[One Day Walk] Architectural Styles of the Joseon Dynasty to See... Hwaeomsa Temple Trail to Pass Through

12.3km from Omi Village through Cheongnaegol to Banggwang Village

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 300km and is as generous as a father's embrace.

The Jirisan Dulle-gil 'Omi-Banggwang' section is a walking course from Omi Village in Toji-myeon, Gurye-gun, Jeollanam-do to Banggwang Village in Banggwang-ri, Gwangui-myeon. It is 12.3km long, takes about 5 hours, and has a difficulty level of 'medium.'

This course starts from Omi Village. Omi-ri, where Omi Village is located, was formerly called Odong but was renamed Omi-ri during the mid-Joseon period when Yu Iju (柳爾胄), who served as Samsubu-sa and Nakangun-su, moved there. 'Omi' refers to five beautiful natural features: Wolmyeongsan, Bangjangsan, Gyejoksan, Obongsan, and the Seomjingang River. According to geomancy, Omi-ri is considered one of the three great strategic locations in South Korea, described as the site where a golden ring fell (金環落地, Geumhwan Nakji). At Unjoru in Omi Village, you can glimpse a noble house from the mid-Joseon period. At Gokjeonjae, you can see architectural styles from the late Joseon period. There is also a hanok guesthouse village, making it a good place to stay overnight.

From Omi Village, after passing the Yongdu fork, you arrive at Hasa Village. It is said to have been formed during the reign of King Heungdeok of Silla. In the past, someone drew pictures on the sand and conveyed geomantic knowledge to Doseon Guksa, a master of geomancy in late Silla, so it was called Sadori. During the Japanese colonial period, the upper and lower villages were distinguished as Sangsa-ri and Hasa-ri, which became the current names. The village is charming with a wide field and Hasa Reservoir nearby.

About 2km further from Hasa Village is Sangsa Village. It is known as a longevity village due to Ssangsan-jae, a beautiful garden, and Dangmol Spring, where water infused with Jirisan medicinal herbs flows. You can see a seated stone Buddha statue and a three-story stone pagoda from the Goryeo Dynasty. The traditional hanok houses with stone walls add to the attractions. The small valley and forest path lined with camellia trees and bamboo also enhance the experience. Although the Dulle-gil trail does not pass directly through the village, many visitors stop briefly, drawn by the village's charm.

From Sangsa Village, passing Cheongnaegol with its pear orchard and climbing a hill, you reach Hwangjeon Village. When passing Masancheon Stream, be sure to take a detour during heavy rain as it can flood. Hwangjeon Village was once called Hwangdun Village because the land was fertile and the crops in the fields ripened well. During the Japanese colonial period, it merged with nearby Ujeon Village and became Hwangjeon Village.

One kilometer above Hwangjeon Village is Hwaeomsa Temple, one of the three major temples of Jirisan. It was founded by Yeongi Monk in the 5th year of King Jinheung of Silla (544 AD). The temple's name comes from two characters of the Avatamsaka Sutra (Hwaeomgyeong). It was expanded by Jajang in the 12th year of Queen Seondeok (643 AD) and again by Doseon in the 1st year of King Heongang (875 AD). It was destroyed during the Japanese invasions of Korea but rebuilt over seven years by Seon Master Byeokam in the 34th year of King Seonjo of Joseon (1606). Hwaeomsa houses three national treasures including Gakhwangjeon Hall (National Treasure No. 67), the stone lantern in front of Gakhwangjeon (No. 12), and the Four Lion Three-story Stone Pagoda (No. 35), as well as other treasures such as Daeungjeon Hall, East and West Five-story Stone Pagodas, and the Four Lion Stone Pagoda in front of Wontongjeon. The Olbat Tree, Natural Monument No. 38, is also famous. Hwangjeon Village has many accommodations including guesthouses and restaurants. There is also the Jirisan National Park Visitor Center and the National Park Species Restoration Center for travelers.

Passing Dangchon and Suhan Villages from Hwangjeon Village, you arrive at Banggwang Village, the endpoint of this Dulle-gil section. It was formerly called Panggaeng because a local magistrate lived there, which later changed to Banggwang. Ancient zelkova trees and wish rocks welcome visitors. Slightly off the trail is Maechunsa Shrine, which enshrines the memorial tablet of Maechun Hwang Hyun, a patriotic scholar and writer from the late Joseon period.