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

Jirisan Recreational Forest (국립 지리산자연휴양림)

Jirisan Recreational Forest (국립 지리산자연휴양림)

16.0Km    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.

Dalgunggyegok Valley (달궁계곡)

Dalgunggyegok Valley (달궁계곡)

16.0Km    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.

Sancheong Daewonsa Temple (대원사(산청))

Sancheong Daewonsa Temple (대원사(산청))

16.0Km    2021-08-13

453, Pyeongchonyupyeong-ro, Sancheong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do
+82-55-972-8068

Located at the eastern foot of Jirisan Mountain, Daewonsa Temple was first built in 548 during the Silla dynasty, but it remained closed for over thousand years until it was renovated and made bigger with the name Daewon. Unfortunately, the entire premises were lost to a big fire during the night of January 12, 1914, and all the halls and pavilions, including Yosachae, totaling 184 rooms in 12 buildings, were rebuilt in 1917. However, they were damaged once again during the Korean War and were abandoned until the war ended where the temple was rejuvenated and made even bigger. Located nearby are Geoyeonjeong and Gunjajeong Halls that are believed to have been the studying venue of scholars.

* Daewonsa Valley
The two-kilometer-long valley that stretches from the parking lot at the entrance to Daewon Temple to the temple itself is surrounded by high hills and curious-looking rocks. The clean water that oozes out through craters between the rocks generates unusual scenery. Associated with Yongso Pond is the legend that a dragon lived in it for hundreds of years before it finally flew away. Somakgol Valley is known to be the place where the last king of Garak Kingdom came to feed his cows and horses.

Daewonsagyegok Valley (대원사계곡)

Daewonsagyegok Valley (대원사계곡)

16.2Km    2021-02-24

Samjang-myeon, Sancheong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do
+82-55-970-7201

Daewonsagyegok Valley is a place where one can be appreciate nature's musical harmony of stream water, wind brushing against the leaves, and the chirping of birds. The nearly 12-kilometer-long Daewonsagyegok Valley's stream water originates from the highest peak of Jirisan Mountain called Cheonwangbong Peak, and flows through Jungbong and Habong Peaks, as well as Ssukbatjae Pass, Saejae Pass, Wangdeungjae Pass, Bammeorijae Pass, and Ungseokbong Peak. Before reaching the valley, the water joins the currents from Sinbatgol, Jogaegol, and Bambatgol Valleys. The volume of water increases as it passes Saejae and Oegok Village and reaches Yupyeong-ri where Daewonsa Temple is located. The incessant sound of running water fills the silence of the forest as if Buddhist nuns were chanting blessings.

Suseonsa Temple (수선사)

17.1Km    2024-02-23

1117 Nae-ri, Sancheong-eup, Sancheong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do

Suseonsa Temple is a temple situated on Ungseokbong Peak in Jirisan Mountain. Renowned for its picturesque hydrangea and lotus, it has become a favored destination for many visitors. The temple offers a temple stay program, allowing participants to restore both body and mind. Nearby, the café run by Suseonsa Temple provides a pleasant retreat, adding to the enjoyment of visitors' experiences.

Baemsagolgyegok Valley (뱀사골 계곡)

Baemsagolgyegok Valley (뱀사골 계곡)

18.1Km    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.

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

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

19.0Km    2025-03-28

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

* Please be advised that this is located in one of the areas affected by the recent wildfire (as of March 27, 2025).

** For real-time wildfire information and emergency upates, visit the Korea Forestfire Information website and the National Disaster and Safety Portal.


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.

Baemsagol Jirisan Sikdang (뱀사골 지리산식당)

19.3Km    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 Cheonwangbong Peak (지리산 천왕봉)

19.3Km    2025-03-28

Jirisan-daero, Sancheong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do
+82-55-970-1000

* Please be advised that this is located in one of the areas affected by the recent wildfire (as of March 27, 2025).

** For real-time wildfire information and emergency upates, visit the Korea Forestfire Information website and the National Disaster and Safety Portal.


Along with Geumgangsan Mountain and Hallasan Mountain, Jirisan Mountain is known to be one of the most sacred mountains in Korea. It was named "Jiri" because it was believed to be a place that turns the innocent into the wise. On December 29, 1967 Jirisan National Park was declared the nation’s first and biggest national park. Its 440.517 square kilometer area covers Hadong, Sancheon and Hamyang in Gyeongsangnam-do; Gurye in Jeollanam-do ; and Namwon in Jeollabuk-do region. The total area is seven times that of Gyeryongsan National Park and 52 times that of all of Yeouido Island in Seoul.

At 1,915.4 meters high, Cheonwangbong Peak is the second highest peak in Jirisan National Park. Countless valleys and waterfalls surround the peak, as well as trails connecting to other peaks within the park.

Anuijang Market (5th & 10th Day Market) (안의장 (5, 10일))

Anuijang Market (5th & 10th Day Market) (안의장 (5, 10일))

19.7Km    2024-01-08

25-10 Yakchosijang-gil, Anui-myeon, Hamyang-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do

As a traditional fifth-day market, this market started in 1948 in Seokcheon-ri, Anui-myeon, Hamyang-gun. Anui-myeon is a transportation hub connecting the surrounding areas such as Geochang and Hamyang, and many merchants gather from nearby areas on the 5th and 10th (5th, 10th, 15th, 25th, and 30th) every month when the market is held. There are plenty of things to see as the merchants sell local specialties and fresh produce in season, such as homegrown apples, strawberries, watermelons, dried persimmons, garlic, and vegetables. At a native herb market building, customers can find excellent medicinal herbs from Hamyang at a low price, making it fun to look around. Visitors can also enjoy hearty meals such as sundae gukbap (sundae and rice soup) and galbi tang (galbi soup), as well as delicious street foods and donuts.