Gurye Cheoneunsa Temple (천은사(구례))

15.9Km 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.

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 Eochigyegok Valley (백운산 어치계곡)

16.5Km 2021-06-01

531, Baekhak-ro, Gwangyang-si, Jeollanam-do
+82-61-797-3333

Eochigyegok Valley, located in Eochi-ri, Jinsang-myeon, is 7 kilometers long, and is a valley with clear water flowing through the lush forest with rocks in all sizes that provide a resting spot. In particular, it is home to Orodae Rock, cool enough to form dew even in the middle of the day and Gusipokpo Falls with a legend of a flying horse.

The valley is located ten minutes away from the Seomjingang River Maehwa Village, and plum trees cover the valley in spring with plum blossoms. In autumn, the countless oak trees in the forest become an acorn factory for its habitats. Baegunsan Eochigyegok Valley is worth visiting at any time of the year and provides various agricultural products to local residents. Orodae Rock, located in the uppermost stream, refers to a rock that looks like a large courtyard. An inscription remains, saying that it is named Orodae because it is cool enough to form dew even in the midday of the summer. Legend says that Gusiso Pool at the base of Gusipokpo Falls is so wide that it will not dry up even in a draught.

Baegunsan Recreational Forest (백운산자연휴양림)

16.7Km 2024-02-01

337 Baekgye-ro, Gwangyang-si, Jeollanam-do
+82-61-797-2655

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.

Baemsagol Jirisan Sikdang (뱀사골 지리산식당)

18.1Km 2024-04-07

271 Jirisan-ro, Sannae-myeon, Namwon-si, Jeonbuk-do
+82-63-626-8800

Baemsagol Jirisan Sikdang specializes in baeksuk (whole chicken soup) and heukdwaeji gui (grilled black pork). They prepare healthy dishes using wild vegetables and traditional Korean medicinal ingredients collected from Jirisan Mountain. In addition to bibimbap and acorn jelly salad, they also offer dishes like grilled deodeok. Visitors can also enjoy their meals on the outdoor tables set up by Dalgunggyegok Valley.

Yeoyeo Sikdang (여여식당)

18.2Km 2025-01-22

92 Gyeongseo-daero, Hadong-eup, Hadong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do
055-884-0080

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
055-884-3903

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.

Baemsagol Waun Village (뱀사골 와운마을)

18.4Km 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."

Hadong Pine Forest (하동송림)

18.4Km 2021-07-21

2107-8, Seomjingang-daero, Hadong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do
+82-55-880-2651

Hadong Pine Forest grows along the Seomjingang River near Seomjingang Iron Bridge. It was planted in 1745, during the 21st year of Joseon King Yeongjo’s reign, to block wind and sand. Now, it is one of the best pine groves in Korea.

In a total area of 26,000 ㎡ are approximately 750 old-growth pine trees. Along with the white sand on the riverside, the forest provides picturesque scenery when seen from Hasangjeong Pavilion within the forest. The forest park is used as a venue for folk games and major events hosted by the local government. There are sports facilities and recreational facilities teenagers, children, and families can enjoy, attracting many locals and tourists.

Dalgunggyegok Valley (달궁계곡)

19.6Km 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.

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