Sancheong Daewonsa Temple (대원사(산청))

13.7Km 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.

Jirisan Recreational Forest (국립 지리산자연휴양림)

14.5Km 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.

Piagolgyegok Valley (피아골계곡)

14.6Km 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.

Baemsagolgyegok Valley (뱀사골 계곡)

15.8Km 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.

Seoamjeongsa Temple (서암정사(함양))

16.6Km 2024-02-21

27-79 Gwangjeom-gil, Macheon-myeon, Hamyang-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do

Seoamjeongsa Temple belongs to Byeoksongsa Temple, which is at the entrance of the Chilseongyegok Valley of Jirisan Mountain. Monk Woneung rebuilt Byeoksongsa Temple, which had been damaged during the Korean War in 1950. This hermitage features the Buddha statues Woneung carved into the natural bedrock, a grotto sanctuary with statues of the Pure Land, Daebanggwangmun Gate, and Sajagul Cave.

Baemsagol Waun Village (뱀사골 와운마을)

18.0Km 2024-04-07

249 Waun-gil, Namwon-si, Jeonbuk-do

Baemsagol Waun Village is located deep in the heart of Jirisan Mountain, being almost impossible to find if one didn't know the pathway in the past. The village is located within a 14 kilometer-long valley with many strangely shaped rocks. The village is home to an old pine tree (Natural Monument) that is lovely referred to as "Grandmother Tree."

Namsa Yedamchon Village (남사예담촌)

18.3Km 2025-10-23

10 Jirisan-daero 2897beon-gil, Danseong-myeon, Sancheong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do

Namsa Yedamchon Village is situated at the foot of Jirisan Mountain. It is a traditional hanok village renowned for its history as the birthplace of accomplished scholars, adding to the region's rich scholarly tradition. This meticulously preserved village boasts ancient hanok houses, venerable trees, and historic walls. Beyond its significance as a center for traditional culture, the picturesque village also offers experiential programs, including the opportunity to wear hanbok and engage in traditional games.

Gwangyang Maehwa Village (광양 매화마을)

18.5Km 2025-01-08

1563-1 Seomjingangmaehwa-ro, Gwangyang-si, Jeollanam-do
+82-61-772-9494

Following the Seomjingang River flowing down the outskirts of Jirisan Mountain is a village filled with plum trees. This village, Seomjin Village, is also known as the Maehwa (plum) Village for its abundant number of plum trees. Instead of crops and grains, plum trees are cultivated on farmlands, boasting white snow-like blossoms in March and bearing ripe plums in June. The annual Plum Blossom Festival takes place in the village every March when the plum blossoms are in full bloom.

Cheong Maesil Farm (홍쌍리 청매실농원)

19.0Km 2024-02-01

55 Jimak 1-gil, Daap-myeon, Gwangyang-si, Jeollanam-do

Cheong Maesil Farm sprawls across an expansive area of over 165,000 m²at the foothills of Baegunsan Mountain, which rises to an elevation of 1,217 meters. The farm has been lovingly tended to by the renowned Plum Blossom Doctor, Hong Ssang-ri, for decades, drawing visitors from all over the country. In March, Cheong Maesil Farm transforms into a breathtaking canvas of colors—with blue and red plums, the delicate lily trees and the vibrant cornelian cherries all blossoming in unison. For photo enthusiasts, the farm boasts a dedicated photo zone, while the Pavilion Observatory offers panoramic views that are a favorite among visitors. From this spot, one can marvel at the picturesque scenery of Gwangyang Maehwa Village, Seomjingang River, and Hadong Village on the river’s other side. Visitors in spring are recommended to attend the annual plum festival centered around Cheong Maesil Farm. Moreover, the nearby Gwangyang Plum Culture Center makes for an enriching stopover.

Dalgunggyegok Valley (달궁계곡)

19.7Km 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)) - Area information - Korea travel information