Temples of Mt Jirisan along the Seomjin River (private)

Temples of Mt Jirisan along the Seomjin River (private)

By Tasty Trails Korea

Free cancellation available

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Features

Free cancellation available
10h
Mobile voucher
Instant confirmation
Selective hotel pickup

Overview

This tour begins in Gwangju Metropolitan City and takes you to Gokseong and Gurye in South Jeolla Province. It takes about 1 hour to reach Gokseong from Gwangju, and about 1.5 hours to get from Gurye to Gwangju.

Embark on a scenic journey through the majestic surroundings of Mt. Jirisan and the Seomjin River in Gurye and Gokseong.
This tour immerses you in Korea’s rich cultural and natural heritage, offering a chance to explore holy temples and experience the peaceful rhythms of mountain life—without the need for an overnight temple stay. And don’t miss one of the best ways to enjoy the Seomjin River: a nostalgic ride on the iconic steam train, included as part of this tour.

If you’d like to hike Nogodan Peak in Jirisan after the tour, we recommend spending a night in Gurye.
You can enjoy the hike on your own the following day, and we’re happy to offer complimentary support with hotel bookings, Nogodan hiking reservations, and transportation arrangements for your next destination.

Activity location

Gokseong Seomjin train village
- 232, Gichamaeul-ro, Ogok-myeon
- 57544, Gokseong-gun, Jeollanam-do, South Korea

Meeting/Redemption Point

Gokseong Seomjin train village
- 232, Gichamaeul-ro, Ogok-myeon
- 57544, Gokseong-gun, Jeollanam-do, South Korea

Check availability

Temples of Mt Jirisan along the Seomjin River (private)

10h
English

Pickup included

Travellers

Language options: English

Starting time: 9:30

Price details

RM 1,190.91 x 1 AdultRM 1,190.91

Total

Until Thu, 29 Jan

What's included, what's not

Private transportation
Entrance fee
Lunch
Coffee and/or Tea
Alcoholic Beverages
Personal Travel Insurance

Know before you book

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Activity itinerary

Gokseong Seomjin train village

1h
Admission ticket included

First opened in 1933, the original Gokseong Station served the region until a new station opened in 1999. After the old line was closed, the old station and its tracks were transformed into Seomjingang Train Village, where the nearby streets have been recreated to look just like they did in the past. Its highlight is the steam train ride, often called the best way to enjoy the Seomjin River. Step aboard the vintage locomotive and take a slow, scenic 10 km journey to Gajeong Station, following the crystal-clear river and peaceful countryside views. It’s one of the most charming rides in Korea.

Ssangsanjae

45m
Admission ticket included

Sangsanjae, a historic house that has been home to the Haeju Oh family for over 200 years, was originally built as a private study. Inside the simple gate lies a hidden courtyard surrounded by the main house, guest quarters, and a shrine. Passing the guest quarters and climbing the stone steps reveals a secluded garden with bamboo, tea trees, and camellia tunnels leading to a broad lawn. Beyond the lawn stands the Seodangchae—the study hall that gave Sangsanjae its name—where the family’s descendants once studied. A pond and reservoir complete this serene landscape. Sangsanjae reflects the humble spirit of its ancestors, who sought a life of quiet contemplation, surrounded by books and nature. This is the perfect place to experience the essence of Korea’s traditional architecture and the tranquil beauty of its natural surroundings

Gurye-gun

Lunch in Gurye 1. Sanchae Jeongsik (Mountain Vegetable Set Meal) A traditional set meal featuring wild mountain vegetables from Jirisan, with rice, pickles, and seasonal side dishes 2. Jaecheop Set Meal (Freshwater Clams) Freshwater clams from the Seomjin River, known for their sweet, delicate flavor, served in soups, pancakes, or cold dishes. 3. Lotus Leaf Rice Rice wrapped in a lotus leaf, served with side dishes made from locally grown vegetables and fermented ingredients 4. Pork Cutlet Handmade pork cutlet served with a delicate Cornelian cherry (Sansuyu) sauce. Gurye produces about 70% of Korea’s Cornelian cherries, making this a signature local flavor. 5. Fried Sweetfish Sweetfish from the clean waters of the Seomjin River. Mild, tender, and with no fishy smell, they are enjoyed even by those who usually avoid fish. Our lunch menus are reasonably priced, from 15,000 KRW to 35,000 KRW, depending on your choice.

Saseongam Hermitage

1h 30m

Perched on the 530-meter peak of Mt. Osan, Saseongam Hermitage is said to have been founded in 544 by the monk Yeongi. Its name, meaning “Hermitage of the Four Saints,” comes from the tradition that four renowned monks once practiced spiritual discipline here. Saseongam is known for three highlights: 1. Wish Rock – A stone said to resemble the image of the Buddha. Local belief holds that one sincere wish made here will surely come true. 2. Yaksa-jeon (Medicine Buddha Hall) – On the rock wall behind the hall is an engraved image of the Medicine Buddha, which legend attributes to Master Wonhyo, who is said to have drawn it with his fingernail. 3. Scenic Views – The hermitage offers breathtaking panoramic views of both Jirisan National Park and the Seomjin River.

Hwaeomsa Temple

Hwaeomsa Temple, founded in 544 AD in the heart of Jirisan—Korea’s spiritual mountain—is one of the most important centers of Korean Buddhism. It played a key role in “Buddhism for the protection of the nation” (hoguk Buddhism), serving as a spiritual stronghold that combined religious practice with the country’s defense. Over the centuries, it has preserved remarkable cultural and architectural heritage. Don’t miss the majestic Gakhwangjeon Hall, the largest wooden structure of its kind in Korea, named by King Sukjong for its role in protecting the nation. Every evening at sunset, the temple holds the traditional Samul ritual to signal the start of the evening prayer. In the quiet dusk, the deep, resonant sounds of the temple instruments create a truly spiritual atmosphere.

Location

Activity location

Gokseong Seomjin train village
- 232, Gichamaeul-ro, Ogok-myeon
- 57544, Gokseong-gun, Jeollanam-do, South Korea

Meeting/Redemption Point

Gokseong Seomjin train village
- 232, Gichamaeul-ro, Ogok-myeon
- 57544, Gokseong-gun, Jeollanam-do, South Korea

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