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.

Gwangyang Maehwa Festival (광양 매화축제)

15.8Km 2024-02-26

55 Jimak 1-gil, Gwangyang-si, Jeollanam-do
+82-61-797-2721

Gwangyang Maehwa Festival takes place next to the Seomjingang River in Gwangyang Maehwa Village, home of the largest number of plum blossom trees in Korea. During the festival period, visitors can enjoy a walk beneath the plum blossoms, and also sample and purchase local organic plum products.

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.

Gwangyang Cheong Maesil Farm (광양 청매실농원)

15.8Km 2021-02-01

55, Jimak 1-gil, Gwangyang-si, Jeollanam-do
+82-61-772-4066

Located at the foot of Baegunsan Mountain with water of Seomjingang River flowing nearby, Gwangyang Cheong Maesil Farm offers the perfect setting for visitors to enjoy the scenery and locally produced maesil (plum). With various maesil related food products including side dishes as well as jam, jelly and traditional foods, visitors can buy freshly made products on-site or order online or by phone.

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.

Jirisan Cheonwangbong Peak (지리산 천왕봉) - Area information - Korea travel information