[One Day Walk] Viewing the Main Ridge of Jirisan: 'Inwol-Geumgye' Section

Length 20.5 km, Approximately 8 Hours Required
Classified as Difficulty Level 'High'

Editor's NoteJirisan is a mountain with an elevation of 1915m, designated as South Korea's first national park. The mountain range spans Jeollanam-do, Jeollabuk-do, and Gyeongsangnam-do, and is considered a sacred mountain of the Korean people. Walking the Jirisan Dulle-gil trail, which passes through 21 sections, 20 towns and townships, and over 100 villages, allows you to encounter nature, people, and the history of Yeongnam and Honam regions. We introduce the Jirisan Dulle-gil trail, which stretches a total of 300 km and is as generous as a father's embrace.

The Jirisan Dulle-gil section ‘Inwol-Geumgye’ (via Seonhwasa Temple) connects Inwol-ri, Inwol-myeon, Namwon, Jeollabuk-do, and Uitan-ri, Macheon-myeon, Hamyang, Gyeongsangnam-do. This 20.5 km course takes about 8 hours to complete. The difficulty level is classified as ‘high’. Centered around the old mountain pass Deunggujae, it offers views of the main ridge of Jirisan. The entire route is a balanced mix of embankment paths, roads, and forest trails.

Starting from Guinwolgyo Bridge and walking along Ramcheon Stream, you will encounter Junggun Village, which features murals. This village serves as a gateway and passage to the northern part of Jirisan. The village name originated from the Junggun, a military unit stationed here during the Goryeo Dynasty.

Walking through the forest trail, you will come across Suseongdae Valley. Suseongdae, surrounded like a folding screen by high mountains, is known as a place where the Suseong Army, who defended the outer fortress during past wars, lay in ambush. From Suseongdae, following the mountain trail uphill and then downhill leads to Baeneomijae Pass. Legend has it that boats used to pass through here when Unbong was a lake.

After crossing Baeneomijae Pass from Junggun Village and arriving at Janghang Village, take a moment to admire the magnificent Dangsan Pine tree. With Cheonwangbong Peak as its backdrop, the tree boasts a grand and beautiful appearance that naturally inspires awe.

Passing through Junghwang Village and Sanghwang Village, you will reach Deunggujae Pass. Located at an elevation of 650m, Deunggujae lies on the border between Sannae-myeon, Namwon, Jeollabuk-do, and Macheon-myeon, Hamyang, Gyeongsangnam-do. It is an old mountain pass connecting Jeolla and Gyeongsang provinces. It is said that people traveled from Hamyang over this pass to Sannae and Seongsamjae in Jirisan, and on to Gurye. The streams flowing on both sides of the pass run into Ramcheon Stream.

Climbing and descending the pass with views of Cheongwangbong Peak of Jirisan and the wild boar bathing area, you will encounter Changwon Village. Known as a storage village for tea, medicinal herbs, and grains, the goods stored here were later carried over Odoljae Pass by carrying poles. At the village entrance, over 300-year-old zelkova and oak trees welcome visitors with open arms. Walking along the forest trail that follows a small path and valley, you will reach Geumgye Village, where the Jirisan Dulle-gil Hamyang Center is located.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.