specific historical event. On May 25, 1555, General Yang Dalsa and the residents of Yeongam repelled Japanese pirates who had besieged the fortress during the Eulmyo Waebyeon. The date and the residents’ involvement connect the site to the history of the fortress’s defense.

The fortress wall was 2,010 meters long in total and extended through Dongmu-ri, Seonam-ri, Nampung-ri and Yeok-ri in Yeongam-eup. Today, about 400 meters remain behind Mudeung Apartment and behind the cathedral. The total length describes the wall’s extent; the approximately 400 meters refers to the section that survives today. Mudeung Apartment and the cathedral serve as specific landmarks.

Choose the Focus of Your Stay

If you are more interested in culture and history, make the Buddha, the fortress and the gayageum the focus of your plans.

Discover more destinations: Muan, Mokpo, Gwangyang-si, Suncheon, Yeonggwang-gun, Wando-gun, Goheung-gun, Boseong-Gun

For the broader travel overview: Jeollanam-Do.