Seomjingang River (섬진강)

18.9 Km 7905 2022-08-25

Okgwa-myeon, Gokseong-gun, Jeollanam-do
+82-61-360-8419

The Seomjingang River, one of the four major rivers in Korea, starts from Imsil and Sunchang. It merges with several bodies of water in Gokseong, Gurye and Hadong before flowing into the South Sea.
In Gokseong, the Seomjingang River is also known as the Sunjagang River. It flows about 36 kilometers through the region. A number of big and small valleys throughout the length of the river provide fantastic views and relaxation spots all year round. Also, Riverside Festival and Seomjingang Literature Forum are held every summer to offer fun summer activities along the river.

Gurye Special Tourist Zone (구례 관광특구)

19.2 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)

19.3 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.

Baemsagol Waun Village (뱀사골 와운마을)

19.4 Km 0 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."

Gokseong Seomjingang Astronomical Observatory (곡성섬진강천문대)

19.5 Km 34864 2024-02-22

1234 Seomjingang-ro, Gurye-eup, Gurye-gun, Jeollanam-do

Gokseong Seomjingang Astronomical Observatory is an astronomical observatory located along the Seomjingang River, equipped with a 600mm astronomical telescope and various other telescopes. It features a Main Observatory, Auxiliary Observatory, and an Planetarium for observing stars and the sun. Experience facilities include a 4D & VR Theater, VR Gyroscope, Space Elevator, and a Children's Experience Center.

Gudam Village (구담마을)

19.5 Km 13231 2024-04-07

49, Cheondam 1-gil, Imsil-gun, Jeonbuk-do
+82-63-644-9051

Located at the beginning of the Seomjingang River, the steep banks in Gudam Village are covered in maehwa (plum blossoms) in white and red. While strolling along the 3-kilometer-long path of the riverside that connects Gudam Village to Cheondam Village, tourists will be impressed by the beautiful scene created by the plum and cherry blossoms. The village became more and more famous thanks to its cozy ambience created by the Seomjingang River, plum blossoms and Zelkova at the mouth of the village, attracting visitors to enjoy a walking trip. The village has also served as a filming location for movies, including the film "Spring in My Hometown (1998)."

Yeoneu [Korea Quality]여느[한국관광 품질인증]

19.9 Km 1 2023-05-23

116-68 , Cheonbyeon-gil, Gurye-gun, Jeollanam-do
+82-10-7353-1802

Pension Yeoneu in Gurye, Jeollanam-do, stands on the site where Korean independence activist Wang Jae-il was born. The mint-green roof gives the place a fairy tale feel, while inside it’s friendly and welcoming. The pension is let out as a single house, which includes an annex building with a large bathtub, a sunroom, and a sun deck. Throughout the house, guests will notice vintage items collected from the owner’s travels in the US, Europe and Korea.

Seomjingang River (섬진강) - Area information - Korea travel information