Jirisan National Park (지리산국립공원) is in South Gyeongsang, South Korea.
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. Within the park is Jiri mountain, which is considered one of the three holy mountains on the Korean peninsula. 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.
Jirisan became Korea's first national park in 1967.
Jirisan National Park spreads over 320 km². Numerous peaks are folding out like a screen in the center with the Cheonwangbong. (1,915 m), Banyabong. (1,732 m), and Nogodan. (1,507 m) peaks. Many valleys are situated between the over 20 ridges. Jirisan is the cause for the cultural differences and varieties between regions to its east and west.
With 4,989 flora and fauna inhabiting its grounds, Jirisan is a treasure chest of nature. Various vegetation from warm-temperate forests and temperate central forests to cold forests populate jirisan.
Continental climate is present in Jirisan National Park with strong winds along the mountain ridges.
Jirisan National Park spreads over 320 km². Numerous peaks are folding out like a screen in the center with the Cheonwangbong. (1,915 m), Banyabong. (1,732 m), and Nogodan. (1,507 m) peaks. Many valleys are situated between the over 20 ridges. Jirisan is the cause for the cultural differences and varieties between regions to its east and west.
Jirisan National Park spreads over 320 km². Numerous peaks are folding out like a screen in the center with the Cheonwangbong. (1,915 m), Banyabong. (1,732 m), and Nogodan. (1,507 m) peaks. Many valleys are situated between the over 20 ridges. Jirisan is the cause for the cultural differences and varieties between regions to its east and west.
Jirisan National Park spreads over 320 km². Numerous peaks are folding out like a screen in the center with the Cheonwangbong. (1,915 m), Banyabong. (1,732 m), and Nogodan. (1,507 m) peaks. Many valleys are situated between the over 20 ridges. Jirisan is the cause for the cultural differences and varieties between regions to its east and west.
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.
- Cheonwangbong peak. 1,915 m
- Sanggyesa temple. This is one the major temples in Korea. You can take a bus from the Hadong Terminal.
- Buril waterfall. This waterfall is only 1 or 2 km away from Sanggyasa temple, but it is a decent climb.
- Hwaeomsa temple. This is the stop. of the bus leaving from Gurye. Use it to explain your destination to reach the national park.
Cheonwangbong peak. 1,915 m
Sanggyesa temple. This is one the major temples in Korea. You can take a bus from the Hadong Terminal.
Buril waterfall. This waterfall is only 1 or 2 km away from Sanggyasa temple, but it is a decent climb.
Hwaeomsa temple. This is the stop. of the bus leaving from Gurye. Use it to explain your destination to reach the national park.
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:
Some shelters sell basic food, even tough this is not guaranteed.
You have to mostly cater for yourself along the tracks.
- 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.
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.
Bring appropriate shoes, gear and cloths. In winter the temperature along the ridge can be far below 0°C and the strong wind adds an additional burden. Crampons can be meaningful, 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 well-profiled hiking shoes. 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.