Jirisan Recreational Forest (국립 지리산자연휴양림) - Area information - Korea travel information

Jirisan Recreational Forest (국립 지리산자연휴양림)

Jirisan Recreational Forest (국립 지리산자연휴양림)

14.9Km    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.

Guryonggyegok Valley (구룡계곡)

Guryonggyegok Valley (구룡계곡)

15.2Km    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.

Danpyun (단편)

Danpyun (단편)

16.8Km    2024-02-19

202 Gichamaeul-ro, Ogok-myeon, Gokseong-gun, Jeollanam-do

Danpyun is a dessert café inspired by Korean rice cakes. Popular menu items include the danpyun uyu, filled with fresh blueberries, injeolmi chiffon (bean-powder-coated rice cake chiffon) and heugimja chiffon (black sesame chiffon), made with 100% domestically sourced rice. The picturesque view outside the window creates a gallery-like atmosphere, making it a perfect spot to enjoy alongside a visit to the Seomjingang Train Village located right next door.

Taeansa Temple (태안사)

Taeansa Temple (태안사)

16.9Km    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.

Seomjingang Train Village (섬진강기차마을)

Seomjingang Train Village (섬진강기차마을)

17.0Km    2023-03-17

232, Gichamaeul-ro, Gokseong-gun, Jeollanam-do
+82-61-362-7461

Since its development in April 1999 as a part of government efforts to boost regional tourism, Seomjingang Train Village has established itself as a popular attraction in Gokseong. A replica of the region's old steam engine train runs 10 kilometers between the old Gokseong Station in Seomjingang Train Village and Gajeong Station. The train runs along the old tracks at a moderate speed, allowing passengers to enjoy the scenic view along the tracks.

Gokseong International Rose Festival (곡성 세계장미축제)

Gokseong International Rose Festival (곡성 세계장미축제)

17.0Km    2025-03-16

232 Gichamaeul-ro, Ogok-myeon, Gokseong-gun, Jeollanam-do
+82-61-360-8471

The Gokseong International Rose Festival is a vibrant spring celebration featuring 1,004 varieties of roses, including rare European species and famous roses from around the globe. Held at the landmark Gokseong Train Village, the festival is filled with the romantic fragrance of roses.

Chaewondang (채원당)

Chaewondang (채원당)

17.1Km    2024-12-23

217-28 , Gichamaeul-ro, Gokseong-gun, Jeollanam-do
+82-10-6800-6600

Chaewondang is a hanok stay next to the Seomjingang Train Village in Gokseong-gun, Jeollanam-do. Its Sarangbang guestroom is suitable for one family while the Anchae and Yegaheon rooms are for large families or group travelers. The grassy yard contains flower beds and a jangdokdae or storage jar stand, and has scenic views over surrounding rice fields and countryside. If pre-booked, breakfast can include local specialties such as marsh snail stew and spicy beef soup. Various experience programs such as hanbok wearing and local road biking are offered, while visitors get discount tickets for riding the Seomjingang train, horse riding and other amenities.

Gokseong Leisure Culture Center (곡성 레저문화센터)

Gokseong Leisure Culture Center (곡성 레저문화센터)

18.0Km    2021-08-06

855, Gokseong-ro, Gokseong-gun, Jeollanam-do
+82-61-360-8343

Gokseong Leisure Culture Center was built to provide culture, education, and leisure facilities to the public. There are three concert and lecture halls, Dongak Art Hall, Seomjin Hall, and Daehwang Hall. There are also facilities for hobby and health classes. The center opened on March 11, 2010.

Samseonggung (삼성궁)

18.2Km    2024-02-21

86-15 Samseonggung-gil, Cheongam-myeon, Hadong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do

Samseonggung is a Taoist shrine located at 850 meters above sea level on Jirisan Mountain. It serves as a spiritual hub for practicing Sinseondo, embodying traditional Korean culture. In 1983, Kang Min-ju (Taoist Priest Hanpul), along with his disciples, restored the sodo, a sacred altar from the Gojoseon period. This shrine stands as a revered sanctuary, honoring the primal ancestors of the Korean people: Hwanin (Lord of Heaven), Hwanung (Supreme Divine Regent), and Dangun (legendary founder of Gojoseon).

Gokseong Dangunjeon Shrine (곡성 단군전)

Gokseong Dangunjeon Shrine (곡성 단군전)

18.5Km    2021-05-27

33, Yeongun 1-gil, Gokseong-gun, Jeollanam-do
+82-61-360-8379

Dangunjeon Shrine was built in honor of Dangun, a legendary figure known to be the founder of Gojoseon, or ancient Korea. He is known to be the grandson of the heavens and the son of Hwanung. According to the legend, Hwanung was approached by a bear and a tiger who wished to become human beings. Hwanung attended to their plea by instructing them to avoid sunlight for 100 days and live only by consuming garlic and mugwort. Unlike the tiger who gave up, the bear followed the instructions faithfully and transformed into a woman, who then married Hwanung and gave birth to Dangun.

Located near Yeonguncheonbyeon in Gokseong-eup, Dangunjeon Shrine was first founded in Hakjeong-ri, Samin-dong in 1916 by Shin Tae-yun, also known as Baekdang, but later moved to its current location and went through reconstruction in 1931. An annual ancestral rite takes place at the shrine on October 3 (National Foundation Day) and March 15 to pay respects to Dangun. Dangunjeon Shrine was also a place where civilians gathered to take an oath of patriotism in action against the Japanese during the Japanese colonization period; a stone plaque commemorating the March 1st Independence Movement and Baekdang Memorial Hall dedicated to Shin Tae-yun can also be found within the area. Shin Tae-yun was captured by Japanese soldiers during the March 1st Independence Movement and served two years in prison.