Gurye is in the northeastern part of South Jeolla, South Korea. 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.
Understand
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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.
History
[edit]Gurye has a long history with numerous relics from the Bronze and Iron Ages. During the the Joseon Dynasty (1362-1910), it served as an important administrative district. During the Japanese invasions of Korea in the 1590s, Seokjugwanseong Fortress played a key role in blocking the Japanese forces. From the late 19th century, education and culture flourished, and the March 1st Independence Movement was actively carried out. Gurye County was also important the turbulent mid-20th century events such as the 1948 Yeosu-Suncheon Rebellion and the Korean War (1950-53).
Geography
[edit]Gurye County is located in the northeastern part of Jeollanam-do, on the southwestern foothills of Jirisan Mountain.
Climate
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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
[edit]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 61-780-2731.
Get around
[edit]Gurye has a comprehensive local transportation network that includes buses, taxis, rental cars, and options for walking and biking.
By bus
[edit]The main Gurye city bus routes are as follows
- Bus No. 5-1 (Gurye Terminal - Hanaro Mart - Samsung Mart - Naengcheon-ri - Masan Police Station - Hwangjeon-ri - Hwaeomsa Entrance) Frequency: Approximately every 120 minutes on weekdays, first bus at 09:30, last bus at 20:00
- Bus No. 6-1 (Gurye Terminal - Gwangui-myeon - Jicheon-ri - Cheoneunsa Intersection - Cheoneunsa Temple) Frequency: 6 times daily, first bus departs at 15:50 from Gurye, last bus time to be confirmed
- Bus No. 8-1 (Gurye Terminal - Hanaro Mart - Samsung Mart - Naengcheon - Gwangpyeong - Hasa - Yongdu - Guryong-dong - Piagol) Frequency: Approximately every 70 minutes, first bus at 06:40, last bus at 19:40
These three routes depart from Gurye Terminal and connect major tourist destinations such as Hwaeomsa, Cheoneunsa, and Piagol. It is recommended to check the latest timetable and fares before traveling.
Bus fares (as of 2025)
- Adult: ₩1,000
- Middle and high school students: ₩800
- Elementary school students: ₩500
- Note: Separate fares apply for the Cheoneunsa route and the Nogodan route (seat bus).
Operating hours and intervals
- Operating hours and intervals vary by route; first buses generally run between 06:00 and 09:00, last buses between 20:00 and 21:00, with intervals ranging from 70 to 120 minutes.
- The bus service to Nogodan on Jirisan has been discontinued. If you want to go to Nogodan on Jirisan, you need to use alternative transportation.
By taxi
[edit]Taxis in Gurye are easily accessible at the bus terminal, train station, and major tourist attractions. The base fare is ₩4,000 for the first 2 kilometers, with additional charges based on distance and time. A 20% surcharge applies during late-night hours. Call taxis can be reserved by phone, and the main taxi company phone numbers are as follows:
- Gurye Call Taxi (구례콜택시), ☏ +82 61-783-1818.
- Gurye Private Taxi (구례개인택시), ☏ +82 61-782-3342.
- Gurye Taxi (구례택시), ☏ +82 61-781-7474.
By rental car
[edit]Renting a car is a convenient option for exploring Gurye and the surrounding areas of Jirisan, especially if you plan to visit multiple spots such as Piagol Valley, Hwaeomsa Temple, or Seongsamjae. Public transport options are limited for early-morning visits (e.g., Nogodan sunrise), so having a car provides more flexibility. Several rental agencies are located in Gurye-eup, and a car-sharing station (SoCar) is available at Gurye Station for travelers arriving by train.
Car rental and car-sharing options
- 3 Dongbu Rent-a-car (동부렌트카), 21 Jungang-ro, Gurye-eup, ☏ +82 61-782-9333. Located in the center of Gurye-eup, making it easy to access. Offers a range of car types suitable for both solo and family travelers.
- 4 Shinseong Rent-a-car (Gurye Branch) (신성렌트카), 76 Jungang-ro, Gurye-eup, ☏ +82 61-782-1118. Open all year round, 24 hours a day. Conveniently located near the Gurye Bus Terminal, ideal for travelers arriving by intercity bus. Provides mostly compact and mid-size vehicles with reasonable pricing.
- 5 SoCar – Gurye Station Car-sharing Zone (쏘카 구례구역 앞 쏘카전용주차장), 822-1 Seonbyeon-ri, Hwangjeon-myeon, Suncheon-si, ☏ +82 1661-8838. Open all year round, 24 hours a day. Best option for those arriving by KTX/SRT, with contactless pick-up and return. Suitable for short-term or hourly use, offering flexible rental periods.
Additional tips
[edit]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
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- 1 Jirisan Nogodan (지리산 노고단), 1068-321, Nogodan-ro, Sandong-myeon, ☏ +82 61-780-7700. 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. Adult ₩2,000, youth or soldier ₩1,500, child ₩1,000; group (20 or more): adult ₩1,600, youth or soldier ₩1,200, children ₩800.
- 3 Seomjin River (섬진강), 1, Wonbang-ri, Gurye-eup, ☏ +82 61-780-2390. 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 61-780-2881. 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 61-783-7600. 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 61-781-4800. 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 61-781-4544. 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 61-781-2644. 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. Adult ₩1,000, youth ₩700, child free.
Do
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- 1 Gurye Cornelian Cherry Blossom Festival (구례산수유꽃축제), 831 Jwasari, Sandong-myeon, ☏ +82 61-780-2390. 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 61-780-2255. 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 61-780-2727. 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]- 1 Hanaro Mart Gurye Nonghyup Main Branch (하나로마트 구례농협 본점), 142 Bongseong-ro, Gurye-eup, ☏ +82 61-783-3300. 08:30-22:00.
- 2 Hanaro Mart Gurye Livestock Cooperative Main Branch (하나로마트 구례축협본점), 208-1 Bongdong-ri, Gurye-eup, ☏ +82 61-782-1122. 08:30-22:00. It is the largest mart in Gurye, where you can purchase various food ingredients and different kinds of meat (including beef, pork, and chicken).
- 3 Gurye Y Food-Ingredient Mart (구례Y식자재마트), 480 Gurye-ro, Gurye-eup, ☏ +82 61-783-4500.
- 4 Gurye 5-Day Market (구례5일시장), 20 5-Day Market Small‑gil, Gurye-eup, ☏ +82 61-782-8484. 05:00-19:00. A traditional market in Gurye that opens every five days, offering local produce, handmade goods, and regional specialties.
- 5 Jirisan Outing Market (지리산나들이장터), 280 Jirisan Oncheon‑ro, Sandong‑myeon, ☏ +82 61-781-5051. A local market near Jirisan, offering fresh produce, regional specialties, and a variety of goods for both visitors and locals.
Eat
[edit]- 1 Sannamul Bapsang (산나물 밥상), 1st Floor, 381 Hwaeomsa-ro, Masan-myeon (across from the Southern Visitor Center of Jirisan National Park, in a shopping complex), ☏ +82 507-1463-1583. 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 (a 5-minute walk from Gurye Station, just across the bridge), ☏ +82 507-1316-0048. 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 (a 2-minute walk from the parking lot behind Gurye Nonghyup Hanaro Mart), ☏ +82 507-1400-1477. 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.
- 4 Seomjingang Dasulgi Restaurant (섬진강 다슬기식당), 5041 Seomjingang‑daero, Toji‑myeon (Located across the street from Toji Post Office), ☏ +82 507-1383-9394. 08:00-19:30. Seomjingang Dasulgi Restaurant is a hidden gem in Gurye that showcases the finest freshwater snail (dasulgi) dishes. The rich flavors of the seasoned dasulgi and the refreshing taste of dasulgi sujebi (hand-pulled dough soup) are particularly impressive, and the side dishes, including seasoned mung bean sprouts and spicy chili paste pickles, are also delicious. ₩10,000~.
- 5 Mannam Garden (만남가든), 8 Hanguk‑Tongsin‑ro, Masan‑myeon (Mannam Garden is located just a 5-minute drive from Hwaeomsa Temple, at the Magwang intersection next to the Jirisan National Park Southern Office and the Gurye Baekdudaegan Ecological Education Center.), ☏ +82 61-782-9172. 08:00-19:00. It is one of Gurye’s premier restaurants offering healthy Korean cuisine, including wild pine mushroom hot pot, herbal chicken soup, and mountain vegetable set meals. With a spacious parking lot and seating for large groups, it is ideal for families and tour groups, and guests can enjoy a satisfying meal with a variety of neatly prepared side dishes. ₩50,000~.
Drink
[edit]- 1 La Plata (라플라타), 270 San-eop-ro, Gurye-eup, ☏ +82 61-782-2701. 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 (next to the public parking lot of Gurye 5-Day Market), ☏ +82 507-1435-6336. 10:00 - 22:00. A café known for its clean interior and popular croffles
- 3 Easywon Café Ro (이지원카페로), 192 Jirisan Oncheon‑ro, Sandong‑myeon (Enter toward Jirisan Oncheon, pass the roundabout, and you will find the property with a pointed-roof building and a large garden.), ☏ +82 507-1438-8858. 09:00-21:00. Easywon Café Ro is a cozy café near Jirisan Oncheon in Gurye, offering spacious and separate areas ideal for group gatherings. Popular items include jujube tea and Ssanghwa tea, as well as freshly blended fruit juices and snacks for children. Americano ₩ 5,800.
- 4 Café Guman (카페구만), 12 Guman‑je‑ro, Sandong‑myeon (Located opposite Jirisan Cheese Land and below Jirisan Lake Resort), ☏ +82 61-781-9909. 10:00-19:00. Café Guman is a large café boasting a spacious parking lot and a comfortable indoor space. Popular menu items include cream coffee and a variety of breads, especially fig campagne and salted baguette. Americano ₩ 7,000.
Sleep
[edit]- 1 Junseong Resort (준성리조트), 254 Baeguncheon-gil, Ganjeon-myeon, ☏ +82 61-783-8080, [email protected]. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 11:00.
- 2 Gurye Jirisan Resort (구례 지리산 리조트), 140 Hanguktongsin-ro, Gwangui-myeon, ☏ +82 61-781-0100. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 11:00.
- 3 Nogodan Guesthouse & Hotel (노고단), 40 Hagwan 1-gil, Sandong-myeon, ☏ +82-507-1405-1507. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 11:00.
- 4 Hotel Jirisan Sunlight (호텔 지리산 햇살), 386‑3 Hwaeomsa-ro, Masan-myeon, ☏ +82-61-783-9600. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 11:00.
- 5 Huni Guest House (구례후니게스트하우스), 4220 Seomjingang‑daero, Toji‑myeon, ☏ +82 507-1381-9696. Check-in: 16:00, check-out: 11:00.
Connect
[edit]Local tourist information- For general tourist inquiries call the 1330 Travel Hotline (Korean/English/JP/CN) or the Gurye tourism office at +82-61-780-2450 for up-to-date information and seasonal events. VISITKOREA - Imagine Your Korea+1
Internet and mobile- Public Wi-Fi is available at some public facilities and tourist areas; major Korean mobile carriers (KT, SKT, LG U+) provide coverage across the county, but signal may be weak in remote mountain areas. Google Play+1
Post and mail- The main Gurye Post Office handles most postal services for the county; there are smaller branch post offices in outlying myeon (townships). For mailing and parcel services use the local post office. kpoti.koreapost.go.kr+1
Health and emergency- For urgent medical needs the nearest general hospital is Gurye Hospital (local emergency care); in emergencies contact local emergency services (119) and then proceed to the nearest clinic or hospital. 메디내비+1
Practical tips- Visitor centers, major temples and parking areas often have information boards and maps; check opening seasons for mountain trails and temple facilities before travelling
Go next
[edit]- Suncheon — Reachable in about 40 minutes by bus or car via National Route 17.
- Gokseong — About 30 minutes north by car on National Route 18.
- Namwon — Around 40 minutes northeast via National Route 19.
- Hadong — 15 minutes east across the Seomjin River through Hwagae Market.
- Sancheong — About an hour’s drive southeast through Jirisan National Park.