Hyangiram on a Cliff of Peculiar Rock Formations

Hyangiram. Address: 60, Hyangiram-ro, Dolsan-eup, Yeosu-si, Jeollanam-do. Open daily: 10 AM - 5 PM. Contact: 061 641 2111. Hyangiram is one of the four major Buddhist prayer sites in Korea. It is located on the cliff of Geumosan Mountain at the end of Dolsan-ro. It was originally built by the monk Wonhyo during the reign of Queen Seondeok of Silla and was named Wontongam. It has a meditation platform used by Wonhyo. The sunrise view from the southern sea horizon is so beautiful that in the 41st year of King Sukjong of Joseon, the monk Inmok named it Hyangiram, and it has been called that ever since. The shape of the mountain resembles a turtle carrying a scripture on its back entering the Dragon Palace, hence the name Geumosan, using the characters for 'gold', 'big sea', and 'turtle'. Most of the rocks forming the mountain resemble turtle shells, so Hyangiram is also called Geumoam or Yeongu-am, meaning a temple with the spirit of a turtle. Since the path is steep and has stairs from the beginning, it is recommended to wear sneakers. Admission is free. Parking is free for the first hour, and then 200 KRW is charged every 10 minutes thereafter.