The Wolchulsan area, spanning Yeongam and Gangjin in South Jeolla Province, has been designated as a national scenic site due to its unique mountainous landscape shaped by granite cliffs, as well as its rich cultural heritage that includes over a millennium of mountain worship and Buddhist culture.
The Gwangju-Jeonnam Integrated Special City announced plans to collaborate with the Cultural Heritage Administration and local governments for systematic preservation and management of the site, as well as to utilize its historical and cultural resources.
Wolchulsan rises abruptly from the plains of Yeongam and Gangjin, characterized by its distinctive peaks, Cheonhwangbong and Gujeongbong, which are surrounded by steep cliffs and unique rock formations.
The area is particularly noted for its diverse granite weathering features formed by long geological processes, as well as varying vegetation distribution based on altitude, highlighting its natural heritage value.
The designation reflects not only the stunning natural scenery but also the long-accumulated historical and cultural significance of the site.
Wolchulsan is mentioned in the ancient Korean historical text, the Samguk Sagi, as a national shrine known as 'Wolnaeak.' Rituals have been conducted here since the Unified Silla period, and it became a major center of Buddhist culture in the southwestern region during the Goryeo and Joseon dynasties.
Historic temples such as Muui Temple and Dogap Temple, located around the mountain, are representative cultural heritage sites that support Wolchulsan's historical status.
Muui Temple houses the national treasure Geungnakbojeon and Buddhist murals, while Dogap Temple showcases the founding legend of Doseon Guksa and various cultural assets that illustrate the flow of local Buddhist culture. Cheonhwangsa is also recognized as a historical space where mountain worship and Buddhist culture intersect.
Local legends associated with the nine wells of Gujeongbong and literary works left by historical figures such as the Joseon scholar Jeong Yak-yong further enhance the cultural landscape value of Wolchulsan.
Thus, Wolchulsan is regarded not merely as a scenic spot but as a complex natural and cultural heritage site where nature, history, religion, and literary traces converge.
The Gwangju-Jeonnam Integrated Special City plans to systematically preserve Wolchulsan's natural scenery and historical cultural heritage in collaboration with relevant agencies, including the Cultural Heritage Administration, Yeongam County, and Gangjin County.
Additionally, they aim to develop strategies to promote the historical and cultural value of the area and boost tourism by linking nearby temples and cultural heritage sites.
Gang Ha-chun, head of the Gwangju-Jeonnam Integrated Special City’s Religious Affairs Office, stated, “Wolchulsan is a representative mountain of the southern region where stunning natural scenery harmonizes with a long history and culture. With this designation as a national scenic site, we will work to systematically preserve this precious natural heritage and ensure that many citizens can enjoy its value in connection with surrounding historical and cultural resources.”
Meanwhile, Wolchulsan is a national park that spans Yeongam and Gangjin, widely known for its granite formations and mountainous scenery, including Cheonhwangbong and Gujeongbong. The recent designation as a national scenic site is expected to enhance the importance of preserving and managing it as a natural heritage alongside the existing national park management system. Future strategies for utilizing the designated scenic area in conjunction with surrounding historical and cultural resources will be a key focus.
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.