Piagolgyegok Valley (피아골계곡)

.0M 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.

Gurye Yeongoksa Temple (연곡사 (구례))

2.3Km 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)

4.8Km 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.

Seomjingang Jaecheop Guksu (섬진강재첩국수)

5.4Km 2024-12-27

전라남도 구례군 토지면 섬진강대로 4276

This restaurant has gained fame on social media for its “scenic jaecheop-guksu.” Here, you can truly experience the natural flavors and aromas of jaecheop (Freshwater Marsh Clam). The rich jaecheop broth blends perfectly with thin noodles, filling your mouth with umami. The crispy jaecheop-jeon is a delightful treat that pairs perfectly with makgeolli (rice wine).

Gurye Unjoru Historic House (구례 운조루 고택)

6.1Km 2024-10-29

59, Unjoru-gil, Gurye-gun, Jeollanam-do
+82-61-780-2431

Unjoru Historic House was built in 1776 by Ryu I-Ju, a high government official of the Sam-su Department during the reign of King Yeong-jo. Of the house's original 99 kan (traditional building measurement), only 73 remain today. The name Unjoru means "a hidden house like a bird in the clouds," which was inspired from an old poem written by poet Tao Yuan Ming.

Hwaeomsa Temple (화엄사)

6.6Km 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.

Gurye Special Tourist Zone (구례 관광특구)

6.7Km 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.

Hadong Wild Tea Cultural Festival (하동 야생차문화축제)

6.7Km 2025-07-11

571-25 Ssanggye-ro, Hadong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do
+82-55-880-6583

The Hadong Wild Tea Cultural Festival is a fragrant celebration in Hadong, a region renowned for its green tea, historically known as the “king’s tea” due to its royal offerings. The Hadong 1000-Year Dahyang Trail is perfect for leisurely walks, connecting hills and tea fields with decked paths and narrow village roads. Following the successful “World Tea Expo 2023 Hadong, Korea,” the festival solidified Hadong’s reputation as a “tea-refreshing cultural city.” The diverse program includes tea cup busking, moving art galleries, music and art spaces, tea classes, book discussions, meditation and refreshing programs, and trekking on the 1000-Year Dahyang Trail, providing ample opportunity to fully experience Hadong and its tea culture.

◎ 1000-Year Dahyang Trail
Hadong’s proximity to the Seomjingang River results in frequent fog and high humidity, coupled with significant temperature variations, creating an ideal environment for tea cultivation. Historical records indicate that tea has been grown here for a thousand years, marking Hadong as the birthplace of Korean tea cultivation.

Hadong Tea Museum (하동야생차박물관)

6.7Km 2022-08-05

571-25, Ssanggye-ro, Hadong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do
+82-55-880-2956

The Hadong Tea Museum is located at the foot of Jirisan Mountain in Hadong, Gyeongsangnam-do. It aims to promote the tea culture of the area, the first tea producer in the nation, while advertising the quality and superiority of Hadong green tea. The center is located adjacent to the tea farming area and Ssanggyesa Temple, one of the most famous tourist attractions in Korea.

The museum features an exhibition hall explaining the history and culture associated with Korean tea, and an experience hall where visitors can enjoy hands-on programs like making tea and learning traditional tea etiquette, as well as a shop selling high-quality tea produced in the region. Every year, the museum also hosts the Hadong Wild Tea & Culture Festival every year.

Ssangsanjae (쌍산재)

6.9Km 2024-10-31

3-2 Jangsu-gil Masan-myeon, Gurye-gun, Jeollanam-do

It is a 300-year-old old house where you can feel the traditional beauty and atmosphere of a Hanok, and 15 large and small Hanoks are scattered on a site of 16,500㎡. The top and bottom are divided around a bamboo forest stretching toward the sky, and over 100 types of trees and plants are harmonized with the building like a picture. For an entrance fee, coffee or tea is provided, so you can take a seat wherever you like and have a cup of tea while looking around the inside. While enjoying the quiet atmosphere, let's fully look around various points such as the detached house, bamboo forest, Hoseojeong, and Gyeongamdang.

Piagolgyegok Valley (피아골계곡) - Area information - Korea travel information