Gurye Seomjingang Cherry Blossom Trail (구례 섬진강 벚꽃길)

14.5Km 2022-10-25

Muncheok-myeon, Gurye-gun, Jeollanam-do
+82-61-780-2227

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).

Baegunsan Mountain Donggokgyegok Valley (백운산 동곡계곡)

14.6Km 2021-04-23

154, Yaksujedan-gil, Okryong-myeon, Gwangyang-si, Jeollanam-do
+82-61-797-3333

Donggokgyegok Valley is one of four large valleys on Baegunsan Mountain. The valley opens up towards Gwangyang, with the waters of Dongcheon Stream flowing into Gwangyangman Bay. Donggokgyegok Valley is wide, making it convenient for transportation, and perfect for a family getaway during the holidays. Located along Hanjae Pass between the mountain summit and Ttoaribong Peak on the west side, the valley is also sometimes called Dapgoksimni. The valley stretches a distance of 10 kilometers and is especially beautiful in fall when surrounded by vibrant autumn foliage. Donggokgyegok Valley is a protected nature reserve with over 900 various species of vegetation.

Gwangyang Maehwa Village (광양 매화마을)

15.3Km 2025-01-08

1563-1 Seomjingangmaehwa-ro, Gwangyang-si, Jeollanam-do
+82-61-772-9494

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
+82-63-630-8900

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.

Jirisan Cheonwangbong Peak (지리산 천왕봉)

15.6Km 2025-03-28

Jirisan-daero, Sancheong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do
+82-55-970-1000

* Please be advised that this is located in one of the areas affected by the recent wildfire (as of March 27, 2025).

** For real-time wildfire information and emergency upates, visit the Korea Forestfire Information website and the National Disaster and Safety Portal.

Along with Geumgangsan Mountain and Hallasan Mountain, Jirisan Mountain is known to be one of the most sacred mountains in Korea. It was named "Jiri" because it was believed to be a place that turns the innocent into the wise. On December 29, 1967 Jirisan National Park was declared the nation’s first and biggest national park. Its 440.517 square kilometer area covers Hadong, Sancheon and Hamyang in Gyeongsangnam-do; Gurye in Jeollanam-do ; and Namwon in Jeollabuk-do region. The total area is seven times that of Gyeryongsan National Park and 52 times that of all of Yeouido Island in Seoul.

At 1,915.4 meters high, Cheonwangbong Peak is the second highest peak in Jirisan National Park. Countless valleys and waterfalls surround the peak, as well as trails connecting to other peaks within the park.

Jirisan National Park (Sancheong) (지리산국립공원(산청))

15.8Km 2025-03-28

320-2 Jirisan-daero, Sicheon-myeon, Sancheong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do
+82-55-970-1000

* Please be advised that this is located in one of the areas affected by the recent wildfire (as of March 27, 2025).

** For real-time wildfire information and emergency upates, visit the Korea Forestfire Information website and the National Disaster and Safety Portal.

Jirisan National Park is the first national park established in South Korea, featuring peaks like Cheonwangbong Peak (1,915m), Banyabong Peak, and Nogodan Peak, which rank as the next highest after Halla Mountain. It's a popular destination for mountain enthusiasts, offering beautiful natural landscapes such as Naewonsagyegok Valley. The park also provides convenient facilities like Jirisan Recreational Forest, Naewonsa Temple, mountain lodges, campgrounds, and pensions.

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
+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.

Gurye Seomjingang Cherry Blossom Trail (구례 섬진강 벚꽃길) - Area information - Korea travel information