Jirisan National Park

Jirisan National Park is the largest – and perhaps most famous – national park in South Korea. It spans three provinces: South Jeolla, North Jeolla and South Gyeongsang and is 1,915 m above sea level. Within the park is Jiri mountain, which is considered one of the three holy mountains on the Korean peninsula.

The literal meaning of Jirisan Mountain is 'the mountain of wise people'. In the past, many hermits entered Jiri Mountain to train their minds. Their population was enough to influence the name of the mountain.

It offers some of Korea's best hiking and is the beginning of the Baekdu Deagan (백두대간) Ridge, the "spine" of Korea, which extends all the way to Baekdusan (백두산) on the border of China and North Korea. The park has 12 peaks over 1,000 m with a 40 km ridge. The highest peak is Cheonwangbong (1,915 m), which is South Korea's second largest mountain.

Until now, it has been listed as Korea's top five famous mountains, and the Korean Peninsula's top five famous mountains, and in 2021, a drama titled this mountain was aired.

Jirisan is best accessed by car or bus. From Busan many buses depart from Seobu Terminal: two buses daily to 🌍 Ssanggyesa, four buses daily (two in the early morning) to 🌍 Jungsan-ri, and one every other hour to 🌍 Gurye. From there local buses can take you (almost) to the entrance of the park.

These cities can also be reached from other cities like Jeonju, Gwangju, and Daegu.

There can be a fee for visiting the local heritage sites (₩3,500) which are part of the national park, e.g., when coming from Gurye. If you are convincing enough to explain that you are just visiting the national park or just overstrain the entrance post by just speaking English, they might opt for not forcing you to pay this fee.

Inside Jirisan National Park, a three-way intersection national highway crosses.

The southwest path of three-way intersection is Nogodan-ro, the north path is Jirisan-ro, and the northwest path is Jeongryeongchi-ro.

The name of the road is Nogodan-ro in the southwest of three-way intersection, Jirisan-ro in the north, and Jeongryeongchi-ro in the northwest.

It is about 21 km from the southwest to the north.

There are 🌍 Seongsamjae Rest Area and 🌍 Siamjae Rest Area where you can rest in the middle of the road, of which Seongsamjae Rest Area is a good starting point for hiking.

There is also a rest area on Jeongryeongchi-ro 🌍 Jeongryeongchi Rest Area.

There is a section with a village around Jirisan-ro, a road in the north, and there is Baemsagol Public Bus Terminal, and Dalgung Valley, one of the tourist attractions of Jirisan.

If you exit by a small road called Wawun-gil near Dalgung Valley, you can get close to Baemsagol Valley.

There are 10 representative natural scenery attractions officially established by Jirisan National Park.

And there are seven temples.

• 🌍 Cheonwangbong peak (천왕봉). A peak with a beautiful sunrise. The sunrise seen from Cheonwangbong Peak at 1,915m, which is open on all sides, is special. It is a famous place where the sun rises through the cold air of the clouds on the eastern horizon. There are many days when clouds are in the way, so the panorama of this beautiful sunrise is not easily observed. But it's definitely beautiful.
  On a clear day, you can see the area of Sacheon-si and Jinju-si (about 30km away) and the southern sea from Cheonwangbong Peak, and you can also see Deogyusan Mountain (about 60km away) in the north. Especially when it gets dark at night, it is easier to visit Jinju City because of light pollution. On days when the air is really clean and clear, you can see Palgongsan Mountain in Daegu Metropolitan City, which is 100km away in a straight line. Likewise, on a clear day, you can see Jirisan Mountain if you go to the southern coastal area, Deogyusan Mountain, and Palgongsan Mountain. (updated Nov 2022).
• 🌍 Piagol (피아골). From mid-October every year, Piagol Valley, the largest hardwood forest in Jirisan, is colored with autumn leaves. Unlike most other mountains, the color of autumn leaves here is subtle. (updated Sep 2022).
• 🌍 Nogodan (노고단). The highest peak on the west side of Jirisan Mountain's main ridge. You can see a spectacular view of clouds made from the Namhae Sea and Seomjingang River flowing between the ridges. The harmony of azaleas living on peaks and clouds is worth seeing.
  The sea of clouds seen from here is famous. Nogodan Unhae is one of the 10 scenic views of Jiri, and it is also called Nogounhae. (updated Nov 2022)
• 🌍 Banyabong Peak (반야봉). The second highest peak (1732m) in Jirisan, is located on the west side of Jirisan, so it is a better to see the sunset than the sunrise. Watching the sunset from Banyabong Peak and watching Banyabong Peak & Sunset together on other nearby hiking trails are all included in 'Banya Sunset'. For the second case, it is recommended to reserve and watch accommodation at the hiking route with a shelter. Because descending after sunset is dangerous.
  Banyabong Peak has frequent clouds, making it easier to see clouds than other areas of Jirisan Mountain. Nogodan (1,507m) is the most famous for the Unhae of Jirisan Mountain, but Banyabong Unhae is also quite famous. Since Banyabong Peak is 225m higher than Nogodan Peak, it is more advantageous to see the Unhae than Nogodan Peak. The reason why the sea of clouds is often formed in Banyabong Peak is because of the rising air flowing from the valley around Banyabong Peak. Since these ascending currents raise the water vapor in the valley below the mountain to form clouds, clouds often appear in Banyabong Peak. Banyabong Peak, where Unhae spreads out, is said to have a beautiful feeling like an ink-and-wash painting. (updated Nov 2022)
• 🌍 Byeoksoryeong (벽소령). It is a place name given because the moonlight rising above the green forest looks very blue beyond white.
  Byeoksoryeong Shelter, a national park shelter, is located in Byeoksoryeong, so you can stay there. Thanks to this, you don't have to go hiking at night to see Byeokso Myeongwol. In addition, Byeoksoryeong Pass is one of the major hubs of Jirisan Mountain's Jongju, so you can meet Byeoksomyeongwol if the date and weather match during the Jongju. (updated Nov 2022)
• 🌍 Se-seok flat (세석평전). Se-seok. The habitat of the Royal Azaleas. This is one of the main habitats of royal azaleas, and you can see the wide stage of royal azaleas. The origin of the place name 'Seseok' is derived from the meaning of 'flat land with a lot of pebbles.' Seseok flat is a plateau of about 990,000 square meters located between Yeongsinbong Peak (1,652m) and Chotdaebong Peak (1,703m). This area is high above sea level. Therefore, the flowering season of royal azaleas here is from late May to early June. This is about a month later than flat land. Seseok Shelter the largest shelters among the national park shelters is located here. so many hikers (come on the main ridge of jirisan) visit this place for its convenience. (updated Sep 2022)
• 🌍 Buril waterfall (부릴 폭포). (updated Sep 2022). 60 meters high and 3 meters wide. It is the largest waterfall in Jirisan. The hiking course that goes through here is easy. 2.4 km from Ssanggyesa Temple, the road consists of gentle slopes and cool forests, so you can enjoy easy hiking. This place is so cool that it is good to visit in summer.
• 🌍 Yeonhabong Peak (연하봉). Mossy strange rocks and bizarre stones are developed, and the forest of dead trees filled in between creates a mysterious beauty. (updated Nov 2022)It is a hiking trail between Seseok and Jangteomok. There are many fragrant flowers, and Giamgoeseok (strange rocks and bizarre stones) are covered with colorful moss exist everywhere. When the clouds pass by the peak here, you can feel the mystery of coming to the ancient East. It is a good course with a good view and many grasses and birds.
• 🌍 Chilseon Valley (칠선계곡). (updated Oct 2022)One of the three major valleys in Korea. It starts in the northwest of Cheonwangbong Peak and leads to Imcheon. It is easy to climb from the ground to Yongso or Biseondam, but the way to Cheonwangbong Peak beyond Biseondam is the most difficult hiking course in Jirisan. because this course's slope is 60 to 70 degrees and even slippery. Therefore, it is recommended for beginners to stay and enjoy at below here. The area around Chilseon Valley is rugged. Therefore, the scenery is sharp, so it is good to see, and it is also a place with a primeval forest.
• 🌍 Seomjin River (섬진강). Seomjin Cheongryu. To be exact, the Seomjin River, which means this tourist attraction, means the Seomjin River overlooking Jirisan. Or, paradoxically, it also means the Seomjin River, which flows with Jirisan as the background seen around the Seomjin River. In the local area, this attraction is called Seomjin Cheongryu (blue flowing Seomjin). Since the Seomjin River flows through Gurye-gun in Jeollanam-do, you cannot see Seomjin Cheongryu in the eastern part of Jirisan, which belongs to Gyeongsangnam-do, including Cheonwangbong, Jangteomok, and Yeonhabong. Nogodan Peak in the west of Jirisan is a peak that is relatively easy to see Seomjin Cheongryu. Therefore, the map shows the vicinity of Nogodan, but as described above, the location is not a clearly defined tourist destination. (updated Oct 2022)
• 🌍 Sanggyesa temple. This is one the major temples in Korea. You can take a bus from the Hadong Terminal.
  Bulil Falls, one of the 10 scenic spots in geography, is located near this temple, and during the cherry blossom season, the so-called Sipri Cherry Blossom Road from Hwagae Market below to Ssanggyesa Temple becomes a national attraction. (updated Nov 2022)
• 🌍 Hwaeomsa temple. This is the 🌍 stop of the bus leaving from Gurye. Use it to explain your destination to reach the national park. This temple built in AD 544. It is located at the southwest foot of Nogodan. There is a hiking course that goes through this place. It is also a traditional temple with many national treasures of Korea and the largest temple in Jirisan. You can see beautiful temples and red plum blossoms. They exist here Like Gakhwangjeon, the largest wooden building among existing Korean cultural properties, Gwangmyeongdeung, the largest stone lantern among existing Korean cultural properties. It is a work of the Unified Silla Period (676-935). (updated Oct 2022)
• 🌍 Cheoneunsa Temple. Built in 828 and reconstructed in 1774, this Buddhist temple is often overshadowed by its neighbor Hwaeomsa. It does, however, hold the unique honor of being one of the last places in South Korea where the endangered wild pigeon is still common, with visitors to the temple being very likely to see one.
  At the time of reconstruction, a large serpent frequently appeared near the spring of Gamnosa Temple, so a monk caught it and killed it, and after that, the spring did not rise, and the spring hid Therefore, it is said that it was renamed Cheongeunsa Temple. (updated Nov 2022)

The most scenic hike is the one between Hwaeomsa and Jungsan-ri, about 38 km including Cheonwangbong peak. It can be done in 3 days and 2 nights. Jangteomok, Seseok, Byeoksoryeong and Nogodan shelter are of high standard, only Yeonhacheon shelter is a little older. This track potentially allows for a hike down to Sanggyesa.

A full list of all available routes can be found on the official website.

A very good map is available on the Korean park website.

Here are some easy hiking trails at Jirisan National Park.

Climbing to Nogodan Route

It is a 4.7-km hike from Seongsamjae Rest Area to Nogodan. It takes an hour by one way.

The easiest course to climb Nogodan, one of the three major peaks of Jirisan. In spring and summer, azaleas are full of gentle slopes. You can easily see the beautiful scenery of the alpine region. This course consists of a flat road as a whole, so it is also recommended for beginners of mountain climbing. As you go up to the top, the style of the surrounding natural scenery gradually changes to suit the highlands. Perhaps because of its popularity, it is the route that is suffering from concerns about environmental pollution and damage.

Road to Buril waterfall

It is a 4.8-kilometer hike from Ssanggyesa Temple Visit Support Center to Bulil waterfalls. It takes three hours one way. It is close to the village and the altitude is low in the park, so it is very easy to enter.

An easy course consisting only of gentle slopes and cool forest roads. It is a refreshing course that comes back after enjoying the cool water breeze of Bulil Falls, which arrived through the cool forest. The Hwagae Market Cherry Blossom Festival will be held in mid-April, and the Hadong Wild Tea Culture Festival in early May, so you can enjoy twice as much if you visit around this time. It is a way to enjoy the beauty of nature whenever you come during the four seasons.

Jungsan-ri (Kalbawi) Route

It is the fastest way from the parking lot in Jungsan-ri to Cheonwangbong Peak, the highest peak of Jirisan. It takes about 5.4 km to hike and four hours on a one-way.

It's easy to start from Jungsan-ri parking lot. It is a representative hiking trail of Jirisan Mountain, where you can visit temples in a spacious 8 hours round trip. You can see a beautiful rocky landscape that is considered a specialty, and if you visit Beopgyesa Temple in the middle of the course, you can see Korea's national treasure and the three-story stone pagoda. It is recommended to start early in the morning to become a leisurely course that conquers and descends from the top.

There are often small canteen in the mountain cabin and at the starting point of hiking.

That sells instant rice, water, portable butane gas, tissues, head lanterns, gloves, raincoat, crampon, chain crampon, bandages, postcards, batteries, and sleeping bags. Sometimes this is not guaranteed.

Also, the mountain cabin on the mountain does not have enough electricity supply.

So the microwave oven in the cabin is only works 17:00–20:00.

You have to mostly cater for yourself along the tracks.

• 🌍 chatnipmasul (찻잎마술), 경남 하동군 화개면 화개로 519 (across from Hadong Wild Tea Museum.), ☏ +82 55 883-3316. 11:30–19:00 (15:00–17:30 break time). High-end Korean restaurant operated on a reservation basis. Bibimbap without Gochujang is the main menu. It also provides green tea-applied foods such as pork belly in green tea sauce, green tea oil, green tea honey, and green tea wine. ₩20,000 per person. (updated Oct 2022)
• 🌍 baekryeonsanbang (백련산방), 전남 구례군 구례읍 5일시장작은길 20 (within a 5-day market), ☏ +82 507 1342-0405. Closed on the 4th and 8th of every month. Lotus Leaf Rice and traditional Korean food restaurant. It also serves grilled bulgogi, yukgaejang, and grilled fish. There are many side dishes made of vegetables. This restaurant serve customers by reservation. ₩5,000-15,000 per person. (updated Oct 2022)
• 🌍 dalgungsikdang (달궁식당), 전북 남원시 산내면 지리산로 311 달궁산장가든, ☏ +82 63 625-8971. M-F 09:00–20:00, Sa Su 08:30–20:30. If you visit in the morning, you can order 'Soybean paste stew (Doenjang jjigae)' and 'Kimchi stew (Kimchi jjigae)', which are the basics of Korean home cooking. Other times, bibimbap or pork is the main menu. Or you can eat expensive chicken stew (Samgyetang, ₩60,000-100,000) with expensive herbs. ₩9,000-15,000 per person. (updated Oct 2022)

• Water – Fresh water springs are relatively consistent along the trails. The mountain water is filtered through granite and is safe to drink, according to every Korean voraciously drinking it. Beware that some trail maps mark water springs that do not (or no longer) exist. Have an extra full bottle just in case.
• Tea – The area, specifically Hadong, is known for green tea. Shops and stores around Jirisan usually sell tea leaves by the bag. If you are a true tea fanatic, come in May for the Hadong Wild Tea Cultural Festival.
• 🌍 Theroad101 (더로드101), 경상남도 하동군 화개면 화개로 357, ☏ +82 507-1314-4118. 10:00–20:00 (last order 19:30). Cafe in the green garden with a good view of Jirisan. This store sells various kinds of coffee roasted in this store. They have group seats, parking lot, free Wi-Fi, male/female toilets and can be to-go. ₩5,500-7,500 per cup. (updated Oct 2022)

Mailbox Some evacuation centers, including the Jangteomok evacuation center, have mailboxes in the yard. Staff at the National Park Service, who work in the shelter, regularly deliver letters from the mailbox to the regular post office.

Writing a letter as a souvenir and sending it through the mailbox here is also a tourist factor.

Korea National Park Service ☏ +82 1670-9201

It controls Korea's national parks, including Jirisan Mountain.

If you are willing to visit Jirisan, make sure to check for mountain climbing information and reservations.

Useful contact numbers are as follows:

• Police, ☏ 112.
• Fire Department, ☏ 119.

Camping and evacuation centers can be booked on the Korea National Park Service site.

Bring appropriate shoes, gear and clothes. In winter the temperature along the ridge can be far below 0 °C and the strong wind adds an additional burden. Crampons can be useful, but considering that also in winter the tracks are very busy, most of it will be cracked up properly by other people's crampons, leaving enough powder to cope easily with proper hiking boots with ankle protection. Most of the huts are heated, but even then it might not be enough for a good night sleep. Consider bringing a good sleeping bag (-2 °C) in winter. There are also blankets available for rent for ₩2,000. Since you will sleep on the floor, you might want to bring a self-inflating mattress.