Tomb of King Guhyeong, Sancheong (산청 전 구형왕릉)

0m 18145 2020-06-30

Guhyeongwangneung-ro, Sancheong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do
+82-55-970-6411

This stone grave is known to be the tomb of King Guhyeong, the 10th King of the Gaya Kingdom. He is also known as King Guhae or King Yang, and is the grandfather of Kim Yoo Shin. Since becoming the King of Gaya in 521 AD, he reigned for 11 years until he handed over his country to King Beopheung of the Silla Kingdom in 532 AD.

There are two different scholarly opinions about this tomb. One is that it should be classified as a stone pagoda and the other, a royal tomb. The reason why this was regarded as a pagoda is that there are similarly shaped stone pagodas in the Andong and Uiseong regions. The basis for it being called Wangreung, or royal tomb, is that there is a record in Dongguk Yeoji Seongram (an ancient history book published during the rule of King Seongjong in the Joseon dynasty) and in Saneum-hyeon Sancheonjo (a record of events in the region) of it being a tomb. The notes state that "there is a structure with steps on the four faces, in the form of nine dragons piled up of stones at a distance of about 16 km (40 ri in traditional Korean scale) from the village, so people believe it must be a royal tomb".

The record describing the name of the king buried in this tomb can be extracted from a record of travels called Wangsan Shimreunggi written by Hong Ui Young, a Joseon dynasty scholar. In addition, there’s also an entry in Wangsansagi, a book on the history of Wangsansa Temple (a temple located west of the tomb) that the person buried in the tomb is King Guhyeong.

Unlike ordinary graves, the tomb is built at the middle part of the hill's slope. The tomb has a unique appearance made up of steps and layers, with the highest point being 7.15 meters high. There are seven layers at the front and no steps at the back due to it being built on an inclined surface. The overall shape of this tomb is different from the pyramids built on level ground. The top of the tomb is oval in shape. At the center, there is a stone tablet with the words "Royal Tomb of King Yang of the Garak Nation". In front of the tomb, there are several stone pieces that have been added to the original tomb.

During the 17th Year of King Jeongjo of the Joseon dynasty (1793), a wooden box that was passed down from generation to generation in Wangsansa Temple was discovered. The box contained portraits of King Guhyeong and his queen, their clothes, an archery bow, and other objects. To preserve these, a royal building called Deogyangjeon Hall was constructed. To this date, a memorial service is held here in spring and autumn of every year.

Donguibogam Village (산청 동의보감촌)

2.6 Km 12225 2018-10-18

45-6, Donguibogam-ro 555beon-gil, Geumseo-myeon, Sancheong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do
+82-55-970-7216

The Donguibogam Village (Sancheong Oriental Medicine Theme Park) was established in 2005 and is the first herbal medicine-themed park in Korea. This theme park was designed based on the five elements of the universe according to traditional Korean medicine. The village combines eco-friendliness and traditional Korean medicine content, using eco-friendly materials for various props and designs.

Sancheong Medicinal Herb Festival (산청한방약초축제)

2.7 Km 26047 2023-09-14

Maechon-ri, Sancheong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do
+82-55-970-6601~5

The Sancheong Medicinal Herb Festival is held in September at Sancheong, home of Jirisan Mountain where over 1,000 medicinal herbs can be found. Jirisan Mountain is also famous as a place where notable physicians in the past researched and practiced medicine. The festival includes various exhibitions and events to learn about and experience Korea's medicinal herbs firsthand. Visitors can also enjoy traditional games and wear clothes from the Joseon dynasty.

Sancheong Museum of Herbal Medicine (산청 한의학박물관)

2.7 Km 18969 2020-09-05

45-6, Donguibogam-ro 555beon-gil, Sancheong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do
+82-55-970-7216

Sancheong Museum of Herbal Medicine is the first herbal medicine museum in Korea. The museum is located at the foot of Wangsan Mountain, where the two prominent doctors of the mid-Joseon dynasty (1394-1910), Ryu Ui-tae and his apprentice Heo Jun practiced Korean herbal medicine. As a medicine-themed tourist park, it offers visitors a variety of health-related experiences. It is growing into a popular tourist attraction in the area with a wide range of recreational facilities including the Museum of Herbal Medicine, a medicinal herb garden, medicinal herb forest park, accommodations, herbal medicine facilities, shops, and more.

Suseonsa Temple (수선사)

8.3 Km 0 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.

Hamyang Jianjae Pass (함양 지안재)

9.2 Km 0 2024-02-08

119-3 Guryong-ri, Hamyang-eup, Hamyang-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do

Jianjae Pass, renowned for its picturesque winding roads, is a celebrated attraction in Hamyang. It was also selected as one of the "100 Most Beautiful Roads in Korea." While the pass is navigable by car, it's best appreaciated by stopping to soak in the views from the observation deck. An observatory is situated at the end of Jianjae Pass, providing visitors with an excellent vantage point for capturing stunning photographs.

Road to Jirisan (지리산 가는길)

9.2 Km 0 2024-02-08

Jirisanganeun-gil, Hyucheon-myeon, Hamyang-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do

Road to Jirisan is a 12 km road from Hamyang-eup to the vicinity of Jirisanjeilmun Gate. You go through Jianjae Pass and Odojae Pass to Macheon, where you will find Jirisanjeilmun Gate and Jirisan View Park. From here, you can see the entire ridge of Jirisan Mountain, and there are also hiking trails to Beophwasan Mountain and Sambongsan Mountain. The road is also renowned for its biking trails and attracts many motorcycle enthusiasts.

Odojae Pass & Jirisan View Park (오도재와 지리산조망공원)

9.6 Km 43126 2024-02-08

534 Jirisanganeun-gil, Macheon-myeon, Hamyang-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do

Established as the most direct route from Hamyang to Jirisan in 2004, Odojae Pass has gained recognition not only as a thoroughfare but also for its serpentine path winding through the pass. Positioned just below the summit of Odojae Pass, the expansive Jirisan View Park offers a panoramic view of Jirisan Mountain's main ridge (Nogodan Peak to Cheonwangbong Peak). This park provides a spectacular vista of Jirisan Mountain and a peaceful rest area for travelers navigating Odojae Pass.

Daewonsagyegok Valley (대원사계곡)

10.4 Km 46018 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.

Sancheong Daewonsa Temple (대원사(산청))

10.4 Km 18168 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.

Tomb of King Guhyeong, Sancheong (산청 전 구형왕릉) - Area information - Korea travel information