Jeonnam-Gwangju Special City
Places to visit in Gurye-gun
Temples and villages lie between the slopes of Jirisan Mountain and the Seomjingang River. Explore the mountain trails, riverside bamboo groves, and history and ecology exhibits.
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Places to visit
11 placesGokseong Seomjingang Observatory
This observatory by the Seomjingang River offers telescope viewing, planetarium shows, and exhibits about stars and space. Viewing availability depends on the weather.
View on mapKorean Pressed Flower Museum
About 600 works by Korean and international artists are on display, including pieces that received the President's Award at the Korea Pressed Flower Art Contest.
View on mapJirisan Garden
Explore wildflowers, native plants, and woodland in this garden. You can walk among plants that change with the seasons.
View on mapSeomjingang Bamboo Grove Trail
The bamboo trail along the Seomjingang River blends with the riverside scenery to create a peaceful atmosphere.
View on mapJirisan History and Culture Museum
This museum displays the diverse history and cultural resources of the Jirisan region. It has three sections: special exhibitions that follow the river, permanent displays about the mountains, and hands-on exhibits along the trails.
View on mapSeomjingang Fish Ecology Museum
This museum presents the Seomjingang's freshwater fish and efforts to conserve them. Its three sections feature special exhibits, permanent displays, and hands-on exhibits.
View on mapCheoneunsa Temple
The temple is said to have been founded by Master Deogun in 828. A clear, cold spring on the grounds, said to be pure as dew, gave it its original name, Gamnosa Temple.
View on mapHwaeomsa Temple
Hwaeomsa is the head temple of the 19th district of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. It was designated Historic Site No. 505 in 2009.
View on mapNogodan Mountain
Nogodan is counted among Jirisan Mountain's three main peaks, along with Cheonwangbong and Banyabong.
View on mapUnjoru Historic House
In 1776, Ryu I-ju, then magistrate of Samsu, built this large residence with 99 rooms, 73 of which remain today. Its Pumja-shaped layout reflects the architectural style of the late Joseon period.
View on mapSaseongam Hermitage
Designated Scenic Site No. 111 in 2014, Saseongam sits atop Osan Mountain at an elevation of 531 meters.
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Scenes of the area
- Gokseong Seomjingang Observatory and Korea Pressed Flower Museum.
- Seomjingang Fish Ecology Center.
- Cheoneunsa Temple and Hwaeomsa Temple.