Jirisan (mountain of old and wise people) in autumn located in South Korea is where one can see a lovely backdrop of vivid colors.  The Autumn Festival in Jirisan begins after mid October.  This is one National Park on your S.Korea Travels that you do not want to miss for hiking andleaf peeping Jirisan National Park includes the amazing Mt. Cheonwangbong.  With my trusty Lonely Planet Korea Book, let us learn more about  Jirisan.

Paris Tours

 

Mt Jirisan - See Magnificent Fall Colors with 1AdventureTraveler | South Korea | Mt. Jirisan | Autumn | Leaf peeping | hiking | expat travel | Fall colors | mountains |

Walking our way to the trail…

Mt Jirisan - See Magnificent Fall Colors with 1AdventureTraveler | South Korea | Mt. Jirisan | Autumn | Leaf peeping | hiking | expat travel | Fall colors | mountains |

“Leaf Peeping” on the hiking trail…

Mt Jirisan - See Magnificent Fall Colors with 1AdventureTraveler | South Korea | Mt. Jirisan | Autumn | Leaf peeping | hiking | expat travel | Fall colors | mountains |

Beautiful pond on the trail to the peak…

Jirisan National Park is the largest National Park in South Korea and is located only 2+ hours from Geoje Island.  I was lucky enough to hike Mt Cheonwangbong (1,915m) with a wonderful group of ladies.

Mt Jirisan - See Magnificent Fall Colors with 1AdventureTraveler | South Korea | Mt. Jirisan | Autumn | Leaf peeping | hiking | expat travel | Fall colors | mountains |

 

Mt Jirisan - See Magnificent Fall Colors with 1AdventureTraveler | South Korea | Mt. Jirisan | Autumn | Leaf peeping | hiking | expat travel | Fall colors | mountains |

Map of Jirisan National Park.

Mt Jirisan - See Magnificent Fall Colors with 1AdventureTraveler | South Korea | Mt. Jirisan | Autumn | Leaf peeping | hiking | expat travel | Fall colors | mountains |

Our journey begins as we get our packs adjusted on our backs and we head to the hiking trail.

Mt Jirisan - See Magnificent Fall Colors with 1AdventureTraveler | South Korea | Mt. Jirisan | Autumn | Leaf peeping | hiking | expat travel | Fall colors | mountains |

My Journey – Jirisan National Park

The sun was rising as I first stepped on the trail and every direction I turned, bright red, vivid orange and yellow colors pop out from the trees.  I hear chanting, rippling and whistling all around me. Nature’s music is playing as I continue my journey in Jirisan.

Mt Jirisan - See Magnificent Fall Colors with 1AdventureTraveler | South Korea | Mt. Jirisan | Autumn | Leaf peeping | hiking | expat travel | Fall colors | mountains |

A look through the forest and seeing boulders and colorful leaves…

Mt Jirisan - See Magnificent Fall Colors with 1AdventureTraveler | South Korea | Mt. Jirisan | Autumn | Leaf peeping | hiking | expat travel | Fall colors | mountains |

Hiking along the trail…

Mt Jirisan - See Magnificent Fall Colors with 1AdventureTraveler | South Korea | Mt. Jirisan | Autumn | Leaf peeping | hiking | expat travel | Fall colors | mountains |

Standing in awe at all the beautiful colors!

My journey took me to temples, pagodas, waterfalls and a mountain summit. The hiking course taken started at the Jungsalli Hiking Center and included a lunch at Jangtemok Station. Lots of one day hiking courses are available. You can experience this and more on your visit.  Make sure to time your day accordingly.  Since there is no hiking after dark, so start early to make it to the peak and down before the sunsets.

Mt Jirisan - See Magnificent Fall Colors with 1AdventureTraveler | South Korea | Mt. Jirisan | Autumn | Leaf peeping | hiking | expat travel | Fall colors | mountains |

One of the many bridges to cross on our hike.

Mt Jirisan - See Magnificent Fall Colors with 1AdventureTraveler | South Korea | Mt. Jirisan | Autumn | Leaf peeping | hiking | expat travel | Fall colors | mountains |

A view to the peak – See all the fall colors for kilometers…

If you don’t make it to the festival please take the time to seem the fall or spring colors. It is well work the trip but remember to pack a lunch and bring plenty of water.

Mt Jirisan - See Magnificent Fall Colors with 1AdventureTraveler | South Korea | Mt. Jirisan | Autumn | Leaf peeping | hiking | expat travel | Fall colors | mountains |

My fight to the peak with a chance to have my photo taken…

Location – Jirisan National Park

  • 320-2, Jirisan-daero, Sancheong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do
    경상남도 산청군 시천면 지리산대로 320-2
  • There are three Jirisan National Park offices and six ranger stations located in four counties.
  • Good place to start is at Jungsalli Hiking Information Center

Route – Jirisan National Park

  • My Favorite Route starts and ends at Jungsalli Hiking Information Center
  • Jungsalli Hiking inforation Center -> Kalbawi Rock -> Yuam Falls -> Jangteomok Shelter -> Cheonwangbong Peak -> Beopgyesa Temple -> Rotary Shelter -> Kalbawi Rock -> Jungsalli Hiking Information Center.
  • Good Rule of thumb to be at Mt. Cheonwangbong Peak by noon which will leave you enough time down the peak before dark.
  • 13km / 8 miles, 8 hours. Moderate to Strenuous.

Tips – Jirisan National Park

  • The park is closed after dark.  Jirisan is open from two hours before sunrise to two hours before sunset but always subject to change. Plan your day accordingly because evening arrives quickly.
  • Pets are not permitted
  • Notice this is a habitat of Black Bears.
  • Shelter Facilities available:  Standard One Day Usage
    Rotary, Seseok Shelter: Peak Season 8,000 won / Off Season 7,000 won; Chibanmok Shelter: 5,000 won
  • Bus Directions
    From Dong Seoul Bus Terminal, take a bus to Jinju.
    From Jinju Intercity Bus Terminal, take a bus to Daewonsa Temple (대원사) OR take a bus to Jungsan-ri (중산리).
  •  Car Directions  – The park can be accessed from Interstate 35 by car.
Mt Jirisan - See Magnificent Fall Colors with 1AdventureTraveler | South Korea | Mt. Jirisan | Autumn | Leaf peeping | hiking | expat travel | Fall colors | mountains |

More of the barren hiking trail at the peak…

 

Mt Jirisan - See Magnificent Fall Colors with 1AdventureTraveler | South Korea | Mt. Jirisan | Autumn | Leaf peeping | hiking | expat travel | Fall colors | mountains |

After the hiking walking down the road.

 

Mt Jirisan - See Magnificent Fall Colors with 1AdventureTraveler | South Korea | Mt. Jirisan | Autumn | Leaf peeping | hiking | expat travel | Fall colors | mountains |

At treat after the hike from the restaurant.

 

Mt Jirisan - See Magnificent Fall Colors with 1AdventureTraveler | South Korea | Mt. Jirisan | Autumn | Leaf peeping | hiking | expat travel | Fall colors | mountains |

“Leaf Peeping” the fiery reds of the trees while hiking!

 More Thoughts

This 1Adventure Traveler loved my day trips to Mt. Jirisan in the Autumn.re  Yes, I went hiking twice.  Mr. 1AdventureTraveler had to check it out for himself and photograph, plus send a drone up to see the changing of the leaves.

Thanks to my fellow hikers who after our week long training, encouraged me to the peak and back.

Please write you comments on how you liked Jirisan and any details of your adventure.  See some of my other Blogs on Great Day Trips off Geoje Island and Weekend Trips to Seoul and Japan which are close by.

For more travel locations, tips and adventures follow me on Facebook and Twitter.

*Thank you to Imagine Your Korea for the Travel Tips


Please leave me a comment:  Have you been hiking in South Korea?  What is your favorite mountain to hike along with it’s location.


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