Yeosu Geumosan Hyangilam Area Designated as Nationally Protected Cultural Heritage 'Scenic Site'

Designation as a Scenic Site Recognizes Hyangilam's Outstanding Natural Scenery and Historical Value

Second Following Sang·Habakdo... Expected to Play a Major Role in the 2026 Yeosu World Island Expo

[Yeosu=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Choi Cheol-hoon] Jeonnam Yeosu City (Mayor Jeong Gi-myeong) announced on the 20th that the area of ‘Geumosan Hyangilam,’ a sacred site for Gwaneum prayer, has been designated as a national cultural asset ‘Scenic Site.’

This scenic site designation was made after Yeosu City submitted an excellent potential natural heritage recommendation letter in February, followed by document screening, on-site investigation, and designation notice by the Cultural Heritage Administration.

In particular, in Yeosu, ‘Geumosan Hyangilam’ became the second scenic site designated after 43 years since ‘Sangbaekdo and Habaekdo area’ in 1979, adding significance to the designation.

The Cultural Heritage Administration stated, “Hyangilam (向日庵), meaning a hermitage facing the sun, is well known as a sunrise spot with a beautiful sunrise view as its name suggests.

The turtle-shaped terrain, turtle shell patterned rocks, and the stone gate (Seokmun) made of natural rocks called Haetalmun are special, and together with the dense camellia forest, they form an outstanding natural landscape,” highly appreciating the scenery of the ‘Geumosan Hyangilam’ area.

They also explained the reason for designation, saying, “It is a place where the monk Wonhyo built a hermitage called Wontongam (圓通庵) and practiced asceticism, and where he is said to have had an audience with Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, thus possessing both scenic value and historical significance.”

Moreover, the ‘Geumosan Hyangilam’ area is a place where the evolution of Buddhist culture leading to the seaside can be studied in history, and it has abundant academic value as related records are passed down in local chronicles such as ‘Dolsan Gun Eupji (突山郡邑誌)’ and ‘Yeosanchi (廬山誌).’

A city official said, “Together with the Cultural Heritage Administration, we will establish systematic preservation management and utilization plans befitting its status as a national cultural asset, and develop various contents utilizing the scenic site. The designation of ‘Geumosan Hyangilam’ as a scenic site is expected to play a significant role in the successful hosting of the 2026 Yeosu World Islands Expo.”

Yeosu=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Choi Cheol-hoon hss79@asiae.co.kr

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.