Gurye is in the northeastern part of South Jeolla, South Korea. It borders Namwon in North Jeolla Special Self-Governing Province to the north, Suncheon and Gwangyang to the south, Gokseong to the west, and Hadong in South Gyeongsang to the east.
Understand
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History
[edit]Gurye County was originally called "Gucharye-hyeon" during the Baekje period and was renamed to "Gurye-hyeon" during the reign of King Gyeongdeok of Silla. It boasts a long history with numerous relics from the Bronze and Iron Ages. During the Goryeo Dynasty, it was a subordinate prefecture of Namwonbu, and in the Joseon Dynasty, it served as an important administrative district. During the Japanese invasions of Korea (Imjin War and Jeongyu War), Seokjugwanseong Fortress played a key role in blocking the Japanese forces, and many righteous armies lost their lives. From the late 19th century, education and culture flourished, and the March 1st Independence Movement was actively carried out. Gurye County was also a significant historical stage during the turbulent mid-20th century events such as the Korean War and the Yeosu-Suncheon Rebellion.
Geography
[edit]Gurye County is located in the northeastern part of Jeollanam-do, on the southwestern foothills of Jirisan Mountain. The area is characterized by mountainous terrain centered around the Nogodan Peak of Jirisan, with the Seomjin River running through the county, forming a landscape of basins and mountains. Historical fortresses like Seokjugwanseong remain, and Buddhist cultural assets such as Hwaeomsa Temple and Yeongoksa Temple enrich the area with a harmony of nature and culture. The county boasts beautiful natural scenery with mountains, rivers, and valleys, along with a rich ecological environment.
Climate
[edit]Gurye County has a temperate humid climate with relatively mild winters and frequent snowfall. Summers are cool and humid, with rainfall evenly distributed throughout the year, minimizing heavy downpours and favoring agricultural activities. Spring and autumn are long and pleasant, creating an overall comfortable living environment.
Get in
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By train
[edit]All Mugunghwa-ho trains and ITX-Saemaeul and SRT trains make mandatory stops, while KTX and ITX-Maum trains stop optionally.
- 1 Gurye Station (구례구역), 217, Seomjingang-ro, Hwangjeon-myeon, Suncheon-si, ☏ +82 1588-7788. every time. Gurye-gu Station opened in 1936 on the Jeolla Line. The current brick, tile-roofed, single-story station was built in 1986. Double-tracking projects completed in 1999 and 2002 brought the station to its present form.
By car
[edit]You can reach Gurye-gun via the following highways:
- Namhae Expressway (Gyeongbu/Namhae direction)
- Exit at Suncheon IC → take National Route 17 or 19 to Gurye-gun
- Suncheon–Wanju Expressway
- Exit at Suncheon IC → direct access to Gurye-gun
- Gwangju–Suncheon Expressway (part of Honam Expressway)
- From Gwangju or Naju → exit at West Suncheon IC → take National Route 17 or 19
By bus
[edit]Gurye can be accessed from several cities via the Gurye Public Bus Terminal. Intercity buses run from Seoul, Gwangju, Suncheon, and Yeosu, and taxis from the terminal provide convenient access to major attractions such as Jirisan, Seomjin River, and Gurye Hanok Village.
- 2 Gurye Public Bus Terminal (구례공영버스터미널), 8, Jungang-ro, Gurye-eup, ☏ +82 061-780-2731.
Get around
[edit]Gurye has a comprehensive local transportation network that includes buses, taxis, rental cars, and options for walking and biking.
By bus
Local buses connect the town center with nearby villages and major attractions such as Hwaeomsa Temple and Jirisan National Park entrances. The bus terminal near the town center is the main hub. Buses run regularly, but schedules may vary especially on weekends or holidays, so it's recommended to check the latest timetable before traveling.
By taxi
Taxis are readily available at the bus terminal, train station, and popular tourist spots. Fares are generally reasonable for short distances, but it is advisable to agree on the approximate fare or use the meter. Taxi services also include call taxis which can be booked via phone.
By rental car
Renting a car is convenient for exploring rural areas and mountain routes around Gurye. Multiple rental agencies are available near Gurye Station and the bus terminal. Drivers should be cautious on mountain roads, especially during winter.
On foot and by bike
The town center is compact and walkable, and there are designated bike lanes and paths suitable for cycling enthusiasts. Walking is a pleasant way to explore local shops, cafes, and cultural sites nearby.
Additional tips
Some mountain trails and remote tourist spots may have limited public transport access, so planning ahead for taxi rides or guided tours is recommended. During winter months, certain routes might be affected due to weather conditions.
See
[edit]- 1 Jirisan Nogodan (지리산 노고단), 1068-321, Nogodan-ro, Sandong-myeon, ☏ +82 061-780-7700. Open year-round (except during restricted periods and hours for national park access). Nogodan is a famous starting point of the Jirisan ridge trail, offering a 25.5-kilometer route along Imgeollyeong, Banya Peak, Tokki Peak, Byeoksoryeong, and Seseok Flat to Cheonwang Peak. Considered one of Jirisan's three main peaks alongside Cheonwang and Banya Peaks, Nogodan provides stunning seasonal views, including the sea of clouds, spring azaleas, summer daylilies, autumn foliage, and winter snow-covered landscapes. free.
- 2 Jirisan Garden (지리산 정원), 124, Ondong 2-gil, Gwangui-myeon. March to October: 09:00 – 18:00 November to February: 09:00 – 17:00. There is a wildflower-themed park and native plant garden where visitors can observe diverse vegetation throughout the four seasons, as well as an ecological forest, natural recreation forest, and arboretum. The forest lodges, which offer a healing experience surrounded by nature, are especially popular. Adults: ₩2,000 Youth / Soldiers: ₩1,500 Children: ₩1,000 Group (20 or more): Adults: ₩1,600 Youth / Soldiers: ₩1,200 Children: ₩800.
- 3 Seomjin River (섬진강), 1, Wonbang-ri, Gurye-eup, ☏ +82 061-780-2390. Open year-round. The bamboo path along the Seomjin River offers a peaceful setting where visitors can enjoy the river scenery. From the bamboo trail, you can follow the Healing Ecological Trail and take a walk across the river to the cherry blossom path, which has been selected as one of Korea's most beautiful roads. free.
- 4 Surak Waterfall (수락폭포), 249-4, Sugi-ri, Sandong-myeon, ☏ +82 061-780-2881. Open year-round. Surak Waterfall, with a height of 15 meters, cascades between rugged rocks and offers stunning surrounding scenery, making it one of the ten most scenic spots in Gurye.
The waterfall is famous as a "water-hitting waterfall," traditionally visited by local residents after rice planting and weeding to relieve back pain and neuralgia. Word spread that it could help with conditions such as neuralgia, arthritis, muscle pain, and postpartum discomfort, attracting large crowds during midsummer. In fact, a 2013 survey by the Jeonnam Institute of Health and Environment found that Surak Waterfall emits a significant amount of negative oxygen ions. free. - 5 Hwaeomsa (화엄사), 539, Hwaeomsa-ro, Masan-myeon, ☏ +82 061-783-7600. Open year-round. Hwaeomsa, one of the things that comes to mind when thinking of Gurye, is home to numerous cultural treasures and can be considered an immortal work. It is the head temple of the 19th district of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism and was designated as Historic Site No. 505 in 2009.
The temple is grand and elegant, regarded as a cradle of Korea's long-standing Buddhist culture. It is said to have been founded in 544 by the monk Yeongi during the 22nd year of King Seong of Baekje, and its name was derived from the two characters of the Avataṃsaka Sūtra (Hwaeomgyeong). Passing through the Iljumun Gate, Geumgangmun Gate, and Cheonwangmun Gate, and circling Bojeru Pavilion, visitors can take in the magnificent layout of Hwaeomsa at a glance. free. - 6 Cheonunsa Temple (천은사), 209, Nogodan-ro, Gwangui-myeon, ☏ +82 061-781-4800. Open year-round. Cheonunsa Temple is one of the prominent Buddhist temples in Gurye, South Jeolla Province, South Korea. According to historical records, it was established in 828 during the reign of King Heungdeok of the Silla Dynasty by the monk Deogun. Initially named Gamnosa Temple due to a clear and cool spring within the temple grounds, the temple was later renamed Cheonunsa, meaning "Disappearance of Spring Water," after a large serpent was captured near the spring, leading to the spring drying up. The temple houses five treasures and two locally designated cultural assets, including the beautiful Suhongnu Pavilion. Cheonunsa is considered one of the three major temples of Jirisan Mountain. free.
- 7 Ohsan Saseongam Temple (오산 사성암), 303, Saseongam-gil, Muncheok-myeon, ☏ +82 061-781-4544. Open year-round. Located in Gurye, South Jeolla Province, Ohsan Saseongam Temple is renowned for its unique architectural features and breathtaking views. The temple is situated on a 20-meter-high cliff, with the Yaksa-jeon Hall built using distinctive construction techniques. Inside the Yaksa-jeon, a stone-carved Buddha statue is etched into the cliff, with a legend suggesting that the revered monk Wonhyo carved it with his fingernail. From the temple's summit, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Gurye, including the winding Seomjin River, expansive plains, and the majestic ridges of Jirisan Mountain. free.
- 8 Unjoru Historic House (운조루), 59, Unjoru-gil, Toji-myeon, ☏ +82 061-781-2644. Open year-round. Unjoru is a large traditional Korean house built in 1776 by Ryu I-ju, the governor of Samsu during King Yeongjo's 52nd year of reign. Constructed in the "품자형" (Pumja-hyeong) style, the house originally consisted of 99 rooms, though only about 73 remain today. It follows the architectural style of the late Joseon period and is designated as National Folklore Cultural Heritage No. 8. Adults: ₩1,000 Youth: ₩700 Children: Free.
Do
[edit]- 1 Gurye Cornelian Cherry Blossom Festival (구례산수유꽃축제), 831 Jwasari, Sandong-myeon, ☏ +82 061-780-2390. The Gurye Cornelian Cherry Blossom Festival is a representative spring flower festival in South Korea, offering a chance to experience the essence of early spring. Cornelian cherry blossoms bloom earlier than other flowers in March, heralding the arrival of spring. The festival, themed around the flower's meaning—"eternal and unchanging love"—features various hands-on programs and musical performances. free.
- 2 Gurye 300-ri Cherry Blossom Festival (구례300리 벚꽃축제), 84-11 Seosicheon-ro, Gurye-eup, ☏ +82 061-780-2255. The Gurye 300-ri Cherry Blossom Festival is held along the 129 km of the nation's longest cherry blossom road in Gurye, Jeollanam-do. This festival embodies the dreams and hopes of the Gurye community, celebrating the harmony of nature, people, history, and culture, while showcasing the beauty and value of Gurye. free.
- 3 Jirisan Namak Festival (지리산남악제), 12 Hwangjeon-ri, Masan-myeon, ☏ +82 061-780-2727. The Jirisan Namak Festival is a traditional folk cultural event held annually around April 20th in Gurye, Jeollanam-do. Rooted in the Jirisan Mountain Deity Ritual, it features a variety of cultural programs, including traditional rites, performances, exhibitions, and community activities. The festival aims to honor the mountain spirit and promote local heritage and unity. free.
- 4 Jirisan Piagol Autumn Foliage Festival (지리산 피아골 단풍축제), 67 Jikjeon-gil, Toji-myeon. The Jirisan Piagol Autumn Foliage Festival is a celebration of the breathtaking autumn colors in Piagol Valley, renowned as one of the most beautiful fall destinations in South Korea. The valley is famous for its "Three Reds"—red leaves on the mountains (산홍), reflected in the streams (수홍), and on the people (인홍)—creating a stunning natural spectacle. The festival features various events, including traditional rituals and forest concerts, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the vibrant autumn scenery. free.
Buy
[edit]Eat
[edit]- 1 Sannamul Bapsang (산나물 밥상), 1st Floor, 381 Hwaeomsa-ro, Masan-myeon (Located across from the Southern Visitor Center of Jirisan National Park, in a shopping complex), ☏ +82 0507-1463-1583. 08:00 - 17:00. Situated among Gurye’s major tourist attractions, it is a famous restaurant specializing in Korean cuisine. ₩18,000~.
- 2 Gurye Station Waiting Room (구례역대합실), 23 Seomjingang-ro, Gurye-eup (Located a 5-minute walk from Gurye Station, just across the bridge.), ☏ +82 0507-1316-0048. 11:00 - 22:30. Situated behind the Sinwol-ri Police Substation on the left after crossing the bridge, in a red brick building. A Western-style restaurant near Gurye Station, famous for its black pork cutlet and freshwater snail pasta.
- 3 Mokwol Bakery (목월빵집), 85 Seosicheon-ro, Gurye-eup (Located a 2-minute walk from the parking lot behind Gurye Nonghyup Hanaro Mart), ☏ +82 0507-1400-1477. 10:00 - 18:00 Weekend break: 12:30–13:30. One of Gurye’s representative bakeries, featured on multiple TV programs, known for its healthy bread made with Gurye wheat and natural yeast.
Drink
[edit]- 1 La Plata (라플라타), 270 San-eop-ro, Gurye-eup, ☏ +82 061-782-2701. 10:00 - 19:00. La Plata is a café offering beautiful views of the Seomjin River, with a spacious parking lot and comfortable seating. Famous for its lattes and matcha lattes, it also serves chewy milk ice cream and a variety of beverages.
- 2 Coffee House Lento (커피하우스 렌토), 1st Floor, 27 5il Market-gil, Gurye-eup (Located right next to the public parking lot of Gurye 5-Day Market), ☏ +82 0507-1435-6336. 10:00 - 22:00. A café known for its clean interior and popular croffles