Feeling the charm of mountain temples nestled in Jirisan | Travel Course | K-Travel Mate

국립공원종복원센터(구, 멸종위기종 복원센터)는 우리 곁에서 사라져가는 야생동물을 보호하고 복원하는 전문기관으로 우리나라에서 처음으로 중대형 포유류인 반달가슴곰과 산양 복원 등을 진행하고 있다.

Hwaeomsa Temple is a thousand-year-old temple located 5.4 km east of Gurye-eup, on the slopes of Jirisan, a sacred mountain of the nation. It was founded in 544 (22nd year of King Seong of Baekje) by Yeongi Joseon and is said to have gotten its name from the two characters of Hwaeom in the Hwaeom Sutra (華嚴經). Initially, only Haehwaedang and Daeungsangjeokgwangjeon were built, and later expanded in 643 (12th year of Queen Seondeok) by Monk Jajang, and again in 875 (first year of King Heongang of Silla) by Dosun Guksa. Destroyed during the Imjin War, the temple was rebuilt starting in 1630 (8th year of King Injo) by Seon Master Byeokam, and completed in 1636 (14th year of King Injo). Within the temple grounds are numerous cultural assets, including four national treasures, five treasures, one natural monument, and two local cultural heritages, along with about twenty subsidiary buildings. Uniquely, after passing the Iljumun Gate and turning about 30˚ northeast, one reaches the Cheonwangmun Gate, which houses statues of Geumgang Yeoksa, Munsu, and Bohyeon. This gate is distinctively set diagonally westward from Geumgangmun Gate. Passing through Cheonwangmun leads to Bojeru Pavilion, arranged differently from other temples as visitors go around the pavilion rather than passing beneath it to reach Daeungjeon Hall. From here, two towers appear diagonally, with Daeungjeon Hall located on a platform one step higher than the eastern tower, and Gakhwangjeon Hall above the western tower. Among the buildings, Gakhwangjeon Hall is a nationally designated treasure and the largest wooden building in Korea, with a grand exterior that impresses visitors. The stone lantern in front of Gakhwangjeon is 6.3 m high and 2.8 m in diameter, the largest in Korea, and designated National Treasure No. 12 for its splendid sculptural art representing the unification Silla period’s Buddhist renaissance. On a hill called Hyodae to the left of Gakhwangjeon stands the Four Lion Three-Tiered Stone Pagoda, built by Yeongi Joseon to pray for his mother’s repose, notable for its unique decoration and refined carving, also a national treasure. Inside the rear of Gakhwangjeon is the Yeongsanhoe Gwaebultang, designated a national treasure in 1997. Among the treasures within the grounds, the five-story pagodas beside Daeungjeon are exemplary Silla period works noted for outstanding form and intricate decoration and are designated treasures. The Daeungjeon Hall (a treasure) displays excellent artistry from the Joseon Dynasty. Surrounded by the beautiful scenery of Jirisan National Park, many sightseeing spots and landscapes are scattered throughout. Along National Road 19 from Hadong to Hwaeomsa (about 35 km), cherry blossom trees are planted, making it a fantastic drive route every April during full bloom. Nearby are many tourist destinations, including Seomjingang Maehwa Village, Gososeong County Park, Jirisan National Park, and Ssanggyesa Temple, attracting numerous spring visitors.

[지리산대통밥] 문화관광부에서 선정한 전국 100대 베스트 음식으로 선정된 ‘지리산대통밥’은 20여 가지의 반찬과 대나무의 향이 솔솔 풍기는 대통에 밥을 지어 손님상에 내어놓는다. [예원] 예원에서만 맛볼 수 있는 '곰취솔잎효소보김치'나 '생태어두백련초나박김치'는 그가 직접 개발한 효소를 사용해 출원한 특허품이다. 맛이 담백하고 뒷맛이 개운해 외국인 입맛에 잘 맞을 듯싶다.

Saseongam is located about 2 km south of Gurye-eup, atop Osan in Jukmari. Originally called Osanam, it is said to have been first established by Yeongi Josa in the 22nd year of King Seong (544). It is named Saseongam after four great monks—Wonhyo Daesa, Doseon Guksa, Jingak Guksa, and Uisang Daesa—who practiced asceticism here. Saseongam features Yaksa-jeon, a hall seemingly wedged between 20-meter-high rocks, and buildings connected by rocks and stairs, blending uniquely with the mountain scenery. From beneath Yaksa-jeon, the Seomjin River, Gurye-eup, and the ridges of Jirisan can be seen at a glance. An image of Buddha carved into the rock face inside Yaksa-jeon (Yurigwangjeon) is said to have been etched by Wonhyo Daesa’s fingernails. It is possible to reach Saseongam by car, but parking is limited due to a small lot. Visitors can also walk up or take a village bus, which costs 3,400 won round trip (2,800 won for children under 13). The village bus ticket office is at the Saseongam parking lot, or you can search for Safe Transport Company to find it.

Gurye Unjoru Old House is located in Omi Village among several villages in Toji-myeon. Unjoru is the name of the large sarangchae (men's quarter) and means a house hiding like a bird in the clouds. This building was originally started by Ryu Iju, a man from Daegu, who was fascinated by the auspicious site of Geumhwanrakji and decided to live here after retiring, taking seven years to build. It was initially a 73-kan (room) house, but some parts were lost due to fire and time. According to a 2007 Cultural Heritage Administration survey, 63-kan remain preserved. The house retains an L-shaped haengnangchae (servants' quarters), U-shaped anchae (main quarters), and ├-shaped haengnangchae, as well as a shrine, lotus pavilion, and gabin site, showcasing features of upper-class Joseon Dynasty residences. Unjoru Old House arranges spaces by hierarchy with different floor levels. Uniquely, it has a ramp not found in other old houses, allowing a palanquin to enter directly to the large sarangchae.

Piagol is a valley located in Toji-myeon, Gurye-gun, Jeollanam-do, and is a representative hiking course of Jirisan National Park. Clear and abundant water originating from the middle slopes of Banyabong, the second highest peak of Jirisan, winds through dense forests such as Imgeollyeong and Bulmujang, passes Piagol Samgeori and Yeongoksa, and flows into the Seomjin River. The valley is known for its outstanding scenic beauty with continuous waterfalls, pools, and deep waters, and its autumn foliage from mid-October to early November is counted among the ten scenic spots of Jirisan. In the past, the area had many fields of millet (pi), which is why it was originally called 'Pibatgol,' later changed to Piagol. Many people lost their lives here during conflicts such as the Imjin War, the late Joseon turmoil, the Yeosu-Suncheon incident, and the Korean War. The route to Piagol Valley from Oegok Samgeori, where Yeongokcheon joins the Seomjin River, to Yeongoksa is about 8 km, taking about 2 hours on foot but only 10 minutes by car. The valley has well-developed nature trails along it: beginners can walk 2 km round-trip to Pyo-go-makteo, intermediate hikers 4 km round-trip to Samhongso, and advanced hikers 8 km round-trip to the Piagol Shelter.