Jirisan Chilseongyegok Valley (칠선계곡(지리산))

11.7 Km 34739 2022-07-29

Chuseong-ri, Hamnyang-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do
+82-55-970-1000

Chilseongyegok Valley is the most beautiful valley in Jirisan Mountain, and is one of the top three valleys in the nation, along with Cheonbuldonggyegok Valley in Seoraksan Mountain and Tamnagyegok Valley in Hallasan Mountain. The 16-kilometer valley stretching from Uitan of Macheon-myeon to Cheonwangbong Peak is characterized by very tough topography but beautiful scenery and is the only remaining primeval forest of Jirisan Mountain. It is also dotted with seven waterfalls and 33 ponds. The hike becomes more difficult as the trail enters the valley. Because the valley has taken many lives, some people call it "The Valley of Death." For that reason, visitors must apply in advance and hike with a guide. The trail in Chilseon Valley is a 9.4-kilometer course from Chuseong Village in Macheon-myeon to Cheonwangbong Peak, which does not follow the natural valley, due to the valley's steep and dangerous features. Starting from Chuseong Village, the trail passes Yongso Pond, Jujiteo Site, Chuseongmang Rock, Seonnyeotang Pond, Ongnyeotang Pond, Biseondam, Chilseonpokpo Falls, Daeryukpokpo Falls, Samcheungpokpo Falls and Mapokpo Falls, all before reaching Cheonwangbong Peak.

Jirisan Namwon Baraebong Snowflake Festival (지리산남원 바래봉 눈꽃축제)

11.8 Km 25548 2024-04-07

214, Baraebong-gil, Namwon-si, Jeonbuk-do
• 1330 Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330
(Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese) • For more info: +82-63-635-0301

Jirisan Namwon Baraebong Snowflake Festival is held in Herb Valley and the nearby Baraebong Peak area in Namwon-si, Jeollabuk-do. Organized by Unbong Aehyang Committee, the festival features a variety of winter activities including ice and snow sledding, making snowmen, snowball fights and more. Unbong Herb Valley boasts spectacular snow-covered fields due to its high altitude that keeps the snow from melting.

Guryonggyegok Valley (구룡계곡)

11.9 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.

Burilpokpo Falls (불일폭포)

11.9 Km 46440 2024-02-08

103 Mogap-gil, Hwagae-myeon, Hadong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do

Situated 720 meters above sea level, Burilpokpo Falls stands as the tallest waterfall on Jirisan Mountain, boasting a x_height of 60 meters and a x_width of 3 meters. It features a distinctive two-tier structure, with the enchanting Yongchumot and Hangmot Ponds nestled below, adding to its profound natural allure. Conveniently located just 3 kilometers from Ssanggyesa Temple, it's an ideal spot to visit following a trip to the temple.

Nogodan Guesthose (노고단 게스트하우스&호텔)

12.1 Km 1001 2024-08-01

40 , Hagwan 1-gil, Gurye-gun, Jeollanam-do
+82-61-782-1507

Nogodan Guesthouse & Hotel is located in Gwansan-ri, Gurye-gun, Jeollanam-do, and is popular with weekend trippers and family vacationers visiting Jirisan National Park. Local hot spring water (high in traces of germanium) is provided in all rooms, so residents can relieve their fatigue in a hot spring bath after hiking; while from the hotel’s rooftop garden residents can enjoy fine views of Jirisan Mountain. A shuttle service to Nogodan, where the Jirisan trail starts, costs 20,000 won per person for the round trip. And at the 1st floor Buen Camino Restaurant & Pub l you can enjoy Jirisan black pork barbecue, Jirisan zucchini pancake, and seasonal vegetable side dishes.

Gurye Special Tourist Zone (구례 관광특구)

12.2 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.

Hadong Ssanggyesa Temple (쌍계사(하동))

12.3 Km 37157 2024-03-08

59 Ssanggyesa-gil, Hadong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do

Ssanggyesa Temple was founded on the southern foothills of Jirisan Mountain in 722 during the reign of Silla King Seongdeok. The temple is famous for the 6-kilometer stretch of cherry blossom trees that bloom each spring. The temple was originally called Okcheonsa Temple, but was changed to the current Ssanggyesa Temple in 887. The current temple buildings were all built in 1632, after having been burned down during the Imjin War (1592-1598). The temple grounds and nearby area feature many historic and beautiful attractions, including Burilpokpo Falls and a large tea plantation.

Jirisan Spa Land (지리산온천랜드)

12.4 Km 36195 2020-07-13

261, Jirisanoncheon-ro, Gurye-gun, Jeollanam-do
+82-61-780-7800

Jirisan Spa Land is home to a large open-air hot spring facility that uses 100 percent natural germanium mineral waters containing no chemical additives. The natural germanium mineral water in the spa prevents various kinds of geriatric illnesses, speeds up metabolism and improves your body’s immune system. The water also helps blood circulation and digestion, and stabilizes your body temperature.

A bath themed with the 12 Asian zodiac animals, a Japanese cypress bath, a utopia-themed bade pool and a waterfall bath are located in the open-air spa area. Apart from the huge spa area, Jirisan Spa Land also has a hotel equipped with 60 high-end modern bedrooms and subsidiary facilities. Each guest room uses natural germanium mineral water.

Hwaeomsa Temple (화엄사)

12.4 Km 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.

Gurye Cheoneunsa Temple (천은사(구례))

12.6 Km 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 Chilseongyegok Valley (칠선계곡(지리산)) - Area information - Korea travel information