Gurye Cheoneunsa Temple (천은사(구례))

16.8Km 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.

Yonggwonsan Sky Walk (용궐산하늘길)

17.2Km 2024-10-10

562 Janggunmok-gil, Donggye-myeon, Sunchang-gun, Jeonbuk-do

Yonggwolsan Sky Walk is a wooden trail built high up on the mountainside. Opened in 2023, the 1,096-meter-long trekking course offers thrilling views of the mountain's unique rock formations and an unobstructed view of the sky that is not for the faint of heart. It takes roughly 30 minutes to walk from the start of the trail to Biryongjeong Pavilion at the summit.

Baraebong Peak (바래봉)

17.8Km 2024-04-07

196, Baraebong-gil, Namwon-si, Jeonbuk-do
+82-63-630-8900

Baraebong Peak gets its name from its resemblance to an upside down barittae (a wooden rice bowl used by temple priests). The mountain is characterized by round slopes and fields of royal azalea flowers in spring. Trekking starts at Yongsan Village, 1.5 kilometers away from Unbong-eup. The trail follows a gentle path through a forest reserve behind a ranch and up to the peak. The last section of the trail before reaching the summit is covered in royal azaleas in full bloom from late April until May. The view from the peak includes the whole vista of Jirisan Mountain.

Dalgunggyegok Valley (달궁계곡)

17.8Km 2024-04-07

Jirisan-ro, Sannae-myeon, Namwon-si, Jeonbuk-do

Dalgunggyegok Valley is a valley located within the Jirisan National Park. It spans 6 kilometers from Dalgung Village to Simwon Village. Surrounded by dense primeval forests, it showcases the pristine beauty of an untouched valley where human hands have yet to reach. The combination of the valley and cliffs creates stunning scenery. Nearby Dalgung Village also preserves remnants of ancient Mahan palaces.

Gokseong Dorimsa Temple (도림사(곡성))

18.6Km 2021-05-14

175, Dorim-ro, Gokseong-gun, Jeollanam-do
+82-61-362-2727

Dorimsa Temple was built by Monk Wonhyo in 660 during the 7th year of King Muyeol. Located approximately 4 kilometers west of Gokseong-eup, the temple houses Bogwangjeon Hall, Yaksajeon Hall, and Eungjindang Hall, among other buildings. The nature surrounding the temple is beautiful all year round, and the water flowing through the nearby valley makes it a popular place to visit during the hot summer season.

Seomjingang River (섬진강)

18.9Km 2022-08-25

Okgwa-myeon, Gokseong-gun, Jeollanam-do
+82-61-360-8419

The Seomjingang River, one of the four major rivers in Korea, starts from Imsil and Sunchang. It merges with several bodies of water in Gokseong, Gurye and Hadong before flowing into the South Sea.
In Gokseong, the Seomjingang River is also known as the Sunjagang River. It flows about 36 kilometers through the region. A number of big and small valleys throughout the length of the river provide fantastic views and relaxation spots all year round. Also, Riverside Festival and Seomjingang Literature Forum are held every summer to offer fun summer activities along the river.

Baemsagol Waun Village (뱀사골 와운마을)

19.4Km 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."

Hwaeomsa Temple (화엄사)

19.4Km 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.

Gudam Village (구담마을)

19.5Km 2024-04-07

49, Cheondam 1-gil, Imsil-gun, Jeonbuk-do
+82-63-644-9051

Located at the beginning of the Seomjingang River, the steep banks in Gudam Village are covered in maehwa (plum blossoms) in white and red. While strolling along the 3-kilometer-long path of the riverside that connects Gudam Village to Cheondam Village, tourists will be impressed by the beautiful scene created by the plum and cherry blossoms. The village became more and more famous thanks to its cozy ambience created by the Seomjingang River, plum blossoms and Zelkova at the mouth of the village, attracting visitors to enjoy a walking trip. The village has also served as a filming location for movies, including the film "Spring in My Hometown (1998)."

Gokseong Seomjingang Astronomical Observatory (곡성섬진강천문대)

19.6Km 2024-02-22

1234 Seomjingang-ro, Gurye-eup, Gurye-gun, Jeollanam-do

Gokseong Seomjingang Astronomical Observatory is an astronomical observatory located along the Seomjingang River, equipped with a 600mm astronomical telescope and various other telescopes. It features a Main Observatory, Auxiliary Observatory, and an Planetarium for observing stars and the sun. Experience facilities include a 4D & VR Theater, VR Gyroscope, Space Elevator, and a Children's Experience Center.

Gurye Cheoneunsa Temple (천은사(구례)) - Area information - Korea travel information