KR · South Gyeongsang Province · 35.34°N 127.73°E

jirisan

Korea's first national park: big ridge hikes, old temples and mountain herb food.

Best time
Spring for blossoms in the valleys and azaleas on the ridges, and mid-October to early November for autumn colours. Summer is good for the valleys but humid, and winter hiking needs proper gear.
How long
1–3 days
Getting there
Fly from KL to Seoul (about 6.5 hours) or Busan (about 6 hours). Buses from Seoul reach the main trailhead towns in about 3.5 to 4 hours, or take the KTX to Gurye-gu station in about 2.5 hours. From Busan it's about 2 hours by car.
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KR · South Gyeongsang Provincejirisan35.34°N 127.73°Egowherelah.com
Dear group chat,Korea's first national park: big ridge hikes, old temples and mountain herb food.— gowherelahTo: whoever’s drivingJirisanKR, South Gyeongsang Province
KLjirisan
≈ 4,473 km from KL, as the crow flies
2006년 대한민국 지리산의 모습

Photo: by eimoberg · CC BY 2.0

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Photos: Wikimedia Commons, credited on each.

The tallest mountain on the Korean mainland, at 1,915 m, and the heart of Korea's first and largest national park. The park spreads across three provinces, with long ridge trails, deep valleys and old temples such as Hwaeomsa and Ssanggyesa.

Makan

  1. Sanchae bibimbapRice topped with wild mountain vegetables, served near the temples and trailheads.Map ↗
  2. Hadong green teaThe Hwagae valley is where tea was first grown in Korea. Try a cup at a local tea house.Map ↗

Things to do

  1. CheonwangbongThe summit, usually climbed from Jungsan-ri. A long, steep day, or catch the sunrise by staying at a shelter.Map ↗
  2. NogodanA high viewpoint reached by an easier walk from the Seongsamjae pass, known for its seas of cloud.Map ↗
  3. HwaeomsaThe park's best-known temple, on the Gurye side, with stone treasures from the Silla era.Map ↗
  4. Ssanggyesa and HwagaeA temple at the end of a long cherry blossom road, with green tea fields on the slopes around it.Map ↗
  5. The main ridgeExperienced hikers walk the ridge over two or three days, sleeping in mountain shelters.Map ↗

Good to know

  • Mountain shelters must be booked in advance through the national park service.
  • Some trails close in spring and late autumn to prevent forest fires, so check before you go.
  • Weather on the ridge changes fast. Start early and carry warm, waterproof layers.

Last checked October 2026. Things change, so check opening times, fees and transport before you go.