Saseongam Hermitage (Gurye) (사성암(구례))

13.5Km 2024-02-19

303 Saseongam-gil, Muncheok-myeon, Gurye-gun, Jeollanam-do

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.

Gurye Seomjingang Cherry Blossom Trail (구례 섬진강 벚꽃길)

14.5Km 2022-10-25

Muncheok-myeon, Gurye-gun, Jeollanam-do

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).

Gwangyang Maehwa Village (광양 매화마을)

15.3Km 2025-01-08

1563-1 Seomjingangmaehwa-ro, Gwangyang-si, Jeollanam-do

Following the Seomjingang River flowing down the outskirts of Jirisan Mountain is a village filled with plum trees. This village, Seomjin Village, is also known as the Maehwa (plum) Village for its abundant number of plum trees. Instead of crops and grains, plum trees are cultivated on farmlands, boasting white snow-like blossoms in March and bearing ripe plums in June. The annual Plum Blossom Festival takes place in the village every March when the plum blossoms are in full bloom.

Baemsagolgyegok Valley (뱀사골 계곡)

15.4Km 2024-04-07

Buun-gil, Namwon-si, Jeonbuk-do

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.

Cheong Maesil Farm (홍쌍리 청매실농원)

15.8Km 2024-02-01

55 Jimak 1-gil, Daap-myeon, Gwangyang-si, Jeollanam-do

Cheong Maesil Farm sprawls across an expansive area of over 165,000 m²at the foothills of Baegunsan Mountain, which rises to an elevation of 1,217 meters. The farm has been lovingly tended to by the renowned Plum Blossom Doctor, Hong Ssang-ri, for decades, drawing visitors from all over the country. In March, Cheong Maesil Farm transforms into a breathtaking canvas of colors—with blue and red plums, the delicate lily trees and the vibrant cornelian cherries all blossoming in unison. For photo enthusiasts, the farm boasts a dedicated photo zone, while the Pavilion Observatory offers panoramic views that are a favorite among visitors. From this spot, one can marvel at the picturesque scenery of Gwangyang Maehwa Village, Seomjingang River, and Hadong Village on the river’s other side. Visitors in spring are recommended to attend the annual plum festival centered around Cheong Maesil Farm. Moreover, the nearby Gwangyang Plum Culture Center makes for an enriching stopover.

Gurye Cheoneunsa Temple (천은사(구례))

15.9Km 2021-10-02

209, Nogodan-ro, Gurye-gun, Jeollanam-do

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.

Jirisan Recreational Forest (국립 지리산자연휴양림)

16.0Km 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.

Baegunsan Recreational Forest (백운산자연휴양림)

16.7Km 2024-02-01

337 Baekgye-ro, Gwangyang-si, Jeollanam-do

Located in Baegunsan Mountain is a recreational forest that is a testament to Korea's rich ecosystem. Home to many rare fauna and flora, the area brims with diverse attractions. Come springtime, visitors can find the maple sap, a mineral-rich liquid from a local deciduous tree of the maple family, known for its medicinal benefits. Indeed, this is a recreational forest cradled in the arms of nature. With the towering Baegunsan peak, scaling 1,222 meters, as its crown jewel, the landscape unfolds like a tapestry woven with harmonious blends of man-made and natural pine forests. Journey through the cedar and cypress woods, and one will find the valley that evokes sheer wonder. Close by, history whispers through the ancient Ongnyongsa Temple Site, where Doseonguksa dedicated 35 years to ascetic practices. As February turns to March, over 7,000 camellias blossom around this sacred site, painting the area in vibrant hues.

Yeoyeo Sikdang (여여식당)

18.2Km 2025-01-22

92 Gyeongseo-daero, Hadong-eup, Hadong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do

If you want to get the basics of jaecheop (Freshwater Marsh Clam) dishes in the Hadong-eup center area, head to Yeoyeo Sikdang. This restaurant serves a rich bowl of jaecheop-guk with a good selection of side dishes and a bowl of steamed rice.

Buheung Jaecheop Sikdang (부흥재첩식당)

18.3Km 2025-01-22

98 Gyeongseo-daero, Hadong-eup, Hadong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do

Like many other restaurants in Hadong, this restaurant serves freshwater marsh clam dishes. The restaurant is most famous for jaecheophoe (raw freshwater marsh clam). This dish is served on a bed of pear, carrot, cabbage, cucumber, and other vegetables tossed with sweet and sour red chili paste. Another popular menu is the Modum Jeongsik (assorted freshwater marsh clam set menu), which has jaecheopguk, jaecheopjeon, and jaecheophoe.

Saseongam Hermitage (Gurye) (사성암(구례)) - Area information - Korea travel information