Gurye Special Tourist Zone (구례 관광특구)

17.1 Km 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.

Baegasan Recreational Forest (백아산자연휴양림)

17.5 Km 49780 2024-02-20

353 Suyang-ro, Baega-myeon, Hwasun-gun, Jeollanam-do

Baegasan Recreational Forest, opened in 1996, is a natural recreational area situated near Donghwa Grotto, at the foot of Baegasan Mountain (Elevation 810 meters). The area boasts picturesque landscapes with rocky cliffs and clear streams. Along with walking trails, the recreation forest offers accommodation facilities such as great lawn, fitness training grounds, and pensions. It attracts many hikers with its hiking course leading to the summit of Baegasan Mountain.

Lotte Himart - Namwon Lotte Mart Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (롯데하이마트 남원롯데마트점)

17.7 Km 0 2024-04-22

96, Chunhyang-ro, Namwon-si, Jeollabuk-do

-

Taeansa Temple (태안사)

17.8 Km 6952 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.

Okcheongol Hanjeongsik (옥천골한정식)

18.0 Km 21510 2024-04-18

78 Gyeongcheon 1-ro, Sunchang-eup, Sunchang-gun, Jeonbuk-do

Okcheongol Hanjeongsik is a traditional restaurant that opened in the 1990s, specializing in authentic Korean table d'hote. The signature dish is so bulgogi hanjeongsik (beef bulgogi table d'hote). It features beef and pork bulgogi grilled on a charcoal, along with grilled yellow croaker and over 20 side dishes, including soybean paste jjigae, all served on one table.

Gurye Seomjingang Cherry Blossom Trail (구례 섬진강 벚꽃길)

18.2 Km 1 2022-10-25

Muncheok-myeon, Gurye-gun, Jeollanam-do
+82-61-780-2227

The Seomjingang Cherry Blossom Trail in Gurye follows National Roads 17 and 19 along the pristine Seomgjingang River. Stretching over 3 kilometers, the trail is lined with cherry blossom trees planted in 1992. As well as being a popular drive course, the trail can also be enjoyed on foot, and is even used as a marathon course. The trail has received recognition as one of the "100 Most Beautiful Roads in Korea." Restaurants along the trail serve local foods such as euneo hoe (sliced raw sweetfish) and minmul maeuntang (spicy freshwater fish stew).

Saseongam Hermitage (Gurye) (사성암(구례))

18.9 Km 37101 2024-02-19

303 Saseongam-gil, Muncheok-myeon, Gurye-gun, Jeollanam-do

Saseongam Hermitage is a hermitage located at the peak of Osan in Gurye (elevation 531m). It is estimated to have been built during the Baekje period (B.C. 18-A.D. 660). Many people visit it to see the sanctuary where the 53 statues of the Buddhist Avatamsaka Sutra are enshrined. The view of the Seomjingang River and the village from the temple is magnificent, and the refreshing breeze feels as if it penetrates through one's body, leading to its designation as a scenic spot in August 2014.

Guryonggyegok Valley (구룡계곡)

19.9 Km 19779 2024-04-07

Guryongpokpo-gil, Namwon-si, Jeonbuk-do
+82-55-972-1000

Guryonggyegok Valley, a 3 kilometer-long valley in the northern part of the Jirisan National Park, located in Namwon, Jeollabuk-do, is just the place to enjoy a panoramic view of the unusually shaped rocks and precipitous cliffs. Under the Guryongpokpo Falls, located at the peak of the valley, is a small pond called, ‘Yongso’ (meaning ‘dragon pond’). Legend has it that a dragon lived here before it ascended to heaven. Visitors can tour the valley by driving along the skyway, an extension of the tourist road of Jirisan Mountain, or take an invigorating hike up a mountain by taking the Jeongnyeongchigan route, which extends along the valley to Baemsagol Valley(Banseon) and Nogodan Peak.

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