Jirisan National Park (Hamyang Section) (지리산국립공원(함양))

0m 22010 2021-02-05

Baengmudong-ro, Hamyang-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do
+82-55-970-1000

Designated as the first national park in Korea on December 29, 1967, Jirisan National Park stretches out over 483.022 square kilometers, making it the largest national park among all 22 national parks. It covers Korea’s three southernmost provinces; Gyeongsangnam-do, Jeollanam-do, and Jeollabuk-do, one city, four counties, and 15 districts of eup and myeon. The area in Gyeongsangnam-do has Ssanggyesa Temple, Daewonsa Temple, Beopgyesa Temple, Chilbulsa Temple, and Chilsangsa Temple as well as valleys, falls, and other tourism resources. In particular, famous tourist spots in Hamyang area are Chilseongyegok Valley and Hansingyegok Valley.

Seoamjeongsa Temple (서암정사(함양))

3.6 Km 43110 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.

Jirisan Recreational Forest (국립 지리산자연휴양림)

5.0 Km 114590 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.

Namwon Silsangsa Temple (실상사(남원))

5.1 Km 8876 2024-04-07

94-129, Ipseok-gil, Namwon-si, Jeonbuk-do
+82-63-636-3031

Silsangsa Temple was constructed by Monk Jeunggak, as one of nine special temples in the year 828. The temple was established because of the theory of divination, based on topology. The belief held that Korea’s good spirit would be taken away to Japan, bringing bad luck if the temple was not constructed at this particular location. The temple was reconstructed in the 26th year of King Sukjong’s reign (1700) after it was completely destroyed during the Imjin War (1592-1598). However, it was almost burnt down in the 19th year of King Gojong’s reign (1882).

It is presently preserved just as it was during the Unified Silla Kingdom, with its three-story pagoda and its 11 treasures with a total of 17 cultural assets. The entrance of the temple lies in the middle of a rice field and the temple has a pastoral view, surrounded by trees. From the entrance, visitors can cross the half-moon shaped stone bridge to find a remarkable totem pole.

Jirisan Chilseongyegok Valley (칠선계곡(지리산))

5.4 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 Hanok Village [Korea Quality] / 지리산한옥마을 [한국관광 품질인증]

5.7 Km 11964 2024-04-07

43 , Daejeongbangcheon-gil, Namwon-si, Jeonbuk-do
+82-63-636-1003, +82-10-8107-1838

Jirisan Hanok Village, in Namwon-si, Jeollabuk-do, is a famous old house at the foot of Jirisan National Park’s Cheonwangbong and Nogodan Peaks. Just 20 minutes by car away from Nogodan and Baemsagol Valley Trail, the place is popular with walkers especially in the summer. Businessmen, poets and writers come here for the beautiful scenery; in particular, a candidate for the 2008 Nobel Prize in Literature stayed and worked here for a while.

Ten Scenic Views of Jirisan (지리산 10경)

6.1 Km 38488 2024-04-07

Sandong-myeon, Gurye-gun, Jeollanam-do/ Namwon-si, Jeonbuk-do/ Hadong-gun& Hamnyang-gun& Sancheong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do
+82-55-970-1000

Its deep valleys and unique mountain formations are what make Jirisan Mountain truly spectacular. It consists of numerous peaks, and is known to be well-preserved and clean. Ten Scenic Views of Jirisan Mountain are particular memorable and simply breathtaking.

Perhaps Jirisan Mountain’s most signature highlight is its incredible sunrise; the scarlet sunlight from the horizon in the east is spectacular, and arguably the best place to watch it in Korea. The second highlight is Piagol Autumn Leaves. At the village, walk 10 minutes further towards Piagol and you will come to a pine forest at the edge of Jeollanam-do and Gyeongsangnam-do. It is called Piagol, the best broad-leaved tree forest in Jirisan Mountain area. The autumnal colors of Piagol are some of the best in the world. Every year the Autumn Leaves Festival is held here. The third notable highlight is the Nogodan Sea of Clouds. Located to the west of Jirisan Mountain, Nogodan Peak is said to boast the most outstanding views of Jirisan Mountain. If you climb up to the peak following the Hwaeomsa Valley, at times the sea of clouds are visible from below the peak. The fourth selected highlight is Banyabong’s Sunset. Banyabong Peak is a huge dome shaped feature. One of the big joys of climbing Banyabong is to see the sunset. The fifth notable feature is the full moon; the beautiful scarlet sky together with the black mountain line produce an exquisite painted background to the rising of the moon. The sixth highlight is the royal azalea blossoming between the rocks. In the spring, the royal azaleas blanket the mountain. There is a field that extends 1,200 meters in the southern area of Jirisan Mountain covered with flowers known as Royal Azalea Plateau. The seventh feature is the deep waterfall between the peaks of Cheonghakbong and Baekhakbong. The 60-meter waterfall produces a tremendous sound. The eighth is the vast view of the mountain range towards Cheonwangbong Peak. The ninth feature is the Chilseongyegok Valley. With its roots in Cheonwonbong Peak, it is one of our nation’s three best valleys. According to legend, seven gods are said to be living in Chilseongyegok Valley. Finally, the tenth most scenic feature is Seomjincheongryu. Flowing southwesterly across Jirisan Mountain and into the south coast, the Seomjingang River is so clear that it is sometimes compared to blue silk. The white sandy beaches on either side of the river are also very beautiful.

Baemsagol Waun Village (뱀사골 와운마을)

6.5 Km 0 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."

Baemsagolgyegok Valley (뱀사골 계곡)

7.6 Km 27826 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.

Odojae Pass & Jirisan View Park (오도재와 지리산조망공원)

7.7 Km 43126 2024-02-08

534 Jirisanganeun-gil, Macheon-myeon, Hamyang-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do

Established as the most direct route from Hamyang to Jirisan in 2004, Odojae Pass has gained recognition not only as a thoroughfare but also for its serpentine path winding through the pass. Positioned just below the summit of Odojae Pass, the expansive Jirisan View Park offers a panoramic view of Jirisan Mountain's main ridge (Nogodan Peak to Cheonwangbong Peak). This park provides a spectacular vista of Jirisan Mountain and a peaceful rest area for travelers navigating Odojae Pass.

Jirisan National Park (Hamyang Section) (지리산국립공원(함양)) - Area information - Korea travel information