Jirisan Recreational Forest (국립 지리산자연휴양림)

12.0Km 2024-02-23

152 Eumjeong-gil, Macheon-myeon, Hamyang-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do

Jirisan Recreational Forest safeguards the splendid natural beauty of Jirisan Mountain. Positioned 600 to 700 meters above sea level, the region surpassing 700 meters is designated as a national park. The forest features a range of amenities including accommodations, a forest student camp, various trails, a forest park, and a suspension bridge. The significant temperature variation in the area contributes to the breathtaking display of autumn foliage.

Gurye Unjoru Historic House (구례 운조루 고택)

12.4Km 2024-10-29

59, Unjoru-gil, Gurye-gun, Jeollanam-do
+82-61-780-2431

Unjoru Historic House was built in 1776 by Ryu I-Ju, a high government official of the Sam-su Department during the reign of King Yeong-jo. Of the house's original 99 kan (traditional building measurement), only 73 remain today. The name Unjoru means "a hidden house like a bird in the clouds," which was inspired from an old poem written by poet Tao Yuan Ming.

Gurye Special Tourist Zone (구례 관광특구)

13.7Km 2020-03-18

539, Hwaeomsa-ro, Gurye-gun, Jeollanam-do
+82-61-780-2450

The vast region of the Gurye Special Tourist Zone comprises Toji-myeon, Gwangui-myeon and Sandong-myeon, which has a river and an open field surrounding the mountainous area. Every part of Gurye deserves the title of Special Tourist Zone for offering many things to see. Well-known for its rich soil, the most outstanding natural resources of Gurye is Jirisan National Park, the first to be designated as a national park, and Seomjingang River.

Every year, many hikers visit Jirisan National Park, also called the “bosom of a mother.” The park is cherished for its unpolluted scenery, such as its deep and wide geographical features and crystal clear valleys. The park offers diverse hiking trails and has mountain retreats for backpackers.

Jirisan Dulegil Trail that runs along the periphery of Jirisan Mountain is where one could enjoy the experience of mountain glens, different from mountaineering. On their way hikers and trekkers can see groups of Sansuyu (cornus fruit) in spring as well as the autumnal tints of the mountain and valley in autumn.

Another strength is that the park has different types of accommodations including Hanok (Korean traditional house) homestay and a guest house, apart from leisure facilities including hot springs in Jirisan. The park is a great place for historical inquiries as it is filled with historic temples, including Hwaeomsa Temple and Yeongoksa Temple, and historic relics. Flowing from Gokseong to Hadong, Seomjingang River creates a tranquil ambience. The cleanest ever in Korea, a large number of marsh snails and sweetfish live in this river. Visitors can also enjoy the scenic view from the riverside road and various festivals which are held all year round, such as the Sansuyu Festival, the Seomjingang Riverside Cherry Flower Festival and the Piagol Autumn Foliage Festival.

* Current State of Gurye Special Tourist Zone
1) Districts Covered / Areas around Toji, Masan, Gwangui and Sandong-myeon, Gurye-gun, Jeollanam-do
2) Area / 78,024,000㎡

* Tourist Attractions
Jirisan Mountain, Seomjingang River, Jirisan Spa Land, Piagol Valley, Sansuyu Theme Park, Hwaeomsa, Cheoneunsa and Yeongoksa Temple, Hanok Village, etc.

Ssangsanjae (쌍산재)

13.7Km 2024-10-31

3-2 Jangsu-gil Masan-myeon, Gurye-gun, Jeollanam-do

It is a 300-year-old old house where you can feel the traditional beauty and atmosphere of a Hanok, and 15 large and small Hanoks are scattered on a site of 16,500㎡. The top and bottom are divided around a bamboo forest stretching toward the sky, and over 100 types of trees and plants are harmonized with the building like a picture. For an entrance fee, coffee or tea is provided, so you can take a seat wherever you like and have a cup of tea while looking around the inside. While enjoying the quiet atmosphere, let's fully look around various points such as the detached house, bamboo forest, Hoseojeong, and Gyeongamdang.

Hwaeomsa Temple (화엄사)

13.7Km 2021-02-05

539, Hwaeomsa-ro, Gurye-gun, Jeollanam-do
+82-61-783-7600

Situated at the foot of Jirisan Mountain, 5.4 kilometers east of Gurye-eup, Hwaeomsa Temple was constructed in the 22nd year of King Seong's reign (544) during the Baekje era, but was burnt down during the Imjin War (1592-1598). The temple was rebuilt in 1636 after seven years of reconstruction. The temple has various cultural assets including National Treasures, Treasures, a Natural Monument, and local cultural assets as well as 20 different buildings.

Hotel Jirisan Haetsal (지리산햇살)

14.3Km 2024-12-23

386-3 , Hwaeomsa-ro, Gurye-gun, Jeollanam-do
+82-61-783-9600

Jirisan Haetsal hotel (haetsal means ‘sunshine’) stands at the foot of Jirisan Mountain, Jeollanam-do. It’s just 300m from Jirisan National Park’s Nambu Visitor Center, and the scenery is very beautiful, with Jirisan rising up behind the hotel and the Masancheon mountain stream flowing past it. The hotel has a 4-person ondol room, with all the other rooms having beds; there is also a 6-person special room with a terrace. Guestrooms are cleaned dailly. Guests can enjoy a barbecue outside while listening to the babble of the stream. Gurye Bus Terminal, Hwaeomsa Temple, Gurye 5-day Market, and Gurye Unjoru Old House are all about 10 minutes away by car.

Jirisan National Park (Nogodan Peak Section) (지리산국립공원 (지리산 노고단))

14.4Km 2021-12-25

356, Hwaeomsa-ro, Gurye-gun, Jeollanam-do
+82-61-780-7700

Jirisan National Park covers a vast amount of land in three provinces, including one city and three counties. The countless mountain peaks both large and small blend harmoniously, giving off a comforting ambiance. The valleys feature streams, waterfalls, and more natural attractions beautiful all year round. The mountain is the starting point for the Seomjingang River, which flows into the southern sea.

The park is home to many plants and animals, including the Asiatic black bear. There are many hiking paths crossing the park; it is recommended to make a plan for the courses in advance, checking the lengths and time required. As Jirisan Mountain changes with the different seasons, hikers can enjoy various aspects of the mountain’s terrain. However, some areas will be closed off for hikers' safety in the case of incliment weather or to prevent forest fires in the dry season.

Baemsagol Waun Village (뱀사골 와운마을)

14.8Km 2024-04-07

249 Waun-gil, Namwon-si, Jeonbuk-do

Baemsagol Waun Village is located deep in the heart of Jirisan Mountain, being almost impossible to find if one didn't know the pathway in the past. The village is located within a 14 kilometer-long valley with many strangely shaped rocks. The village is home to an old pine tree (Natural Monument) that is lovely referred to as "Grandmother Tree."

Baemsagol Jirisan Sikdang (뱀사골 지리산식당)

15.2Km 2024-04-07

271 Jirisan-ro, Sannae-myeon, Namwon-si, Jeonbuk-do
+82-63-626-8800

Baemsagol Jirisan Sikdang specializes in baeksuk (whole chicken soup) and heukdwaeji gui (grilled black pork). They prepare healthy dishes using wild vegetables and traditional Korean medicinal ingredients collected from Jirisan Mountain. In addition to bibimbap and acorn jelly salad, they also offer dishes like grilled deodeok. Visitors can also enjoy their meals on the outdoor tables set up by Dalgunggyegok Valley.

Jirisan Chilseongyegok Valley (칠선계곡(지리산))

15.3Km 2022-07-29

Chuseong-ri, Hamnyang-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do
+82-55-970-1000

Chilseongyegok Valley is the most beautiful valley in Jirisan Mountain, and is one of the top three valleys in the nation, along with Cheonbuldonggyegok Valley in Seoraksan Mountain and Tamnagyegok Valley in Hallasan Mountain. The 16-kilometer valley stretching from Uitan of Macheon-myeon to Cheonwangbong Peak is characterized by very tough topography but beautiful scenery and is the only remaining primeval forest of Jirisan Mountain. It is also dotted with seven waterfalls and 33 ponds. The hike becomes more difficult as the trail enters the valley. Because the valley has taken many lives, some people call it "The Valley of Death." For that reason, visitors must apply in advance and hike with a guide. The trail in Chilseon Valley is a 9.4-kilometer course from Chuseong Village in Macheon-myeon to Cheonwangbong Peak, which does not follow the natural valley, due to the valley's steep and dangerous features. Starting from Chuseong Village, the trail passes Yongso Pond, Jujiteo Site, Chuseongmang Rock, Seonnyeotang Pond, Ongnyeotang Pond, Biseondam, Chilseonpokpo Falls, Daeryukpokpo Falls, Samcheungpokpo Falls and Mapokpo Falls, all before reaching Cheonwangbong Peak.

Jirisan Recreational Forest (국립 지리산자연휴양림) - Area information - Korea travel information