Best trails in Jirisan National Park
Jirisan National Park, which expands through three provinces and five cities is Korea's first ever designated national park. It is also the largest park in South Korea. In the past, natives devoted themselves to Jirisan to seek truth. This is why its name means "the mountain of the odd and wise people." Jirisan is also known to be one of three legendary mountains in Korea. The biodiversity in Jirisan is vast, there are over 4,000 species inhabiting the park. The park also consists of waterfalls and cultural temples.
Top trails
- (89)•Hard•7.1 miJungsanri - Cheonwangbong Loop (중산리 - 천왕봉) This is a challenging trail with outstanding rewards. It takes you to Cheonwangbong Peak, which is known to be the second tallest peak in South Korea (the first being Hallasan). The views at the peak are stunning. Additionally, you will pass by gorgeous waterfalls, temples, and pagodas. There is a Jangteomok shelter (장터목 대피소) along the way you can reserve in advance. It will be an amazing experience to stay a night and watch the view of the sunset...
- (72)•Moderate•4.8 mi•Est. 3–3.5 hrSeongsamjae Rest Area - Nogodan (성삼재 휴게소 - 노고단) Jirisan is the second-highest mountain after Hallasan and has a wide range of hiking trails of varying difficulty. This course takes you from Seongsamjae (성삼재) to Nogodan (노고단), one of the most popular trails. It is family- and kid-friendly because the trail is gently sloped and has nice paved paths and wooden walkways. To reach the summit of Nogodan, you must make a reservation through the national park's website....
- (36)•Hard•6.4 mi•Est. 6.5–7 hrCheonwangbong via Jungsanri Visitor Center(천왕봉 - 중산리 탐방센터 코스) Cheonwangbong is the tallest peak of Jirisan which was designated as the first National Park in Korea in 1967. Jungsanri, one of many other start points, is the shortest hike to the top. In the middle of the hike, there is a temple, Beopgyesa, and a Rotari shelter where you can rest. The trail after these is usually considered as the hardest part of the hike. Trail hours vary in different seasons, so make sure you check the time...
- (37)•Hard•8.6 mi•Est. 8–8.5 hrCheongwangbong via Baengmudong (천왕봉 - 백무동 코스) This hike, starting from Baengmudong, is typically known as a trail to climb and watch the sunrise at Cheonwangbong Peak. On the way to the peak, you will get to Jangteomok shelter, where you can stay a night and prepare yourself for the amazing sunrise the next day.
- (22)•Hard•19.5 mi•Est. 13.5–14.5 hrMount Jirisan Mubak Traverse: Seongsamjae - Nogodan - Cheonwangbong - Jungsan-ri (지리산 무박 종주 : 성삼재 - 노고단 - 천왕봉 - 중산리) This is an unforgettable hike with fantastic views. The trail traverses from Seongsamjae to Jungsan-ri, two of the main trailheads. It is challenging and can be compared to the Trans-Catalina Trail or parts of the JMT. It is well-maintained and well-marked. The shelters are well-stocked, and water is not an issue on this trail. You have to reserve the shelter to stay...
- (16)•Hard•7.8 mi•Est. 6.5–7 hrHwa-Eomsa Temple - Nogodan Shelter (화엄사 - 노고단 대피소) The hike from Hwaeomsa Temple (화엄사) to Yeongiam Hermitage (연기암) passes through dense forests and streams. From the hermitage, the slope increases to Nogodan Shelter (노고단 대피소), with many stone steps and rocky paths. You must make a reservation to reach the summit of Nogodan from Nogodan Shelter and stay a night at the shelter. Please check the national park's website for reservations and any seasonal closures:...
- (10)•Hard•7.8 mi•Est. 4.5–5 hrYeonhacheon Shelter - Jangteomok Shelter (연하천 대피소 - 장터목 대피소) A favorite mountain for hikers, Jirisan/Chiri-san (지리산) is a national park with a variety of well-maintained hiking trails. This section is not accessible by car and is a part of the mountain range. This long trail takes you from Yeonhaecheon Shelter (연하천 대피소) to Jangteomok Shelter (장터목 대피소), passing Seoseok (세석대피소) and Byeoksoryeong Shelter (벽소령 대피소). You can stay at the shelters by reservation only and can book it 15 days in...
- (11)•Hard•8.4 mi•Est. 5.5–6 hrNogodan Shelter - Byeoksoryeong Shelter (노고단 대피소 - 벽소령 대피소) This course passes through three shelters and many peaks on Jirisan Mountain (지리산), offering stunning views of Jirisan Ridge. There is a mineral spring at Imgeollyeong (임결령) where you can refill your water. You can also refill your water at each shelter. Jirisan Shelter requires reservations through the National Park website for overnight stays.
- (9)•Moderate•3.1 mi•Est. 2.5–3 hrJangteomok Shelter - Jungsanri Visitor Center (장터목대피소 - 중산리 탐방지원센터) Jangtermok Shelter (장터목대피소) is the perfect place to relax and take in the views of Jirisan Mountain. There are restrooms and water refills available here. From the shelter to Jungsan-ri is mostly with a steep stone and wooden staircase; you can see the waterfall and valley closely.
- (14)•Hard•5.4 mi•Est. 5.5–6 hrJirisan Cheonwangbong Peak - Sundulyu (지리산 천황봉 - 순두류) The trail goes from Sundulyu (순두류) to Cheonwangbong Peak (천황봉), the summit of Jirisan/Chi-risan Mountain (지리산). You can pay cash to take a shuttle bus from Jungsanri Visitor Center (중산리 탐방지원센터) to Sundulyu. The trail is well-maintained, mostly with rocky paths and stairs. Halfway up, there is a rest area, and restrooms are available at the Rotary Shelter (로타리 대피소). There is also Beopgyesa Temple (법계사), so you can explore. The national...
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Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to hike in Jirisan National Park?
According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Jirisan National Park is Jungsanri - Cheonwangbong Loop, which has a 4.8 star rating from 89 reviews. This trail is 7.1 mi long with an elevation gain of 4,268 ft.
What is the longest trail in Jirisan National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Jirisan National Park is Jirisan Traverse: Hwaeomsa Temple - Daewonsa Temple. This trail is estimated to be 25.7 mi long.
How many trails are in Jirisan National Park?
There are 51 trails in Jirisan National Park. These trails have an average 4.4-star rating from 488 AllTrails community reviews.
Which trail has the most elevation gain in Jirisan National Park?
If you're looking for elevation gain, Jirisan National Park has you covered. Jirisan Traverse: Hwaeomsa Temple - Daewonsa Temple boasts the most elevation gain with 9,258 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Mount Jirisan Mubak Traverse: Seongsamjae - Nogodan - Jungsan-ri, which will get you 6,318 ft of elevation gain.
Are there camping trails available in Jirisan National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 17 camping trails in Jirisan National Park and the most popular is Jungsanri - Cheonwangbong Loop with an average 4.8 star rating from 89 community reviews.
Are there any trails with springs in Jirisan National Park?
Yes, there are 38 trails with springs in Jirisan National Park, including Jungsanri - Cheonwangbong Loop, Cheonwangbong via Jungsanri Visitor Center, Cheonwangbong via Baengmudong, Mount Jirisan Mubak Traverse: Seongsamjae - Nogodan - Jungsan-ri, and Yeonhacheon Shelter - Jangteomok Shelter.
Are there any trails with scenic mountain peak views in Jirisan National Park?
Yes, there are 38 trails with scenic mountain peak views in Jirisan National Park, including Jungsanri - Cheonwangbong Loop, Seongsamjae Rest Area - Nogodan, Cheonwangbong via Jungsanri Visitor Center, Cheonwangbong via Baengmudong, and Mount Jirisan Mubak Traverse: Seongsamjae - Nogodan - Jungsan-ri.
Are there any trails with huts in Jirisan National Park?
Yes, there are 21 trails with huts in Jirisan National Park, including Jungsanri - Cheonwangbong Loop, Seongsamjae Rest Area - Nogodan, Cheonwangbong via Baengmudong, Mount Jirisan Mubak Traverse: Seongsamjae - Nogodan - Jungsan-ri, and Hwa-Eomsa Temple - Nogodan Shelter.
Are there any trails with scenic viewpoints in Jirisan National Park?
Yes, there are 23 trails with scenic viewpoints in Jirisan National Park, including Jungsanri - Cheonwangbong Loop, Cheonwangbong via Jungsanri Visitor Center, Mount Jirisan Mubak Traverse: Seongsamjae - Nogodan - Jungsan-ri, Yeonhacheon Shelter - Jangteomok Shelter, and Nogodan Shelter - Byeoksoryeong Shelter.
Are there any trails with waterfalls in Jirisan National Park?
Yes, there are 18 trails with waterfalls in Jirisan National Park, including Jungsanri - Cheonwangbong Loop, Jangteomok Shelter - Jungsanri Visitor Center, Ssanggyesa Temple Parking Lot - Buril Pokpo, Baekmudong Loop, and Jirisan Hanshin Falls.
Are there any trails with caves in Jirisan National Park?
Yes, there are 3 trails with caves in Jirisan National Park, including Jirisan Cheonghakdong - Samsinbong - Samseonggung Loop, Ssanggyesa Temple - Samsinbong - Seseok Shelter, and Baekmudong - Samsinbong Peak - Ssanggyesa Temple.
