Cliffs and Stone Steps at Hyangiram at the End of an 18 km Coastal Trail

An 18.0 km course from Hyangiram to Dolsanhyanggyo

The Hyangiram Coastal Road begins at Hyangiram in Dolsan-eup, Yeosu, Jeollanam-do, passes Dolsanhyanggyo, and continues to the hiking trail connecting Hyangiram and Jukpo. The total route distance is 18.0 km, and the estimated duration is approximately 5 hours.

The route is presented in the following order: Hyangiram, Yullimjae Parking Lot, Dolsan Hwatae Yeondogyo Bridge, and Dolsanhyanggyo hiking trail. Therefore, it is more accurate to understand it as a long-distance course combining Dolsan’s coastal scenery and hiking trails, rather than a short seaside walk in front of Hyangiram.

Why Hyangiram stands on Geumosan Mountain at the end of Dolsando Island

Hyangiram is located on the cliffs of Geumosan Mountain at the southern tip of Dolsando Island in Yeosu. Because it is a hermitage built on a vertical seaside cliff, Geumosan Mountain rises behind it, while Dolsan’s blue sea and sky spread out in front.

Yeosu City’s tourism page introduces Hyangiram as a hermitage founded by the Silla monk Wonhyo during the reign of Queen Seondeok under the name Wontongam. It explains that the Goryeo-era monk Yunpil renamed it Geumoam, and that in 1715, the 41st year of King Sukjong’s reign, the monk Inmuk gave it the name Hyangiram.

The name Geumosan is said to come from the mountain’s resemblance to a turtle carrying scriptures on its back and entering the Dragon Palace. The rocks throughout the mountain also resemble a turtle shell, so Hyangiram was also called Geumoam or Yeongguam.

The 40-degree stone stairs and two-rock stone gate are beyond the entrance

The address of Hyangiram is 60 Hyangiram-ro, Dolsan-eup, Yeosu, Jeollanam-do. After passing the parking lot with a sea view, visitors must climb stone stairs approaching a 40-degree incline. Reviews mention that it takes approximately 10 to 20 minutes for an adult to walk from the parking lot to Hyangiram.

Along the ascent is a stone gate made of two large rocks. Since visitors must lower their bodies and bow their heads to pass through it, large backpacks and strollers are difficult to take through. Personal reviews also mention repeated steep uphill sections and narrow gaps between rocks.

Some reviews mention that chairs are placed at various points along the stairs, but the route may not be suitable for visitors with leg problems. Stroller rental is unavailable, and the available information does not confirm wheelchair accessibility for the entire coastal route or whether photography is restricted.

Buses from Yeosu-Expo Station to Impo Bus Stop

Visitors arriving by train can use Yeosu-Expo Station as their starting point. Bus 111 to Hyangiram runs twice a day from Yeosu-Expo Station, departing from the starting terminal at 05:00 and 06:10. Bus 111-1 runs three times a day, with departures from the starting terminal scheduled between 04:30 and 06:50.

From the Yeosu Intercity Bus Terminal, bus 111 operates eight times a day, from 08:10 to 20:20 from the starting terminal. Bus 111-1 runs 12 times a day, from 07:30 to 21:45, while bus 116 runs three times a day, from 07:35 to 16:30. All three routes are described as requiring passengers to get off at Impo (Hyangiram) Bus Stop.

If there is no suitable departure time directly from Yeosu-Expo Station, another option is to take bus 2, transfer once to bus 111 at Seogyodong Catholic Church Bus Stop, and travel to Impo (Hyangiram) Bus Stop. Since some buses do not run frequently, anyone planning to walk the entire 18.0 km course should calculate the return transportation in advance.

Hyangiram Public Parking Lot and weekend waiting times

For visitors arriving by car, the address of Hyangiram Public Parking Lot is 70-4 Hyangiram-ro, Dolsan-eup, Yeosu, Jeollanam-do. The parking lot’s contact number is 061-643-5972, but its operating hours, standard fees, and total number of parking spaces were not confirmed in the available information.

A July 2024 review mentions a waiting time of approximately 30 minutes at the parking lot on a weekend afternoon. A holiday review from January 7, 2024, also stated that parking took more than 20 minutes. Therefore, it is safer to allow extra time to enter the parking lot on weekend afternoons and public holidays.

After parking, visitors must climb another steep flight of stairs. Remembering that the address for Hyangiram and the address for the public parking lot are different can help prevent setting the wrong navigation destination.

Hyangiram opens free of charge, with sightseeing extending through the temple grounds

As of 2026, Hyangiram is listed as open year-round with regular admission hours of 00:00–00:00. Admission is free. For inquiries, contact the Hyangiram Tourist Information Center at 061-644-4742. Yeosu City’s official tourism page is https://www.yeosu.go.kr/tour/travel/10tour/hyangilam.

The grounds include Wontongbojeon (Daeungjeon), Samseonggak, Gwaneumjeon, Yongwangjeon, a bell pavilion, and a statue of Haesu Gwaneum. However, because Hyangiram is a space where buildings are divided among vertical cliffs and stairs, it is not a place where all the buildings can be viewed at once from the entrance. Visitors explore it by moving along narrow paths and stairways.

Yeosu City introduces Hyangiram as a base for monks who helped Admiral Yi Sun-sin fight Japanese invaders during the Imjin War. In December 2009, a fire destroyed Daeungjeon and surrounding buildings. The present grounds were rebuilt after undergoing this history of fire and restoration.

Calculate the stairs and travel route before focusing on sunrise

Hyangiram is introduced as a place where visitors can see both sunrise and sunset. A review from April 2026 describes a visit to see the sunrise at around 6:00 a.m., but visitors traveling by bus at that hour must coordinate with the 05:00 or 06:10 departure of bus 111 from Yeosu-Expo Station.

Based on reviews, allow approximately 1 to 1.5 hours to explore Hyangiram alone. The entire coastal route is based on 18.0 km and approximately 5 hours. Reviews mention that the uphill and downhill routes differ. If you wait until the descent to take photographs, you may pass the scenes you wanted to capture, so it is better to look out for rock gaps and viewpoints while ascending as well.

Reviews recommend wearing sneakers, and some mention that there are many stores selling gat kimchi and dried seafood around the entrance. Since there is information indicating that credit cards may not be accepted, it is advisable to prepare cash. However, the latest status of this payment information and the availability of English guidance or audio guides have not been separately confirmed.

Who is it suitable for, and who may find it difficult?

For travelers who want to see Geumosan Mountain’s cliffs, camellias and subtropical plants, and sea views in one place, the Hyangiram Coastal Road’s terrain is a clear attraction. Conversely, the nearly 40-degree stone stairs and narrow stone gate are major limitations for travelers expecting a flat coastal promenade, using a stroller, or experiencing leg pain.

Reviews mention chairs midway along the stair sections and also say that visitors were able to drink spring water. However, availability of the spring water may vary depending on conditions at the site, so it is better not to plan on it as an essential facility.

Pets are listed as not permitted on the information page. There is no confirmed information about vehicle-access sections of the entire coastal route, photography-prohibited areas, or foreign-language guidance. Therefore, the visit preparations that can be stated with certainty are sneakers, cash, sufficient travel time, and a schedule that includes parking and bus waiting times.