Understand

Jirisan National Park, situated in South Korea, is not only the largest but also incredibly renowned. Spanning three provinces - South Jeolla, North Jeolla, and South Gyeongsang - this park is home to Jiri mountain, one of the three holy mountains on the Korean peninsula. Hiking enthusiasts will find themselves captivated by the beauty of Jirisan National Park, which marks the start of the Baekdu Deagan Ridge. Stretching all the way to Baekdusan, on the border of China and North Korea, this ridge is often referred to as the "spine" of Korea. With 12 peaks over 1,000m and a 40km ridge, Jirisan National Park offers some of the finest hiking opportunities in Korea. Don't miss the chance to conquer the highest peak, Cheonwangbong, standing at an impressive 1,915m—the second tallest mountain in South Korea.

Get in & out

Ready to embark on a memorable trek to Jirisan? The journey begins in the vibrant city of Busan, where you have multiple options to reach this magnificent mountain. Buckle up and hit the road, either by car or bus, to immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring beauty of Jirisan. From Busan, make your way to the Seobu Terminal, where convenient buses depart daily. Choose from two buses that will transport you to the mesmerizing Ssanggyesa. This ancient temple, nestled amidst nature's embrace, will leave you awestruck with its tranquil ambiance. For those seeking a different route, four buses depart daily (including two in the early morning) to Jungsan-ri, where remarkable adventures await. If Gurye is on your list, fear not, as there is one bus departing every other hour. To make things even more exciting, Jirisan can also be accessed from other cities like Jeonju, Gwangju, and Daegu. So, gather your friends or embark on a solo journey and explore the wonders of Jirisan from different starting points. Don't forget, there are even more possibilities! Consider taking a bus to Hadong, Namwon, Hamyang, Sancheong, or Jinju, depending on your starting location, and continue your adventure by hopping on a local bus. Keep in mind that some routes have earlier stopping times than others, so plan accordingly. To ensure a smooth adventure, it's wise to call ahead or visit your local tourist information office to gather all the bus schedules for these fascinating cities. Keep in mind that return journeys follow a similar pattern, so you'll have ample opportunity to revisit your favorite spots and create lasting memories. Get ready to conquer Jirisan with these thrilling transportation options!

Map & Climate

Popular Foods

The first and perhaps most famous Korean dish is Kimchi Jjigae, a spicy stew made from fermented vegetables (most commonly napa cabbage), with sliced pork, tofu, and chilli peppers added for extra kick. It's a comforting yet fiery dish that showcases the depth of Korean flavours.

Bibimbap is another wildly renowned Korean dish which translates directly to 'mixed rice'. It's typically served as a bowl of warm, steamed white rice, topped with sautéed vegetables, sliced meat (often beef or chicken), a fried egg, and chilled gochujang (red pepper paste) sauce that's stirred into the dish just before eating. This versatile meal can be enjoyed with an array of side dishes, making it both hearty and customizable.

Jajangmyeon is a delightful noodle dish starring chewy somen noodles drenched in a savory black bean sauce, typically garnished with julienned cucumber, crispy seaweed, and sesame seeds. While it often features seafood like squid, octopus, or shrimp, there are also vegetarian versions available. This hearty meal is both filling and satisfying, reflecting its Chinese origin while embracing a uniquely Korean twist.

Historical Appearance

Traditional Male Clothing

Traditional Female Clothing