Gurye Cornelian Cherry Blossom Festival

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.