One of the most scenic routes in South Korea snakes through Jirisan National Park. Along the way, you can visit beautiful viewpoints, cafes, and temples. Time to take your car on a road trip.
Jirisan National Park is the largest and probably also the most famous national park in South Korea. A very good place to go hiking, with great scenery everywhere you look. But there is also plenty to see for those who prefer (or want to alternate with) driving.
All stops are marked in the “Namwon Day 10 – 12” layer of my Google Map for the lesser-known south and west of South Korea.
Odogae Pass
When you enter Jirisan National Park south of Hamyang you’ll automatically find yourself on the Odogae Pass (or Jianjae Pass). This pass was designated as one of the 100 most beautiful roads of Korea and is the start of your road trip through Jirisan National Park.
After reaching the top, you can park your car to take pictures with the zigzagging road.
First Gateway
Driving on you reach the First Gateway and a rest stop with a view of the northern side of the park. There’s a toilet building here and a small shop that sells local products. I still regret not buying dried Jujube here and having to buy a more expensive and not as good looking pack at Lotte Mart in Mokpo. So if you see something that interests you, buy it here or at the next stop.
Jirisanjomang Park
A bit further you reach another shop with a pavilion looking south.
Changwon village
Head further south to visit the village of Changwon and have a drink at 마을카페안녕 (opening hours: 10:00 – 18:00; closed on Mondays). I think I spent nearly two hours relaxing in their garden just like I do in my own garden. The cafe sells many homemade food and drinks. I can recommend their iced Mulberry tea, yogurt, cheesecake and toast with mulberry, strawberry and sweet potato spread.
Before moving on, take your time to observe and enjoy the quietness of the village you’re in.
Byeoksongsa Temple
At about a ten minutes’ drive, you can pay a visit to the secluded Byeoksongsa Temple. Walk to the top to have a great view of the temple site surrounded by mountains.
Seoamjeongsa Temple
The next stop is Seoamjeongsa Temple. Of all the sites I visited during this South Korea itinerary, this was perhaps the site I was most impressed with because it was so beautiful.
You can read more about my visit to Byeoksongsa Temple and Seoamjeongsa Temple in my Seoamjeongsa Special.
Leaving Jirisan National Park
Continue driving as on the picture and leave Jirisan National Park near Namwon. From here you can return to Hamyang using the expressway or head to the next stop on your list. Depending on your route and the season, Jirisan Herb Valley could be an interesting stop.
I actually took the 861 road south, but if you want to visit Jirisan Herb Valley on the same day, then this route is better.
How to visit by public transport
Temples and Changwon
Odogae / Jianjae Pass
Extra: Jirisan Herb Valley
The funny thing about this stop is that I actually planned to visit another Herb Valley as a day trip from Namwon and ended up finding this one on the map instead. To start with the most important observation: a visit to Jirisan Herb Valley is only worth it in spring and summer. When I visited on October 11, most fields were flowerless and there weren’t enough areas with plants that thrive in winter. So most areas looked barren, one building was under construction and they were preparing for an autumn festival the next day. In short: a mess.
I did like the botanical garden very much: there was a big variety of plants, many paths to explore (especially fun for kids!) and many things to see. You can look into another greenhouse to see herbs being grown from seeds. Further up is a more scientific hall and a room with dried herbs and preserved insects.
I think Jirisan Herb Village would be an interesting stop when the whole valley is in full bloom.
Jirisan Herb Valley by Public Transport
Reaching Jirisan Herb Valley is more convenient from Namwon city. Take bus 113 from somewhere in the city center of Namwon to bus stop 용산 정류장 하차 at a ten minutes’ walk from the entrance to Jirisan Herb Valley.
