Jirisan National Park National Park

Address: Jirisan National Park HQ, South Korea (park spans multiple provinces)

Website: http://english.knps.or.kr/Knp/Jirisan/Intro/Introduction.aspx

Admission: Park entrance fees vary by trailhead and services; some areas free, guided hut stays may cost extra

Jirisan National Park is one of South Korea’s largest and oldest national parks, encompassing extensive mountain terrain and dense forested valleys. The park is known for long-distance hiking routes, alpine ridgelines and a network of mountain shelters.

Key attractions include the high summit areas and panoramic ridgelines, temple sites within the park, and multi-day trekking routes along the Baekdudaegan mountain spine. Trails range from short valley walks to multi-day climbs that require overnight stays in mountain huts.

The park’s history as a conserved area dates to its designation in 1967, and it has long been a focus for both pilgrimage and wilderness recreation. Traditional temples such as Hwaeomsa are located on park slopes and combine cultural and natural heritage.

Jirisan spans parts of South Gyeongsang, North Jeolla and South Jeolla provinces, with access from several towns and trailheads; the park’s high ridges and main peaks sit in southern central Korea.

• Highest peak: The park’s highest summit reaches 1,915 meters, making it a major highland area in southern Korea with alpine ridgelines and long-distance trails.
• Establishment: Established as a national park in 1967, it is one of South Korea’s oldest national parks and covers extensive mountain terrain across provincial boundaries.

What to See#

• Cheonwangbong Peak (1,915 m): The highest summit in the park, rising to 1,915 meters and providing the park’s main alpine viewpoints and long-distance hiking routes.
• Hwaeomsa Temple: A historic Buddhist temple on the southern slopes of the park that serves as both a pilgrimage destination and a trailhead for mountain hikes.
• Baemsagol Valley: A steep valley trail and popular hiking route known for waterfalls and seasonal displays of fall foliage; many multi-day routes start or pass through this valley.

Jirisan is spread across several provinces. Common access points are from Gurye (South Jeolla) or Hamyang (South Gyeongsang). From Seoul, KTX to Gwangju or buses to Gurye followed by local buses to trailheads are typical; check the national park site for trailhead details.

• Reserve mountain huts in advance if planning multi-day treks-Jirisan sees seasonal demand.
• Start hikes before 8am to avoid afternoon clouds and to reach ridge-lines in clear weather.