Gurye Special Tourist Zone (구례 관광특구)

13.6 Km 24065 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.

Hwaeomsa Temple (화엄사)

13.6 Km 40035 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.

[Hadong Pak Kyongni Toji-gil Trail 1] Seomjingang Pyeongsa-ri Park to Hwagae Market ([하동 박경리 토지길 1코스] 섬진강 평사리공원~화개장터)

13.8 Km 30159 2024-02-08

Agyang-myeon, Hadong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do

Hadong Pak Kyongni Toji-gil Trail 1 offers a scenic route around the Pyeongsa-ri fields, famously depicted in the novel Toji (The Land) by prominent Korean novelist Pak Kyongni. Spanning 18 kilometers from Pyeongsa-ri to Hwagae Market, this trail allows visitors to stroll alongside the Seomjingang River, immersing themselves in the world of the novel. Additionally, it is celebrated as a magnificent spot for cherry blossom viewing in spring.

Pyeongsari Park (평사리공원)

14.0 Km 10485 2022-08-22

3145-1, Seomjingang-daero, Hadong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do
+82-55-883-9004

Situated along Seomjingang River between Gurye and Hadong, Pyeongsari Park was built for the enjoyment of summer tourists to the area. In addition to the beautiful river, the park is home to campgrounds, numerous shaded rest spots, basketball courts, soccer fields, and an abundance of parking space. Decorated with Jangseung (totem poles, which used to be set at the entrance of villages), the spacious park is full of excellent amenities: barbecue grills, benches, drinking fountains, and clean bathrooms. The sandy banks of the river offer a unique opportunity to catch marsh clams.

Pyeongsari Park and its nearby attractions appeared in Toji (The Land), the epic historical novel by Park Kyung-ni. Visitors may want to tour the group of houses that have been reproduced to commemorate the novel, including the famous Choi Champan House.

Nearby attractions include Hwagae Market, Ssanggyesa Temple, and Seomjingang Maehwa Village, host of the Gwangyang Maehwa Festival.

Dalgunggyegok Valley (달궁계곡)

14.2 Km 47073 2024-04-07

Jirisan-ro, Sannae-myeon, Namwon-si, Jeonbuk-do

Dalgunggyegok Valley is a valley located within the Jirisan National Park. It spans 6 kilometers from Dalgung Village to Simwon Village. Surrounded by dense primeval forests, it showcases the pristine beauty of an untouched valley where human hands have yet to reach. The combination of the valley and cliffs creates stunning scenery. Nearby Dalgung Village also preserves remnants of ancient Mahan palaces.

Hotel Jirisan Haetsal [Korea Quality] / 지리산햇살 [한국관광 품질인증/Korea Quality]

14.4 Km 61 2021-03-27

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

This hotel is located about 300 m away from Jirisan National Park’s Nambu Visitor Center. Built with red bricks and having an orange roof and grass lawn, the hotel resembles a country home. The hotel is surrounded by Jirisan Mountain to the back, and the Masancheon Stream, a branch of Seomjingang River, flowing through the area offers a great view for the visitors. There are five types of rooms, accommodating 2, 4, and 6 guests. A cleaning service is offered every day. The rooms have white walls and wood floorboards, tastefully furnished in a minimalist style. The wide windows offer a great view of the lawn and the mountains. All rooms other than the 4-person ondol (under-the-floor heating system) room are bedrooms, and the 6-person Special Room comes with a wooden terrace. Visitors can enjoy grilling by the valley. The hotel is located about 10 min by car from Gurye Public Bus Terminal. Hwaeomsa Temple, a temple with a thousand-year history, is located only 2 km away from the hotel, while a 10-min drive brings one to Gurye Fifth-day Market and “Unjoru House, Gurye,” which is the Folk Cultural Heritage No. 8 of Korea.

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

14.6 Km 41718 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.

Gurye Cheoneunsa Temple (천은사(구례))

15.6 Km 14499 2021-10-02

209, Nogodan-ro, Gurye-gun, Jeollanam-do
+82-61-781-4800

Located north of Gurye on Jirisan Mountain, and built during the Unified Silla Period, Cheoneunsa Temple is one of the three great Buddhist temples of Jirisan Mountain. Cheoneunsa Temple is believed to have been built by Monk Deokun and Monk Seru from India in AD 828 during the 3rd year of King Heungdeok. Because it initially laid next to spring water as clean and cold as a morning dew, the temple was also called Gamrosa, meaning Sweet Dew Temple. The spring water was rumored to clean one’s body and soul, leading to crowd of Buddhist monks to visit the temple. During King Chungryeol’s reign, the temple was named the Best Temple in the south.

The temple was burned down during the Imjin War (1592-1598) and then later rebuilt and renamed Cheoneunsa. Legend has it that while the temple was being rebuilt, a large serpent often came out of the spring. When the serpent was finally captured and killed, the spring waters suddenly dried up. Hence the name Cheoneunsa, meaning Disappearance of Spring Water, was given.

Seoamjeongsa Temple (서암정사(함양))

15.7 Km 43110 2024-02-21

27-79 Gwangjeom-gil, Macheon-myeon, Hamyang-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do

Seoamjeongsa Temple belongs to Byeoksongsa Temple, which is at the entrance of the Chilseongyegok Valley of Jirisan Mountain. Monk Woneung rebuilt Byeoksongsa Temple, which had been damaged during the Korean War in 1950. This hermitage features the Buddha statues Woneung carved into the natural bedrock, a grotto sanctuary with statues of the Pure Land, Daebanggwangmun Gate, and Sajagul Cave.

Gurye Special Tourist Zone (구례 관광특구) - Area information - Korea travel information