JIRO Letter March Issue: Discover Spring in Gurye, Jeollanam-do

Hello from JIRO!

Today, we’re excited to share the March issue of the JIRO Letter, featuring Gurye County in Jeollanam-do.

In an earlier post, we introduced spring in Gurye, when the cornelian cherry blossoms come into bloom. This new issue explores the story in greater detail, so we hope you’ll take a look.

JIRO Letter March Issue: Discover Spring in Gurye, Jeollanam-do

Spring in Korea?

Make it Gurye.

Gurye County is one of the first places in Korea where you can 

truly feel the arrival of spring.

This is because Gurye has the largest number of cornelian cherry trees in the country. Their yellow blossoms bloom earlier than cherry blossoms, quietly announcing the beginning of spring.

By mid-March, the entire village is painted yellow with blooming cornelian cherry flowers.

It is also the time when the Cornelian Cherry Blossom Festival takes place.

As you immerse yourself in the festival and feel spring with your whole body, you may find yourself filled with yellow excitement.

And perhaps—just like the meaning of the cornelian cherry blossom—an everlasting love may quietly find its way to you.

Passionate About Cornelian Cherry

Gurye’s mascot is a charming character inspired by the cornelian cherry fruit and flower.

There’s even a song called “Sansuyu of Gurye.”

~Sweet and tangy on the tongue,

bright red cornelian cherries.

A burst of freshness in every bite

the cornelian cherries of Gurye.~

Saseongam Hermitage, Osan Mountain (Gurye)

Address: 303 Saseongam-gil, Muncheok-myeon, Gurye County, Jeollanam-do, Korea

Saseongam is a prayer hermitage founded during the reign of King Seong of the Baekje Kingdom.

For over a thousand years, it has been regarded as a sacred place where renowned monks such as Wonhyo and Uisang practiced their spiritual training.

A rock-carved standing Buddha is engraved on the cliff wall inside Yaksajeon Hall.

According to local legend, Master Wonhyo carved the image with his fingernails.

Saseongam Hermitage, Osan Mountain (Gurye)

Address: 303 Saseongam-gil, Muncheok-myeon, Gurye County, Jeollanam-do, Korea

The Legends of Saseongam

“Wish Rock” — said to grant at least one wish.

According to legend, this is a place tied to a tragic story.

A wife waited for her husband who had gone away to sell a raft, only to pass away while waiting. Overcome with grief after losing his wife, the husband is said to have later left the world as well.

Hwaeomsa Temple

Address: 539 Hwaeomsa-ro, Masan-myeon, Gurye County, Jeollanam-do, Korea

Hwaeomsa soothes the heart in a different way with each season..

In spring, it is filled with the energy of new life.

In summer, the sound of temple bells swaying in the breeze brings a refreshing sense of calm.. 

In autumn, fallen leaves gently color the temple grounds.

And in winter, even the soft sound of snow gathering beneath the eaves brings quiet peace to the heart.

Seomjingang Bamboo Forest Trail

Address: 1 Wonbang-ri, Gurye-eup, Gurye County, Jeollanam-do, Korea

When speaking of Gurye, one place you simply cannot leave out is the  'Seomjin River.'

A bamboo trail stretches along the Seomjin River.

Blending beautifully with the riverside scenery, it brings peace to all who walk there.

As you follow the fresh green path through the bamboo grove, you naturally begin to feel your body and mind gently restored.

Gurye’s Culinary Delights

1) Sanarae Cheotjip 

Address: 76 Jikjeon-gil, Toji-myeon, Gurye County, Jeollanam-do, Korea

A rich mushroom hot pot made with mushrooms grown in Jirisan.

Sanarae Cheotjip also operates a guesthouse and a pension.

2) Jeonwon Garden 

Address: 76 Seomjingang-ro, Gurye-eup, Gurye County, Jeollanam-do, Korea

A hearty spicy freshwater fish stew made with fish from the Seomjin River, together with dried radish greens, onions, and other fresh vegetables.

Rich and full-bodied, yet refreshingly clean on the palate that balance 

is what makes it so special.

3) Gurye Millbat

Address: 377-1 Hwaeomsa-ro, Masan-myeon, Gurye County, Jeollanam-do, Korea

Bringing the refreshing spirit of the Seomjin River, a bowl of freshwater snail broth with delightfully chewy hand-pulled dough pieces.

A wholesome ingredient that is low in fat and high in protein,

known to be helpful for dieting and supporting eye health. (Thank you, freshwater snails.)

Gohyang Sanjang 

Address: 3 Nogodan-ro, Gwangui-myeon, Gurye County, Jeollanam-do, Korea

A hearty table set with all kinds of mushrooms and wild greens from Jirisan  the Wild Greens Set Menu.

As you enjoy your rice with side dishes like pickles, simmered dishes, and salted seafood...

Wait… where did my rice go?

Transportation in Gurye

Guryegu Station the gateway to Gurye County and Jirisan.

KTX

KTX-Sancheon

SRT

ITX-Maeum

ITX-Saemaeul

S-Train (Southern Coast Tourist Train)

Mugunghwa Train

—all of them stop here.

Despite its name, Guryegu Station is located in Suncheon City, 

not in Gurye County.

*If you cross the bridge just outside the station, you can enter Gurye County.

Gurye County is a tourism hub that connects the Seomjin River region.

Bring a receipt from one of the major tourist attractions in the Seomjin River region, and visit another participating discount destination within 30 days to receive a 50% discount!!

Please refer to the table on the next page for more details.

Guide to Discount Locations in the Seomjin River Region

How was the Gurye JIRO Letter??

Have a great day, and we will post again soon~