Gurye

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

This 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.

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.