Gurye Yeongoksa Temple (연곡사 (구례))

5.8Km 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

Seomjingang Jaecheop Guksu (섬진강재첩국수)

5.8Km 2024-12-27

전라남도 구례군 토지면 섬진강대로 4276

This restaurant has gained fame on social media for its “scenic jaecheop-guksu.” Here, you can truly experience the natural flavors and aromas of jaecheop (Freshwater Marsh Clam). The rich jaecheop broth blends perfectly with thin noodles, filling your mouth with umami. The crispy jaecheop-jeon is a delightful treat that pairs perfectly with makgeolli (rice wine).

Gabiwon Motel [Korea Quality]가비원모텔[한국관광 품질인증]

5.9Km 2025-03-14

13 , Ssanggye-ro, Hadong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do
+82-55-883-3699

Gabiwon Motel stands near the entrance to the famous Hwagae Market in Hadong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do - at the place where Hwagaecheon Stream, flowing down from Jirisan’s Banyabong Peak, meets the Seomjingang River. Hwagae offers excellent natural scenery, including kudzu flowers that bloom even in snowy winter. Nearby attractions include Chilbulsa Temple, Ssanggyesa Temple, Sibaeji Dajeong (where tea was first planted in Korea), and Seiam Rock.

Hadong Hwagae Market (하동 화개장터)

5.9Km 2019-07-31

15, Ssanggye-ro, Hadong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do
+82-55-880-6051

Hwagae Market is one of the five biggest traditional market, which once flooded with people. It also appears as the background setting in Kim Dong-ri's novel, Yeokma (which means stagecoach in English). The market is one of the most visited attractions along with Ssanggyesa Temple and Jirisan Mountain due to it's location near a cherry blossom path. A market that offers a variety of local products and delicacies, you could count the number of markets of this scale in Korea on one hand.

Hwanggeum Jaecheop Sikdang (황금재첩식당)

6.6Km 2025-04-22

3915 Seomjingang-daero, Hwagae-myeon, Hadong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do

This jaecheop (Freshwater Marsh Clam) restaurant overlooks the Seomjingang River. Its signature menu is the Jaecheop Special Jeongsik (freshwater marsh clam special set menu), a sumptuous table with freshwater marsh clam and hairy crab caught from the Seomjingang River. The food here is particularly fresh as all ingredients are prepared on the morning of the day. It is also quite close to Hwagae Market, Simni (10-ri) Cherry Blossom Road, and other famous springtime tourist sites in Hadong, so you don’t have to head to the center of the township.

Piagolgyegok Valley (피아골계곡)

7.1Km 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.

Cheonghak-dong Etiquette School Seonbi Seodang (청학동예절학교 선비서당)

7.5Km 2024-03-04

60-10 Wonmuk-gil, Cheongam-myeon, Hadong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do

Cheonghak-dong, located at the foot of the ridge facing Hadong on Jirisan Mountain, is a village inhabited by 200 residents from thirty families. It hosts several seodangs (village schools), among which Seonbi Seodang stands out for its educational programs focusing on etiquette, character development, and Chinese characters. Additionally, the village offers a variety of experience programs, including traditional culture, farming activities, and perseverance training.

Choi Champandaek (House of Choi Champan) (최참판댁)

9.7Km 2021-12-16

66-7, Pyeongsari-gil, Hadong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do
+82-55-880-2651

The House of Choi Champan is known as the setting of the famous novel "Toji" ("The Land") by noted novelist Park Kyongni. Located in a small folk literature village in Agyang-myeon, Pyeongsa-ri along the Seomjingang River at the foot of Jirisan Mountain, Choi Champandaek consists of fourteen hanok (traditional Korean house) buildings.

Also used as the main set of the drama version of "Toji" (2004), Choi Champandaek gives visitors a look at the life of Korean people in the late Joseon era. The house has not only made its appearance in many films, but is also a valuable cultural asset of Hadong-gun.

The Daecheong Maru (wooden-floored hall) connected to the Sarangchae (men’s quarters in a hanok) offers a wide view of the vast field of Pyeongsa-ri and gives an opportunity to meditate and reflect while appreciating the beautiful surroundings. Located in the vicinity are numerous tourist attractions including the Pyeongsari Literature Center, Hwagae Market, and Ssanggyesa Temple. During fall season every year, Choi Champandaek hosts the Toji Literature Festival.

House of Choi Champan (최참판댁 한옥숙박시설)

9.7Km 2024-12-19

75 , Pyeongsari-gil, Hadong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do
+82-10-2086-5330

House of Choi Champan is a hanok stay in Pyeongsa-ri, Akyang-myeon, where the Seomjin River flows down from Jirisan Mountain, Jeollanam-do. The accomodation is in several different configurations: the two-storey Ilyeongjae and Wolyeongjae are both rented out as houses; Yeonhajae and Hoeramjae, which are single-storey with numaru(a raised open floor); while Unrakjae and Hoegyeongjae have several rooms with bathrooms, each rented out. Only the "Hoegyeongjae-1" room is equipped with Numaru. Cooking strong-smelling food in guestrooms is not allowed.

Toji Literature Festival (토지문학제)

9.7Km 2020-09-17

76-23, Pyeongsari-gil, Hadong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do
• 1330 Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese) • For more info: +82-55-880-2363

Toji Literature Festival is held annually in Hadong-gun, the setting of one of Korea's greatest historical novels, Toji, written by Park Kyongni. The festival pays tribute to the novel Toji, depicting the modern history of Korea between the years of the Donghak Revolution in 1897 and the Liberation of Korea in 1945. It has become one of the nation’s major literature festivals.

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