Hyangiram Hermitage

Garam · Attribution

A small hermitage clinging to a cliff at the end of the peninsula, reached through narrow rock clefts.

Hyangiram means 'the hermitage facing the sun', and it sits on a cliff at the southern tip of Dolsan island, looking east. The path up passes through four rock clefts so narrow that larger visitors have to turn sideways — tradition holds that squeezing through all four clears your worldly troubles. From the courtyard there is nothing below but sea and rock. This is one of Korea's four great sunrise spots, and on 1 January people start walking up at three in the morning.

Visitor information

When is the best time to visit Hyangiram Hermitage?

Year-round, best at sunrise

How much does it cost to visit Hyangiram Hermitage?

2,000 KRW

How long do you need at Hyangiram Hermitage?

2 hours

What are the opening hours of Hyangiram Hermitage?

05:00–19:00

Did you know

Founded in 644 by the monk Wonhyo.
The approach passes through four very narrow natural rock clefts.
One of the four most famous sunrise viewpoints in Korea.
At the southern end of Dolsan island, about 40 minutes from central Yeosu.

Travel tips

Wear shoes with grip: the steps and clefts get slippery.
New Year's Day is extremely busy — come early or choose another date.
Combine it with the Yeosu night sea on the same trip.

Source: https://ko.wikipedia.org/wiki/향일암

Updated: 2026-08-04