Gurye Yeongoksa Temple (연곡사 (구례))

.0M 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

Piagolgyegok Valley (피아골계곡)

2.3Km 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.

Hadong Wild Tea Cultural Festival (하동 야생차문화축제)

4.9Km 2025-07-11

571-25 Ssanggye-ro, Hadong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do
+82-55-880-6583

The Hadong Wild Tea Cultural Festival is a fragrant celebration in Hadong, a region renowned for its green tea, historically known as the “king’s tea” due to its royal offerings. The Hadong 1000-Year Dahyang Trail is perfect for leisurely walks, connecting hills and tea fields with decked paths and narrow village roads. Following the successful “World Tea Expo 2023 Hadong, Korea,” the festival solidified Hadong’s reputation as a “tea-refreshing cultural city.” The diverse program includes tea cup busking, moving art galleries, music and art spaces, tea classes, book discussions, meditation and refreshing programs, and trekking on the 1000-Year Dahyang Trail, providing ample opportunity to fully experience Hadong and its tea culture.

◎ 1000-Year Dahyang Trail
Hadong’s proximity to the Seomjingang River results in frequent fog and high humidity, coupled with significant temperature variations, creating an ideal environment for tea cultivation. Historical records indicate that tea has been grown here for a thousand years, marking Hadong as the birthplace of Korean tea cultivation.

Jirisan National Park (Hadong Section) (지리산국립공원(하동))

5.6Km 2021-06-24

Hwagae-ro, Hadong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do
+82-55-883-1750

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 many temples including Ssanggyesa Temple and Chilbulsa Temple, as well as valleys, falls, and other tourism resources.

Shiri Pension (쉬리펜션)

5.7Km 2024-10-30

4310-46 , Seomjingang-daero, Gurye-gun, Jeollanam-do
+82-10-4583-8255

Shiri Pension consists of two floors with a total of six rooms where guests can take in the picturesque landscape of Jirisan Mountain while viewing the Piagol Valley and the Seomjingang River. Prugio and Haebichi are detached pensions, and Haebichi has an open-air bath. Individual tents are set up in front of each room so that you can enjoy a barbecue in the comfort of a camping environment. From the spacious terrace, you can enjoy an open view of the surrounding landscape.

Hadong Tea Cultural Center (하동야생차문화센터)

5.7Km 2025-09-01

571-25, Ssanggye-ro, Hwagae-myeon, Hadong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do

The Experience Hall of the Hadong Tea Museum is located in Unsu-ri, Hwagae-myeon, Hadong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do. This annex of the museum is dedicated to hands-on programs. Main programs include a tea ceremony, a tea snack session (three-colored, sesame, and bean varieties), green tea seed accessory making, tea-leaf dyeing, make-your-own matcha class, tea-leaf picking, tea roasting, and a Doncha (compressed tea) experience.

Hadong Tea Museum (하동야생차박물관)

5.8Km 2022-08-05

571-25, Ssanggye-ro, Hadong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do
+82-55-880-2956

The Hadong Tea Museum is located at the foot of Jirisan Mountain in Hadong, Gyeongsangnam-do. It aims to promote the tea culture of the area, the first tea producer in the nation, while advertising the quality and superiority of Hadong green tea. The center is located adjacent to the tea farming area and Ssanggyesa Temple, one of the most famous tourist attractions in Korea.

The museum features an exhibition hall explaining the history and culture associated with Korean tea, and an experience hall where visitors can enjoy hands-on programs like making tea and learning traditional tea etiquette, as well as a shop selling high-quality tea produced in the region. Every year, the museum also hosts the Hadong Wild Tea & Culture Festival every year.

Burilpokpo Falls (불일폭포)

5.8Km 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.

Seomjingang Jaecheop Guksu (섬진강재첩국수)

6.2Km 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).

Jirisan History Museum (지리산역사관)

6.5Km 2021-06-15

1438, Hwagae-ro, Hadong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do
+82-55-880-2954

Jirisan History Museum is located within Jirisan National Park at the start of the hiking course to Byeoksoryeong Pass. Rather a small museum, it provides detailed information about the history of North Korean partisans and the routes that they took throughout the mountain during the Korean War. The museum also exhibits the war relics, lifestyle of the mountain villagers and local produce of Hadong.

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