Plizio Visual Lab
Guryong Valley
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Forest
Weather…
Water temperature…
Guryong Valley is located at the foothills of Jirisan National Park near Namwon, famous for its sequence of nine waterfalls and deep pools. The name 'Guryong' translates to 'Nine Dragons,' derived from a legend stating that nine dragons descended from heaven to bathe in the valley's nine basins. The valley features a 4-kilometer hiking trail that winds through dense forests and over dramatic granite rock formations. Each of the nine basins has a unique name and distinct shape, with the uppermost basin, Guryongso, considered the most sacred site. Geologically, the valley is defined by granite bedrocks smoothed by water erosion over millennia. The region hosts various rare mosses and alpine plants that flourish in the humid microclimate. The valley is deeply embedded in local folklore and remains a significant destination for eco-tourism and spiritual retreats.
- Location: South Korea
- Top sights: Leehyeonsang Agit · Viewpoint · Dwaejipyeongjeon
- Nearby: Gurye (16 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -3 | -1 | 4 | 10 | 16 | 21 | 23 | 24 | 19 | 12 | 6 | -1 |
| Rain mm | 28 | 43 | 58 | 98 | 100 | 146 | 307 | 270 | 144 | 61 | 45 | 32 |
📋 Practical info
Getting there
Reaching the valley usually involves taking a bus or driving to the Jirisan National Park entrance. From the base, clearly marked trails lead to the falls.
Best season
Autumn is particularly striking when the foliage turns lively colors, and summer features refreshing greenery. Winters can be icy, making trails slippery.
Terrain & paths
The hiking paths include wooden boardwalks, stone steps, and natural rocky segments alongside the stream. The gradual incline is manageable but requires effort.
What to bring
Comfortable hiking boots with good grip are essential for the damp stones. Bring a small backpack with water, snacks, and a camera for the cascading ponds.
Parking
Organized parking areas are available near the national park entrance facilities. These lots often fill up quickly during peak foliage season on weekends.
Safety
Stay on the designated boardwalks and trails, as the mossy rocks near the water can be extremely slippery. Follow all posted park regulations and warnings.
Time needed
Hiking up to the highest of the nine waterfalls and returning typically takes about two to three hours. It forms a great half-day excursion for most hikers.
Geography
Facts
- Features 9 waterfalls and pools
- Hiking trail length: approx. 4 km
- Located within Jirisan National Park
- Guryongso is the 9th and highest basin
- Historically significant for shamanic rites
- Elevation gain of approximately 300 meters
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Guryong Valley (7)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Why is the valley named 'Guryong'?
The name means 'Nine Dragons', referring to a legend about nine dragons that lived in the valley's pools.
Where is Guryong Valley located?
It is located at the northern foot of Mt. Jirisan near Namwon City in Jeollabuk-do Province.
What are the highlights of the Guryong trail?
The trail features spectacular waterfalls, clear mountain streams, and nine famous deep rock pools along the route.
Is the trail suitable for beginners?
Yes, the trail is well-maintained and relatively easy to walk, making it handy for leisurely nature walks.
Are there parking fees there?
Usually, a small parking fee of about 2,000 to 5,000 KRW is charged at the official Jirisan National Park parking lots.
Guryong Valley: where is it located?
Guryong Valley is located in South Korea.
Guryong Valley: what is there to see?
Highlights include Leehyeonsang Agit, Viewpoint, Dwaejipyeongjeon.
Guryong Valley: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.
Guryong Valley: why is it worth visiting?
Guryong Valley is located at the foothills of Jirisan National Park near Namwon, famous for its sequence of nine waterfalls and deep pools.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Asia
More places in South Korea →
Nearby cities
Docheong-ri
An idyllic coastal village within the Byeonsan-bando National Park, known for its rugged cliffs and picturesque sunsets over the Yellow Sea.
Gurye
Gurye is a tranquil retreat at the foot of Jirisan Mountain, famous for its ancient temples and bright yellow Sansuyu blossoms.
Jangsu
A highland region celebrated for its clean air, premium beef, and the Jangsu Horse Leisure Park.
🗺️
Hadong
Hadong is the cradle of Korean tea, famous for the Seomjin River, ancient tea plantations, and cherry blossom tunnels.
Suncheon
Known as the 'Eco-Capital' of Korea, famous for Suncheonman Bay and its gardens.
Gwangyang
A major industrial city with one of the busiest seaports in the world and a large steel mill.
Yeosu
A scenic coastal city consisting of a peninsula and over 300 islands, which hosted the 2012 Expo.
🗺️
Geochang
Geochang is a scenic mountain city known for its international theater festival and the stunning landscape of Suseungdae.
Namhae
Namhae, often called 'Treasure Island,' is famous for its terraced rice fields, German Village, and stunning coastal temples.
Muju
A premier destination for outdoor sports, known for its ski resort, the Taekwondowon, and the annual firefly festival.
Sacheon
A hub for Korea's aerospace industry and a coastal city with a scenic bridge connecting Namhae Island.
Goheung
Goheung is a picturesque peninsula known as Korea's gateway to space and for its fragrant Yuja citrus fruits.
Sangju-myeon
Sangju-myeon on Namhae Island is home to one of Korea's most iconic silver sand beaches, framed by lush pine forests and mountains.
🗺️
Samcheonpo
A vibrant port city in Sacheon, known for its impressive bridges, fresh seafood markets, and the beautiful Namildae Beach.
Mijo-ri
An idyllic fishing village at the southernmost tip of Namhae Island, known for its picturesque harbor and crystal-clear waters.
History & landmarks
Jeonju Hanok Village
Located in the city of Jeonju, it has over 800 traditional Korean hanok houses.
Namwon
Known as the "City of Love," Namwon is the setting of the famous Chunhyang legend and a major gateway to Jirisan National Park.
Naganeupseong Folk Village
A fortress town from the Joseon Dynasty, remarkably well-preserved, where residents still live in thatched-roof houses.
Jinju
A historic city on the Nam River, famous for its impressive fortress and the annual lantern festival.
Hapcheon
Home to the famous Haeinsa Temple and Gayasan National Park, a place of spiritual depth and natural beauty.
Damyang
Damyang is Korea's bamboo capital, famous for its lush groves, traditional gardens, and scenic tree-lined paths.
Boseong
Boseong is famous for its terraced green tea fields, offering some of the most spectacular and serene landscapes in South Korea.
Boseong Green Tea Fields
Spectacular, expansive tea plantations in Boseong, famous for producing high-quality green tea.
Nature
Byeonsan Peninsula Coast
The coast of Byeonsanbando National Park features a unique landscape of sea cliffs, unusual rock formations, and wide tidal flats.
Seonyudo Island Coast
One of the main islands in the Gogunsan Archipelago, known for its beautiful beaches, scenic landscape, and the bridges connecting it to …
Seomjin River
One of South Korea's cleanest major rivers, flowing through Jeolla and Gyeongsang provinces.
Gwangju Lake Eco-Park
An ecological park by Gwangju Lake that highlights the importance of wetlands and water resources, providing a peaceful retreat.
Saryangdo Island Coast
The coast of Saryangdo Island is known for its dramatic cliffs and the famous suspension bridge hiking trail connecting its peaks.
More places
Gangcheonsan Mountain Valley
A valley in Sunchang renowned for its crimson autumn leaves, waterfalls, and a 50-meter-long suspension bridge.
🗺️
Muju Gucheondong Valley
A scenic valley within Deogyusan National Park, stretching for 25 kilometers and known for its clear water and lush vegetation.
Mireuksa Temple Site
The ruins of the largest Buddhist temple of the ancient Baekje Kingdom.
Naejangsan National Park
Famous as one of the best places in Korea to see autumn foliage.
Gimje Horizon Festival
An annual festival celebrating Korea's rich agricultural heritage, held in the country's largest rice-growing region.
Gochang Dolmen Sites
The largest and most concentrated collection of dolmens (prehistoric stone tombs) in the world.
Jirisan National Park
The first and largest national park in South Korea, home to diverse flora and fauna, including the Asiatic black bear.
Suncheon Bay Wetlands
One of the world's largest coastal wetlands, home to vast reed fields and a major habitat for migratory birds.