'Embracing Gwangju at the Summit of Mudeungsan' First Peak Opening of the Year

Footsteps of Families, Couples, and Friends from Early Morning

Over 3,000 Visitors Counted to the Summit...Attracting Outsiders as Well

Open Year-Round from September...Hikers Expect to "Return Again"

"Standing atop Mudeungsan's summit and embracing the city of Gwangju in my heart, the previously stifling feeling inside me has cleared up."

On the morning of the 4th at Mudeungsan National Park in Gwangju, the summit was opened for the 26th time since May 2011 and for the first time this year. This opening was arranged to once again announce that Mudeungsan is a world-renowned mountain in celebration of the UNESCO Global Geopark re-certification and the 10th anniversary of its elevation to a national park.

Citizens were allowed to walk the 0.9 km summit course of Mudeungsan, starting from the military base's back gate located at Seoseokdae columnar joints, passing Inwangbong and Jiwangbong, and exiting through the main gate of the base. Notably, for the first time since the military base has been stationed at Mudeungsan's summit, multicultural families were permitted access.

On the 4th, when the summit of Mudeungsan National Park was opened, citizens climbed to the summit and took commemorative photos.
[Photo by Min Hyun-gi]

The chilly temperature of about 3℃ in the early morning gradually rose to 17℃ by afternoon, and citizens who had layered their outerwear began shedding their clothes one by one, putting them into their bags, wiping sweat from their foreheads, and their bright expressions seemed to fully enjoy the refreshing air.

Along the trail, snow that fell two weeks ago had not yet completely melted and remained frozen, and ice walls were gradually melting with water dripping down, providing another spectacle for citizens who came with family, lovers, and friends.

Although climbing Mudeungsan could have been tiring for the citizens, their steps quickened as they reached the summit. Upon finally reaching the top, everyone raised their arms above their heads in a cheer and burst into broad smiles.

At the photo zone with Jiwangbong and silver grass as the backdrop, a long line formed as people waited to take commemorative photos. At the observatory, visitors took in the panoramic view of Gwangju city under a cloudless sky and shouted "Yahoo!" Soldiers were busy maintaining order within the base and ensuring the safety of visitors.

By the afternoon, the number of visitors who climbed Inwangbong and Jiwangbong reached 3,000, and the total number of visitors to Mudeungsan was estimated at around 12,000.

Kim Jinhwa (41, female), who climbed Mudeungsan with her children entering adolescence to create memories, said, "My children were already reluctant to come along, so I persuaded them from morning to bring them here. But once they came, they really enjoyed it and I feel proud that it became a good memory." She quickly took certification photos with the national park flagship species characters Bandari and Gomdari against the backdrop of Jiwangbong. Her sons, Lee Seongmin (13) and Lee Seongjun (9), proudly showed off photos from their national park stamp tours they have been doing for two years, running around as if they never disliked coming.

Citizens who volunteered while visiting Mudeungsan were also noticeable. Joseph Cho (63), who is usually interested in environmental issues, climbed to the summit of Mudeungsan while picking up visible trash with acquaintances, collecting as many as five bags.

Cho said, "Mudeungsan, a pride of Gwangju and Jeonnam, is called a famous mountain and attracts many hikers nationwide. As many people visit, everyone who comes to Mudeungsan needs to be more careful about protecting the environment."

Choi Yongsik (58), who came from Cheongju, wore a short-sleeved hiking outfit and climbed Mudeungsan with a vigorous step, taking in the spectacular view with his own eyes.

Choi said, "I had only heard that Mudeungsan cannot be compared to any other mountain in Korea, but this is my first visit. I came a long way because I wanted to visit Mudeungsan before more time passes, and I think it was a great decision," expressing admiration.

Meanwhile, during the summit opening event that day, Gwangju Mayor Kang Gijeong, Vice Minister of Environment Yoo Jecheol, Korea National Park Service Director Song Hyeonggeun, Yeongsangang River Basin Environmental Office Chief Jeong Seonhwa, and Gwangsan District Mayor Park Byeonggyu also climbed the summit together with citizens.

Mayor Kang said, "I am happy and proud to celebrate and commemorate the successful re-certification of the UNESCO Global Geopark with citizens and residents at the summit of Mudeungsan. I would like to once again thank the park officials, environmental groups, and citizens who have cherished and protected Mudeungsan."

He added, "We eagerly await the full opening of Mudeungsan's summit in September and the complete withdrawal of the anti-aircraft artillery, so that Mudeungsan can fully return to the citizens' embrace. We will thoroughly prepare to ensure there are no setbacks in trail maintenance and welcoming the summit."

Mudeungsan's summit has been off-limits to the public since 1961 when the military base was stationed there. Since the first opening in 2011 through an agreement with the military, the summit has been opened a total of 26 times up to this day. Through an agreement signed on December 20 last year with the Air Force's 1st Missile Defense Brigade and the Korea National Park Service, the summit of Mudeungsan will be open year-round starting this September.