Rock Climbing in the South of South Korea

Last updated on January 16, 2026
Author:Stephan Bochet

A comprehensive photo guide to sports climbing in Gwangju and Busan area in the south of South Korea.

As of 2026, climbing is permitted at all featured locations in South Korea.

Quick Navigation

Gwangju Areas

Busan Areas

Gwangju Areas

Tugu-bawi - Seonunsan

1.5 Hours West of Gwangju. One of the best places to climb in korea with some of the hardest routes in the country. Fixed gear, mostly hard routes and unmantained easy routes. Requires 1 hour approach through temples and up the steep moountain.

ํ• ๋งค๋ฐ”์œ„

Before Seonunsan. Popular spot known with the locals. Easily accessible and best place for beginners and intermediate climbers.

Yongseo Pokpo

In Gurye - 2 Hours East of Gwangju. Beautiful waterfall climbing area with all levels of climbing. Some of the routes are unmantained.

Busan Areas

Daeryuk-Bong

Busan Mountain located in the middle of the city. Excellent granite climbing with easy public transportation access and trails.

Hakdam-am

2.5 Hours North of Busan. Create climbing for all levels. Located next to the river after driving by a dam. Some boulders in the river area.

Mucheok-san

Famous for its diverse routes and stunning mountain views.

South of South Korea Climbing Map

Mucheok-san

Mucheok-san is one of the most popular climbing areas in Busan, South Korea. It offer technichal climbing with pockets, crimps and an occasional overhang. It is near famous temples atop a mountain.

Cunning Lureย (5.11a)
Cunning Lure Image 2

Description

Cunning Lure 5.11a located on Janggun Byeok wall in Mucheok-san, Busan, South Korea.
Cunning Lure Image 3

Description

Cunning Lure 5.11a located on Janggun Byeok wall in Mucheok-san, Busan, South Korea.
Cunning Lure Image 5

Description

Cunning Lure 5.11a located on Janggun Byeok wall in Mucheok-san, Busan, South Korea.
Cunning Lure Image 6

Description

Cunning Lure 5.11a located on Janggun Byeok wall in Mucheok-san, Busan, South Korea.
Cunning Lure Image 7

Description

Cunning Lure 5.11a located on Janggun Byeok wall in Mucheok-san, Busan, South Korea.
Cunning Lure Image 8

Description

Cunning Lure 5.11a located on Janggun Byeok wall in Mucheok-san, Busan, South Korea.
Cunning Lure Image

Description

Cunning Lure 5.11a located on Janggun Byeok wall in Mucheok-san, Busan, South Korea.
Samsondrilaย (5.12b)
Samsondrila Image 1

Description

Samsondrila 5.12b located on Janggun Byeok wall in Mucheok-san, Busan, South Korea.
Samsondrila Image 2

Description

Samsondrila 5.12b located on Janggun Byeok wall in Mucheok-san, Busan, South Korea.
Samsondrila Image 3

Description

Samsondrila 5.12b located on Janggun Byeok wall in Mucheok-san, Busan, South Korea.
Samsondrila Image 4

Description

Samsondrila 5.12b located on Janggun Byeok wall in Mucheok-san, Busan, South Korea.
Samsondrila Image 5

Description

Samsondrila 5.12b located on Janggun Byeok wall in Mucheok-san, Busan, South Korea.
Samsondrila Image 6

Description

Samsondrila 5.12b located on Janggun Byeok wall in Mucheok-san, Busan, South Korea.
Samsondrila Image 7

Description

Samsondrila 5.12b located on Janggun Byeok wall in Mucheok-san, Busan, South Korea.
Sodom Gomorrahย (7b)
Sodom Gomorrah Image 1

Description

Sodom Gomorrah 5.12b located on Janggun Byeok wall in Mucheok-san, Busan, South Korea.
Sodom Gomorrah Image 2

Description

Sodom Gomorrah 5.12b located on Janggun Byeok wall in Mucheok-san, Busan, South Korea.

Yongseo Pokpo

Yongseo Pokpo is a popular climbing area located in Gurye, South Korea. The area is known for its beautiful waterfall and countryside.

Yongseo Pokpo Climbing Area
Akdong Wall

Description

Akdong Wall in Yongseo Pokpo, Gurye, South Korea.
Lower Dragon Wall 1

Description

Lower Dragon Wall in Yongseo Pokpo, Gurye, South Korea.
Lower Dragon Wall 2

Description

Lower Dragon Wall in Yongseo Pokpo, Gurye, South Korea.
Upper Dragon Wall

Description

Upper Dragon Wall in Yongseo Pokpo, Gurye, South Korea.
Dragon Wall Waterfall 2

Description

Waterfall at Dragon Wall in Yongseo Pokpo, Gurye, South Korea.
Dragon Wall Waterfall 1

Description

Waterfall at Dragon Wall in Yongseo Pokpo, Gurye, South Korea.
Stubble Spirit (5.12a/7a+)
Stubble Spirit Image 1

Description

Stubble Spirit 5.12a located on Dragon Wall in Yongseo Pokpo, Gurye, South Korea.
Stubble Spirit Image 2

Description

Stubble Spirit 5.12a located on Dragon Wall in Yongseo Pokpo, Gurye, South Korea.
Stubble Spirit Image 3

Description

Stubble Spirit 5.12a located on Dragon Wall in Yongseo Pokpo, Gurye, South Korea.
Stubble Spirit Image 4

Description

Stubble Spirit 5.12a located on Dragon Wall in Yongseo Pokpo, Gurye, South Korea.
Hongmanย (5.11c/6c+)
Hongman Image 1

Description

Hongman 5.11c located on Akdong Wall in Yongseo Pokpo, Gurye, South Korea.
Hongman Image 2

Description

Hongman 5.11c located on Akdong Wall in Yongseo Pokpo, Gurye, South Korea.
Hongman Image 3

Description

Hongman 5.11c located on Akdong Wall in Yongseo Pokpo, Gurye, South Korea.
Haejeong2ย (5.10a/6a)
Haejeong2 Image 1

Description

Haejeong2 5.10a located on Dragon Wall in Yongseo Pokpo, Gurye, South Korea.
Haejeong2 Image 2

Description

Haejeong2 5.10a located on Dragon Wall in Yongseo Pokpo, Gurye, South Korea.
Haejeong2 Image 3

Description

Haejeong2 5.10a located on Dragon Wall in Yongseo Pokpo, Gurye, South Korea.
Youjeongย (5.9/5c)
Youjeong with Steve

Description

Steve climbing Youjeong 5.9 located on Dragon Wall in Yongseo Pokpo, Gurye, South Korea.
Youjeong

Description

Youjeong 5.9 located on Dragon Wall in Yongseo Pokpo, Gurye, South Korea.

Hakdam-am

Hakdam-am is a climbing area located near Busan, South Korea. About 2.5 hours north of busan by car. It sits next to the river with excellent climbing for all levels.

Hakdam Am Climbing Area
Hakdam Am Wall

Description

Climbing wall at Hakdam Am, Busan, South Korea.
Main Area

Description

Main climbing area of Hakdam Am, Busan, South Korea.
Right Area

Description

Right side climbing area of Hakdam Am, Busan, South Korea.
Bright Boyย (5.11d/7a)
Bright Boy Image 1

Description

Bright Boy 5.11d located in Hakdam Am, Busan, South Korea.
Bright Boy Image 2

Description

Bright Boy 5.11d located in Hakdam Am, Busan, South Korea.
Bright Boy Image 3

Description

Bright Boy 5.11d located in Hakdam Am, Busan, South Korea.
Bright Boy Image 4

Description

Bright Boy 5.11d located in Hakdam Am, Busan, South Korea.
Bright Boy Random Climber

Description

Random climber on Bright Boy 5.11d located in Hakdam Am, Busan, South Korea.
Trojan Horseย (5.12b/7b)
Trojan Horse Image 0

Description

Trojan Horse 5.12b located in Hakdam Am, Busan, South Korea.
Trojan Horse Image 1

Description

Trojan Horse 5.12b located in Hakdam Am, Busan, South Korea.
Trojan Horse Image 2

Description

Trojan Horse 5.12b located in Hakdam Am, Busan, South Korea.

Seonunsan

Seonunsan is one of the most popular rock climbing destinations for experts in South Korea due to the overhanging nature with pockets and powerful climbing. It sits in th middle of a national forest and famous temples.

Seonun San
Main Wall Image 1

Description

Tugu Bawi Wall in Seonun San, Gwangju, South Korea.
Main Wall Image 3

Description

Tugu Bawi Wall in Seonun San, Gwangju, South Korea.
Climbing at Tugu Bawi Wall in SeonunSan
Climber Image 1

Description

Climber on Tugu Bawi Wall in Seonun San, Gwangju, South Korea.
Climber Image 2

Description

Climber on Tugu Bawi Wall in Seonun San, Gwangju, South Korea.
Climber Image 3

Description

Climber on Tugu Bawi Wall in Seonun San, Gwangju, South Korea.
Climber Image 4

Description

Climber on Tugu Bawi Wall in Seonun San, Gwangju, South Korea.
Tugu Bawi Main Wall in Seonun-San
Main Wall Image 2

Description

Tugu Bawi Wall in Seonun San, Gwangju, South Korea.
Main Wall Image 4

Description

Tugu Bawi Wall in Seonun San, Gwangju, South Korea.
Main Wall Image 5

Description

Tugu Bawi Wall in Seonun San, Gwangju, South Korea.
Main Wall Image 6

Description

Tugu Bawi Wall in Seonun San, Gwangju, South Korea.
Main Wall Image 7

Description

Tugu Bawi Wall in Seonun San, Gwangju, South Korea.
Main Wall Image 8

Description

Tugu Bawi Wall in Seonun San, Gwangju, South Korea.
Main Wall Image 9

Description

Tugu Bawi Wall in Seonun San, Gwangju, South Korea.
Main Wall Image 11

Description

Tugu Bawi Wall in Seonun San, Gwangju, South Korea.
Main Wall Image 12

Description

Tugu Bawi Wall in Seonun San, Gwangju, South Korea.
Overhang Image

Description

Overhang section of Tugu Bawi Wall in Seonun San, Gwangju, South Korea.
Wall Detail

Description

Detail shot of Tugu Bawi Wall in Seonun San, Gwangju, South Korea.
Right Side and Features in Tugu Bawi / Seonun_San
Right Side Image 2

Description

Right side of Tugu Bawi Wall in Seonun San, Gwangju, South Korea.
Right Side Image 10

Description

Right side of Tugu Bawi Wall in Seonun San, Gwangju, South Korea.
Rusty Bolt

Description

One of the many Rusty expansion bolts South Korea has to offer (Common on low grades and unpopular routes).

ํ• ๋งค๋ฐ”์œ„ / Halmaebawi

ํ• ๋งค๋ฐ”์œ„ / Halmabawi is a popular climbing area for beginners and intermediates in Gwangju, South Korea. Halmebawi is known for its rock formation jotting out of the ground next to the main road to Seonunsan.

Halmaebawi Climbing Area
Main Wall 2

Description

Main wall at Halmaebawi in Gwangju, South Korea.
Street View

Description

Street view of Halmaebawi Wall in Gwangju, South Korea.
Multi-pitch Training Wall

Description

Side training multi-pitch wall at Halmaebawi in Gwangju, South Korea.
Random Climbers at Halmaebawi
Random Climbers 1

Description

Random climbers at Halmaebawi Wall in Gwangju, South Korea.
Random Climbers 2

Description

Random climbers at Halmaebawi Wall in Gwangju, South Korea.
Random Climbers 3

Description

Random climbers at Halmaebawi Wall in Gwangju, South Korea.
Random Climbers 4

Description

Random climbers at Halmaebawi Wall in Gwangju, South Korea.
Random Climbers 5

Description

Random climbers at Halmaebawi Wall in Gwangju, South Korea.
Random Climbers 6

Description

Random climbers at Halmaebawi Wall in Gwangju, South Korea.
Random Climbers 7

Description

Random climbers at Halmaebawi Wall in Gwangju, South Korea.
Climber Image 1

Description

Climber on Halmaebawi Wall in Gwangju, South Korea.
Climber Image 2

Description

Climber on Halmaebawi Wall in Gwangju, South Korea.

Daeryuk-Bong

Daeryuk-Bong is one of the most popular climbing areas in Busan, South Korea. It offer Granite sports climbing and bouldering. It is easily accessible by bus from the city.

Daeryuk Bong Wall Overview
Overview from Anchor

Description

View from anchor at Daeryuk Bong Wall in Busan, South Korea.
Lower Overview

Description

Lower section overview of Daeryuk Bong Wall in Busan, South Korea.
Routes Guide

Description

Routes guide for Daeryuk Bong Wall in Busan, South Korea.
Trail to Wall

Description

Trail leading to Daeryuk Bong Wall in Busan, South Korea.
Upper Overview

Description

Upper section overview of Daeryuk Bong Wall in Busan, South Korea.
Stephan Climbing 1

Description

Stephan climbing at Daeryuk Bong Wall in Busan, South Korea.
Stephan Climbing 2

Description

Stephan climbing at Daeryuk Bong Wall in Busan, South Korea.
Pan Belay 1

Description

Stephan on pan belay sequence at Daeryuk Bong Wall in Busan, South Korea.
Pan Belay 2

Description

Stephan on pan belay sequence at Daeryuk Bong Wall in Busan, South Korea.
Pan Belay 3

Description

Stephan on pan belay sequence at Daeryuk Bong Wall in Busan, South Korea.
Pan Belay 4

Description

Stephan on pan belay sequence at Daeryuk Bong Wall in Busan, South Korea.
Stephan Climbing 6

Description

Stephan climbing at Daeryuk Bong Wall in Busan, South Korea.
Stephan Climbing 5

Description

Stephan climbing at Daeryuk Bong Wall in Busan, South Korea.
Stephan Climbing 4

Description

Stephan climbing at Daeryuk Bong Wall in Busan, South Korea.
Steve Climbing
Steve Climbing 1

Description

Steve climbing at Daeryuk Bong Wall in Busan, South Korea.
Steve Climbing 2

Description

Steve climbing at Daeryuk Bong Wall in Busan, South Korea.
Steve Climbing 3

Description

Steve climbing at Daeryuk Bong Wall in Busan, South Korea.
Random Climbers
Random Climber 1

Description

Random climber at Daeryuk Bong Wall in Busan, South Korea.
Random Climber 2

Description

Random climber at Daeryuk Bong Wall in Busan, South Korea.
Random Climber 3

Description

Random climber at Daeryuk Bong Wall in Busan, South Korea.

Accommodation

Find hotels near the climbing areas in South Korea.

Hotels in Seoul

Hotels in Busan

This section contains affiliate links.

Travel Insurance

Medical bills abroad can get expensive. At the time of writing, I use SafetyWing Nomad Insurance for my trips. SafetyWing is a travel medical insurance designed for nomads and travelers, offering flexible coverage that you can purchase while already abroad.

This section contains affiliate links.

Questions or feedback?

If you have any questions or feedback, feel free to reach out [email protected]. I would love to hear from you!

Disclaimer

Disclaimer: Rock climbing is an inherently dangerous activity and can result in serious injury or death. The information provided in this blog is for educational and entertainment purposes only. Always seek professional instruction and guidance, and climb at your own risk.