Gurye Cheoneunsa Temple (천은사(구례)) - Area information - Korea travel information

Gurye Cheoneunsa Temple (천은사(구례))

7.0Km    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.

Amnok Resort (압록유원지)

Amnok Resort (압록유원지)

8.5Km    2020-02-10

1012, Seomjingang-ro, Gokseong-gun, Jeollanam-do
+82-61-360-8308

Situated at the joining point of two rivers, Seomjin and Boseong, Amnok Resort is renowned as a summer vacation spot with a 100,000m² beach. Since mosquitos are rare here, it is continuously gaining popularity as a family camping site and Banweogyol Bridge and Cheolgyo Bridge make for beautiful scenery. The popular fishing spot located in the lower reaches of Boseonggang River attracts many anglers. The riverside is lined with various native local restaurants where you can taste Amnok’s specialities such as king crab soup, roasted sweet fish, and maeuntang (spicy fish stew).

Jirisanhosu resort / 지리산호수리조트

Jirisanhosu resort / 지리산호수리조트

8.6Km    2025-03-05

610 , Gumanje-ro, Gurye-gun, Jeollanam-do
+82-61-783-0011, +82-10-3360-2344

Jirisan Lake Resort in Gurye-gun, Jeollanam-do, accomodates travellers in glamping-style lodges arranged in terraces on a sloping hill - from where guests can enjoy the beautiful scenery of Gumanje Lake and Jirisan Mountain. The lodges have tables and barbecues outside. Starting at the entrance to the resort is a pedestrian bridge across the lake where guests can stroll; and on the other side is a free-range farm where visitors can have a go at cheese-making. Pets are allowed. 

Jirisan Cheese Land (지리산치즈랜드)

Jirisan Cheese Land (지리산치즈랜드)

8.8Km    2023-03-17

1590-62 , Saneop-ro, Gurye-gun, Jeollanam-do

Chowon Ranch, which started milking with two cows in 1979, built Jirisan Cheese Land, an experience ranch, in 2012 to introduce the dairy industry and milk to more people based on its 30 years of experience. Jirisan Cheese Land distributes homemade cheese and yogurt, and at the experience center, you can experience making mozzarella cheese, feeding calves, and riding a grass sleigh. Over 130 dairy cows are grazing in the green meadow pasture, and the lake is adjacent to it, creating beautiful scenery. The specialty of Jirisan Cheese Land is nature. The dazzling greenery and fragrance of scenery, flowers, and grass are the special features.

Gokseong Seomjingang Astronomical Observatory (곡성섬진강천문대)

9.2Km    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.

Piagolgyegok Valley (피아골계곡)

9.4Km    2024-02-02

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

Piagolgyegok Valley is located in Jirisan Mountain between Nogodan and Banyabong Peaks. The name of the valley comes from the crimson red maple leaves that fill the valley in fall. It is also one of the ten most beautiful highlights of Jirisan Mountain. The valley is famous for its fall colors, but it is also a beautiful place to visit all year around, from azaleas in spring to snow-covered rocks in winter.

Near the entrance to Piagolgyegok Valley is the largest temple in Jirisan Mountain, Yeongoksa Temple, and national treasures. The valley is not steep, providing an easy walk for all visitors. The trail stretches 6 kilometers from the ticket booth, and passes many beautiful places like Yeonjudam and Samhongso Pond. At the end of the valley, the trail continues another 2 kilometers up a steep hillside to reach Imgeollyeong Pass.

White village / 화이트빌리지

White village / 화이트빌리지

9.6Km    2025-03-05

1598-96 , Daehwanggang-ro, Gokseong-gun, Jeollanam-do
+82-61-363-7531, +82-10-3640-2656

White Village is a pension on the banks of the Daehwanggang River in Gokseong-gun, Jeollanam-do. The surrounding scenery is outstanding year-round. Guests who like fishing can try their luck in the Daehwanggang River while chatting with new friends. The Daehwanggang Trail passes by the pension and is great for walking or mountain-biking; or visitors can take the beautiful riverside path from Amnok Amusement Park to Seomjin River. Localc attractions such as Seomjingang Train Village and Daeansa Temple are 15 to 20 minutes away by car, while Gokseong Zipline is 4 minutes away.

Taeansa Temple (태안사)

Taeansa Temple (태안사)

11.4Km    2022-08-31

622-215, Taean-ro, Jukgok-myeon, Gokseong-gun, Jeollanam-do
+82-61-363-6669

Located on the foot of Dongnisan Mountain, Taeansa Temple was built by three monks during the reign of the Silla King, Gyeongdeok (742). Afterwards, Monk Hyecheol constructed a large temple with 132 rooms during Goryeo Taejo’s reign, which was established as a central seminary of the Dongnisan Mountain area. In the precincts there are four treasures, including Hyecheolguksa Sari Pagoda, Gwangjaseonsa Pagoda and Neungpagak. The temple was badly damaged during the Korean War and had been refurbished since then. An invigorating valley and a shady nook can be reached just 1.8 kilometers from the entrance of the temple. It is a popular trail during the fall, with its bright maple leaves.

Gurye Yeongoksa Temple (연곡사 (구례))

Gurye Yeongoksa Temple (연곡사 (구례))

11.6Km    2021-02-09

774, Piagol-ro, Gurye-gun, Jeollanam-do
+82-61-782-7412

Yeongoksa Temple is located in Naedong-ri, Gurye-gun and was constructed in 543 by Yeongi, a high Buddhist monk, who also helped create Hwaeomsa Temple. The temple was destroyed during the Imjin War (1592-1598) and the Korean War. In spite of the damage, the temple has continued to house two national treasures and four treasures. Starting from March 1, 1981 with the original Beopdang Hall, the temple began to be rebuilt due to the efforts of the leading monk at the time, Chang Sungbu.

Acording to legend, Yeongi discovered a pond in the current sanctuary area when reading about the land's topography. While he was looking at the middle of the pond, one swallow flew from a whirlpool. After that, the pond began to dry up and the place was then used for the temple. As such, the name Yeongok refers to the phenomenon of "Yeon," a swallow, and "Gok," a valley. There is a memorial plaque for Go Gwang-sun, a patriotic leader who fought against Japanese power during the Japanese colonization period while taking shelter at Yeongoksa Temple

Shiri Pension (쉬리펜션)

Shiri Pension (쉬리펜션)

11.7Km    2024-10-30

4310-46 , Seomjingang-daero, Gurye-gun, Jeollanam-do
+82-10-4583-8255

Shiri Pension consists of two floors with a total of six rooms where guests can take in the picturesque landscape of Jirisan Mountain while viewing the Piagol Valley and the Seomjingang River. Prugio and Haebichi are detached pensions, and Haebichi has an open-air bath. Individual tents are set up in front of each room so that you can enjoy a barbecue in the comfort of a camping environment. From the spacious terrace, you can enjoy an open view of the surrounding landscape.