Nogodan Peak, which is 1,507 m–high, is considered to be one of the three greatest peaks of Jirisan Mountain, along with Cheonwangbong Peak (1,915 m) and Banyabong Peak (1,734 m). It is a part of the Baekdudaegan Mountain Range. Since the Silla period, it has been considered as a sacred place, used as a training site for Silla’s Hwarang order and as a site of rituals. Around the 1,100 m to 1,200 mark lies a plateau covered by an expansive daylily field, which was used as a summer vacation spot for Westerners who lived in Korea between the opening of commerce and World War 2. Like many other peaks in Jirisan Mountain, Nogodan Peak is renowned for its powerful silhouette and foliage, and the breathtaking view from the peak.

A blast of cool water from Surak Falls is enough to clear even the most sweltering summer heat. The volume of the waterfall remains gentle enough that one does not have to worry about muscle pain or damage to eardrums. Indeed, locals say that a massage from the waterfall is beneficial to one’s health by mitigating neuropathic pain and postpartum afterpain.

• Image Source : Gurye-gun, https://www.gurye.go.kr

Hwagae Market has always been a bustling fifth-day market. The village of Hwagae lies on the confluence of Jirisan Mountain’s waters with Seomjingang River, and the Hwagae Market lies on the border between South Gyeongsang and South Jeolla Provinces. Before the Liberation of Korea, it was one of the five largest markets in the country. Today’s Hwagae Market is renowned for its cherry blossoms in spring, along a road that connects Hwagae Market with Ssanggyesa Temple. One can find traditional market fare like soup, acorn jelly, malt candy, and regional specialties like mountain herbs and green tea. Hwagae Market is also home to one of the few remaining old-style smithies in Korea, which offers handmade gardening tools like Korean sickle and Homi

Located in Oji-ri, Ogok-myeon, Gokseong-gun, South Jeolla Province, Seomjingang Train Village is home to a restored steam train, which runs along a 10 km stretch of tracks between the old Gokseong Station (Train Village) and Gajeong Station. A slow ride on the steam locomotive is the best way to enjoy the greenery and the flowers that bloom along the Seomjingang River.