Gurye Special Tourist Zone (구례 관광특구)

9.0Km 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.

Taeansa Temple (태안사)

9.1Km 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.

White village / 화이트빌리지

9.1Km 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.

Gokseong Seomjingang Astronomical Observatory (곡성섬진강천문대)

10.4Km 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.

Gurye Cheoneunsa Temple (천은사(구례))

10.4Km 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.

Piagolgyegok Valley (피아골계곡)

11.1Km 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.

Jirisanhosu resort / 지리산호수리조트

11.8Km 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)

11.9Km 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.

Shiri Pension (쉬리펜션)

12.0Km 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)

12.1Km 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 Special Tourist Zone (구례 관광특구) - Area information - Korea travel information