Goundonggyegok Valley (고운동계곡)

10.8 Km 24907 2024-03-20

Bancheon-ro, Sicheon-myeon, Sancheong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do

Goundonggyegok Valley, nestled within Jirisan Mountain, is renowned for its extraordinary beauty. It also has historical significance as a resting place for the esteemed Confucian scholar Choe Chiwon during his journeys around the mountain. Characterized by crystal-clear waters and dense forests, the valley boasts a breathtaking landscape. In the summer, it becomes a sought-after destination for those seeking respite from the heat, while in autumn, its celebrated vibrant foliage draws numerous visitors.

Jirisan National Park (Sancheong) (지리산국립공원(산청))

10.8 Km 74998 2024-02-27

320-2 Jirisan-daero, Sicheon-myeon, Sancheong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do
+82-55-970-1000

Jirisan National Park is the first national park established in South Korea, featuring peaks like Cheonwangbong Peak (1,915m), Banyabong Peak, and Nogodan Peak, which rank as the next highest after Halla Mountain. It's a popular destination for mountain enthusiasts, offering beautiful natural landscapes such as Naewonsagyegok Valley. The park also provides convenient facilities like Jirisan Recreational Forest, Naewonsa Temple, mountain lodges, campgrounds, and pensions.

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

11.5 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)

11.7 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.

Jirisan Recreational Forest (국립 지리산자연휴양림)

12.1 Km 114590 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.

Baemsagolgyegok Valley (뱀사골 계곡)

12.3 Km 27826 2024-04-07

Buun-gil, Namwon-si, Jeonbuk-do
+82-63-630-8900

Located in Namwon, Jeollabuk-do, Baemsagolgyegok is a 9-km grand valley, situated at the northern foot of Jirisan Mountain. Stretching from Banyabong Peak and Tokkibong Peak toward Sannae-myeon of Namwon-si, the valley is renowned for its beautiful autumn foliage.

Baemsagolgyegok Valley is popular as a summer vacation destination because there’s always an abundance of water and trees. In the fall, the hills become ablaze with autumn tints, small streams flow over rock beds, and small pools of clear water from under the rocks create a beautiful sight. Other notable places nearby include Seonindae, Seoksil, Yoryongdae, Tagyongso, Byeongso, Byeongpungso, Jeseungdae and Ganjangso.

Gurye Special Tourist Zone (구례 관광특구)

14.6 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)

14.7 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.

Jirisan Chilseongyegok Valley (칠선계곡(지리산))

14.8 Km 34739 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.

Baemsagol Waun Village (뱀사골 와운마을)

15.1 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."

Goundonggyegok Valley (고운동계곡) - Area information - Korea travel information