Mountain · North Gyeongsang
Namsan
남산
Namsan (495.1 m), Gyeongju: Silla’s sacred mountain, with rock-carved Buddhas, pagodas and royal tombs in a UNESCO World Heritage site.
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15 Nov – 15 Dec 2026
Autumn fire-season trail closures
The Korea National Park Service closes 148 trail sections in the national parks for the autumn wildfire season: 115 fully and 33 in part. Other trails stay open as usual. Check the closure list for your park before you set off.
Place details
- Region
- North Gyeongsang
- Type of place
- Mountain
- Locality in the source
- 경주시
- Summit height
- 495.1 m summit altitude, Korea Forest Service guide p. 72
Locate the place
Search by the Korean name and locality, then check the public entrance with the managing authority.
About Namsan
Namsan, south of Gyeongju, was the sacred mountain of Silla. Between Geumobong and Gowibong some forty valleys hold 13 royal tombs, 50 temple sites, 129 Buddhas and 99 pagodas, and the whole mountain is part of a UNESCO World Heritage site.
After Buddhism was recognised in 528 the mountain was revered as a place where the Buddha dwells. Dozens of trails lead past rock-carved Buddhas, the birthplace of Silla’s founder and the Samneung pine forest.
The name simply means the south mountain of old Seorabeol.
Through the seasons
- Spring
- Wind at Badukbawi on the ridge
- Summer
- Pine shade in Samneung forest
- Autumn
- Sunset on the Chilburam Buddhas
- Winter
- Quiet at the empty Yongjangsa site
Worth seeing
- Chilburam Buddhas 칠불암 마애불상군Seven Buddhas carved in rock, a national treasure.
- Yongjangsa pagoda 용장사곡 삼층석탑A pagoda on bedrock, best at sunset.
Where the main trail starts
Yongjang 1-ri · Baeyanggol 용장1리ㆍ배양골
A main route in the Forest Service guide begins here. Search the Korean name to plan your bus or taxi to the entrance.
Written from the Korea Forest Service guide 꼭 한번 가 볼 우리 100대 명산, p. 72.