Leaving Worldly Cares Behind in the Deep Mountain Foot of Jirisan

Here is an opportunity to explore Jirisan Mountain, a realm of deep valleys and rich stories. Located in western Gyeongsangnam-do, Hamyang is a land embraced by Jirisan Mountain. From Sangnim Park, home to many cultural heritages of the noble literati, to ancient temples nestled in the mountain and the thunderous waters of Yongyudam Pool, do not miss any of these scenic spots.

Along the way

1. 1
   Sangnim Park

   상림공원

   Located beneath Jirisan Mountain, Hamyang was once considered one of the most remote regions. As a representative center of Confucianism in Gyeongsang-udo Province blessed with scenic mountains and pristine waters, Hamyang boasts many cultural heritages associated with the yangban noble literati. People from Hamyang say there is one thing they miss even more than old friends: Sangnim, a forest created by Choe Chi-won when he served as the governor of Cheonryeong-gun. Filled with the memories and romance of past and present residents and visitors, and imbued with the deep love for the people shown by an eminent local official, this place is Sangnim. MoreLess

   

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2. 2

   Anguksa Temple (Hamyang)

   안국사(함양)

   Anguksa Temple was founded in 1403 (the 3rd year of King Taejong) by Master Haengho to pray for national peace and the well-being of the people. It was destroyed by fire in 1947 and rebuilt in 1965, and features a unique stupa. Continuing up the slope past Anguksa Temple, Geumdaeam Hermitage is located below the mountain peak. Although originally a hermitage of Anguksa founded by the same person in the same era, it is now a much larger and more grand temple than Anguksa. It burned down in 1950 and was rebuilt in 1960. It was recorded in Takyeong Kim Il-son's Jirisan travelogue (Duryusan Gihaeng) as a place he visited with Ildu Jeong Yeo-chang while traveling to Jirisan. Considering the poem by Noegye Yu Ho-in—"How fare you, Geumdae? The gate under the pine is as of old; awoken from a clear dream by the pine breeze, I suddenly talk in my sleep"—it is believed to be a temple frequented by many people since ancient times. Inside the temple grounds are the Stupa of Master Eungwang (Tangible Cultural Heritage of Gyeongsangnam-do No. 337) and the Stupa of Anguksa Temple (Tangible Cultural Heritage of Gyeongsangnam-do No. 35). MoreLess

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3. 3

   Hansin Valley (Baengmudong Valley)

   한신계곡(백무동계곡)

   Hansin Valley originates from the gorge between Chotdaebong Peak and Yeongsinbong Peak of Jirisan Mountain, joins Hansinjigyeok Valley at Ganeso Falls, and leads to Baengmudong. Due to its rugged terrain, Hansin Valley boasts primeval forests. The route leading from Baengmudong through Hansin Valley to Seseok requires strong physical stamina. In summer, it is in the limelight as a prime summer retreat with its lush greenery and crystal-clear waters. In late autumn, fallen leaves and waves of autumn foliage create a deep, touching autumnal sentiment. In winter, heavy snow forms ice walls and snow walls, thrilling adventure-seeking mountaineers. MoreLess

   

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4. 4

   Byeoksongsa Temple

   벽송사

   Byeoksongsa Temple is presumed to have been founded in the late Silla or early Goryeo period. It has long been widely known as a place of ascetic practice, but its detailed history is difficult to trace due to fire. It is said that Great Master Byeoksong Jieom rebuilt it in 1520 during the reign of King Jungjong of the Joseon Dynasty. It is home to the Three-story Stone Pagoda of Byeoksongsa Temple, designated as Treasure No. 474. Situated halfway up the mountain at the entrance to Chilseon Valley—one of Korea's top three valleys—in Jirisan Mountain, it is also a place that holds a tragic history around the time of the Korean War. MoreLess

   

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5. 5

   Yongyudam Pool

   용유담

   Located upstream on the Eomcheongang River, Yongyudam Pool belongs to a village called Songjeong-ri on the border between Macheon-myeon and Hyucheon-myeon. Clear waters flowing down from the beautiful valleys of Jirisan Mountain converge here. When the pristine water reaches Yongyudam, it forms a flat, rectangular pool accompanied by the thunderous roar of the waterfall even under the bright, sunny midday sky. The rugged granite rock formations stacked in layers resemble a dragon soaring into the sky. MoreLess

   

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