Hyangiram Hermitage

Hyangiram is built onto the side of Geumosan at the end of Dolsan island, facing east over open water, and it is one of the four hermitages in Korea traditionally associated with sea-facing Avalokitesvara devotion. Getting into it is the memorable part: the path from the car park climbs steeply, then the last approach threads through natural clefts between huge boulders - several passages so narrow that a large person turns sideways - and comes out on ledges where the halls are wedged against the rock. It is said to have been founded in 644 by the monk Wonhyo under the name Wontongam. The name means the hermitage facing the sun, and sunrise on New Year's Day draws a crowd that has to be managed. Below the cliff the sea is scattered with islands. The buildings are small and few; the setting does the work. It combines naturally with Yeosu, and the drive out along Dolsan is part of the visit.

What's there

• The boulder passages - narrow clefts on the final approach.
• The halls on ledges - buildings wedged into the cliff.
• The sea view - open water and islands below.
• The sunrise - the reason for the name and the New Year crowd.

When to go

April to June and September to November. Sunrise is the classic hour and the busiest. New Year's Day is extremely crowded and access is controlled.

Things to know

The climb from the car park is steep, with steps, and the rock passages are genuinely tight - not suitable for everyone. Ticketed. The hermitage itself is small.

Nearby

Yeosu's waterfront and cable car are 25 km back; Odongdo is in the harbour.

Key facts