Jeonnam & Gwangju Drive

Hwasun Red Cliff to Unjusa Temple Drive

From the screen-like Red Cliff towering over Dongbok Lake to the reclining Buddha of Unjusa Temple, a drive through Hwasun's hidden wonders.

(Please verify the exact route using a map app)

Course Overview

This 35 km drive starts from Hwasun's Red Cliff (Jeokbyeok), towering like a folding screen over Dongbok Lake, and continues to Unjusa Temple of the "thousand Buddhas and thousand pagodas." The Red Cliff, comparable to China's famous Red Cliff, presents an overwhelming sight with its 30-meter crimson walls reflected in the lake.

Unjusa Temple, according to legend, once held a thousand Buddha statues and a thousand pagodas. Its reclining Buddha (Wabul) is most famous, with a legend that a new world will dawn when it rises.

Section Highlights

Section 1: Red Cliff to Dongbok Lake (approx. 10 km)

View the crimson cliffs and their reflection in Dongbok Lake from the observatory. Most spectacular during autumn foliage season.

Section 2: Dongbok Lake Circuit (approx. 12 km)

Drive the lakeside road around Dongbok Lake enjoying serene water views.

Section 3: Iseo to Unjusa (approx. 13 km)

Mountain road up to Unjusa Temple. Allow about 1 hour to explore the scattered stone Buddhas and pagodas.

Driving Tips

  • Red Cliff area includes private land; check signs for access
  • Unjusa Temple admission: 3,000 KRW for adults
  • Narrow roads near Red Cliff require caution with oncoming traffic
  • Hwasun Hot Springs are nearby for a combined visit

Course Info

Distance

--km

Duration

1 hr

Difficulty

Moderate

Region

Jeonnam Hwasun

Best Season
๐Ÿ‚ Autumn (Sepโ€“Nov)โ„๏ธ Winter (Decโ€“Feb)

Nearby Attractions3 attractions

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Hwasun Red CliffViewpoint

30m crimson cliff over Dongbok Lake with stunning reflections

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธDirections
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Dongbok LakeViewpoint

Serene lake reflecting the Red Cliff with scenic lakeside road

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธDirections
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Unjusa TempleViewpoint

Temple of thousand Buddhas with famous reclining Buddha statue

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธDirections