Gurye Yeongoksa Temple (연곡사 (구례))

13.0Km 26862 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

Odojae Pass & Jirisan View Park (오도재와 지리산조망공원)

13.1Km 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.

Gurye Cheoneunsa Temple (천은사(구례))

14.0Km 14499 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.

Jirisan National Park (Hadong Section) (지리산국립공원(하동))

14.2Km 24078 2021-06-24

Hwagae-ro, Hadong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do
+82-55-883-1750

Designated as the first national park in Korea on December 29, 1967, Jirisan National Park stretches out over 483.022 square kilometers, making it the largest national park among all 22 national parks. It covers Korea’s three southernmost provinces; Gyeongsangnam-do, Jeollanam-do, and Jeollabuk-do, one city, four counties, and 15 districts of eup and myeon. The area in Gyeongsangnam-do has many temples including Ssanggyesa Temple and Chilbulsa Temple, as well as valleys, falls, and other tourism resources.

Hadong Wild Tea Cultural Festival (하동 야생차문화축제)

14.4Km 25614 2023-05-17

571-25, Ssanggye-ro, Hadong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do
• 1330 Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese) • For more info: +82-55-880-2052~4

Hadong Wild Tea Cultural Festival is held every May in Hadong, where tea cultivation started approximately one thousand years ago. Grown in an area with the perfect conditions for tea cultivation, the green tea from Hadong was called “the King’s green tea.” Hadong Wild Tea Cultural Festival offers visitors various exhibitions and programs with high-quality teas.

Gurye Special Tourist Zone (구례 관광특구)

14.4Km 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.

Piagolgyegok Valley (피아골계곡)

14.6Km 16089 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.

Hwaeomsa Temple (화엄사)

14.6Km 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.

Hamyang Jianjae Pass (함양 지안재)

16.0Km 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)

16.0Km 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.

Gurye Yeongoksa Temple (연곡사 (구례)) - Area information - Korea travel information