Obongsan Mountain in Boseong and Geomundo Island in Yeosu Designated as Scenic Heritage Sites

Obongsan, a Scenic Spot Since Ancient Times,
Preserves Gudlejang Quarry Site
Geomundo Island's Camellia Forests and Lighthouse Views,
A Former Strategic Stronghold

View from the summit of Obongsan Mountain

The combined heritage of Obongsan Mountain in Boseong and Geomundo Island in Yeosu will now be managed as scenic sites.

The National Heritage Administration announced on November 17 that “Yongchu-dong and Kalbawi area of Obongsan Mountain in Boseong, Jeollanam-do” and “Suwolsan area of Geomundo Island in Yeosu” have been designated as national scenic natural heritage sites. Both locations have been recognized for their outstanding natural landscapes, as well as their historical relics and ecological value.

Yongchu-dong and Kalbawi area of Obongsan Mountain in Boseong have been recorded as scenic spots in various geographical books and anthologies, such as “Sinjeung Dongguk Yeoji Seungnam” and “Dongguk Yeoji Ji.” Even today, unique rock formations such as Pung-hyeolji and Kalbawi can be seen along the hiking trails. Pung-hyeolji is a geological feature where cool winds blow in summer and warm winds in winter. From the summit, visitors can enjoy coastal views of Deukryang Bay on the southern coast. Yongchu-dong Valley is home to Yongchu Waterfall and a dense forest.

The Obongsan area also preserves Buddhist relics such as the Kalbawi Rock-carved Buddha and the site of Gaeheungsa Temple. Records of Yeje rituals, which were performed to appease female spirits during times of epidemic or disaster, add religious and folk value to the area. This region was also a source of gudlejang, the core material for Korea’s traditional ondol heating system. The quarry and ox-cart roads used to transport gudlejang are well preserved.

Yongchu-dong Yongchu Waterfall

The Suwolsan area of Geomundo Island in Yeosu features a dense camellia forest along the trail that passes Mokneomi and leads to the Geomundo Lighthouse. The scenery is especially beautiful during the blooming season. Between the trees, visitors can enjoy coastal views with unique rock formations and sunsets.

At the end of the trail, from the cliff-top Geomundo Lighthouse and Gwanbaekjeong Pavilion, visitors can view the scenic Sangbaekdo and Habaekdo Islands of Yeosu and watch the sunrise. Gwanbaekjeong means “a pavilion facing Baekdo Island.”

Geomundo Island, located at the center of the clean southern sea fishing grounds, has historically been a key point in the southern coastal defense system and a strategic hub. The island still bears traces of the 1885 Geomundo Incident, the first lighthouse on the southern coast, maritime route development, modern maritime history, and international politics. The area is ecologically valuable, home to southern coastal vegetation such as camellia, donnamu, gwangnamu, dajeongkeumnamu, and wildlife including the Japanese white-eye and black pigeon.

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