Gurye Cheoneunsa Temple (천은사(구례))

10.1Km 2026-06-30

209, Nogodan-ro, Gurye-gun, Jeonnam-Gwangju Special Metropolitan City

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.

Samseonggung (삼성궁)

10.2Km 2024-02-21

86-15 Samseonggung-gil, Cheongam-myeon, Hadong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do

Samseonggung is a Taoist shrine located at 850 meters above sea level on Jirisan Mountain. It serves as a spiritual hub for practicing Sinseondo, embodying traditional Korean culture. In 1983, Kang Min-ju (Taoist Priest Hanpul), along with his disciples, restored the sodo, a sacred altar from the Gojoseon period. This shrine stands as a revered sanctuary, honoring the primal ancestors of the Korean people: Hwanin (Lord of Heaven), Hwanung (Supreme Divine Regent), and Dangun (legendary founder of Gojoseon).

Jirisan Recreational Forest (국립 지리산자연휴양림)

10.4Km 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.

Baemsagol Waun Village (뱀사골 와운마을)

12.0Km 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."

Saseongam Hermitage (Gurye) (사성암(구례))

12.6Km 2026-06-30

303 Saseongam-gil, Muncheok-myeon, Gurye-gun, Jeonnam-Gwangju Special Metropolitan City

Saseongam Hermitage is a hermitage located at the peak of Osan in Gurye (elevation 531m). It is estimated to have been built during the Baekje period (B.C. 18-A.D. 660). Many people visit it to see the sanctuary where the 53 statues of the Buddhist Avatamsaka Sutra are enshrined. The view of the Seomjingang River and the village from the temple is magnificent, and the refreshing breeze feels as if it penetrates through one's body, leading to its designation as a scenic spot in August 2014.

Dalgunggyegok Valley (달궁계곡)

13.0Km 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.

Cheonghak-dong Etiquette School Seonbi Seodang (청학동예절학교 선비서당)

13.0Km 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.

Gurye Seomjingang Cherry Blossom Trail (구례 섬진강 벚꽃길)

13.4Km 2026-06-30

Muncheok-myeon, Gurye-gun, Jeonnam-Gwangju Special Metropolitan City

The Seomjingang Cherry Blossom Trail in Gurye follows National Roads 17 and 19 along the pristine Seomgjingang River. Stretching over 3 kilometers, the trail is lined with cherry blossom trees planted in 1992. As well as being a popular drive course, the trail can also be enjoyed on foot, and is even used as a marathon course. The trail has received recognition as one of the "100 Most Beautiful Roads in Korea." Restaurants along the trail serve local foods such as euneo hoe (sliced raw sweetfish) and minmul maeuntang (spicy freshwater fish stew).

Starway Hadong Healfort (힐포트하동)

14.0Km 2024-12-13

3352-1 , Seomjingang-daero, Hadong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do

Hadong Healfort, situated halfway up the mountain in Akyang-myeon, Hadong, Gyeongsangnam-do, is located near Pyeongsa-ri, which is the setting of the novel Toji, and offers a panoramic view of the Seomjingang River. In the living room, the view from the window is as lovely as a framed picture. There are 13 guestrooms, divided into three types: double, twin, and ondol (underfloor heated), each with a living room, bedroom, bathroom, and private terrace. This is an ideal location for couples to relax and enjoy the view.

House of Choi Champan (최참판댁 한옥숙박시설)

14.1Km 2024-12-19

75 , Pyeongsari-gil, Hadong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do

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.

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