Guryong Falls in
Jirisan National Park

Topmost tier of Guryong Falls in Jirisan National Park

Guryong Falls in Jirisan

Guryong Falls ('guryong' means nine dragons - 구룡폭포) is one of the most captivating natural treasures in Jirisan National Park, North Jeolla Province, South Korea.

And I am one of the blessed ones who have been there. I have fully experienced and savored with all my senses its majestic beauty. It's FREE!

Its mesmerizing white and refreshing water endlessly flows over the patient granite rocks. It made me forget things momentarily, and I was daydreaming a fantasy world.

Guryong Falls (one of the nine falls) in Jirisan National Park

WHERE & HOW: It takes around 4 hours from Seoul by bus or train. Start from Gucheon-myeon, the closest place with places to stay. Take the Course 1 trail to get there. From the entrance to the Falls, it takes about 1 hour.

I was absorbed by its thundering sound but soothing effect amidst the lush green forest. Lucky that not many souls were around yet to interrupt my reverie!

You need to be able to hike some elevated areas, but children aged five and above can easily make it there! I saw a family with their children around that age.

Indeed, any able- and not-so-able-bodied person can get there easily or quickly. Along the way, you can enjoy the fresh and crystal clear stream, pools, and cascades.

Introductory Background of Guryong Falls

One of the nine (Nine Dragon Waterfalls) in Jirisan National Park - Guryong Falls

Along the Guryong Valley of Jirisan Mountain, the Woncheoncheon (Stream) flows. It comes from Manbokdae Terrace, which is located on the Western side of the mountain.

The Woncheoncheon Stream flows down gently through the Unbong Basin in Gogi-Ri and Deokchi-Ri of Jucheon-Myeon in Namwon. Then it makes a deep turn that creates the Guryong Falls.

The legend has it in Namwon during Buddha's birthday (in April) nine dragons descended from the sky and play in the fresh and crystal stream water. Then they disappeared to the heavens.

That is the legend that gave the name of this falls--Guryong Falls or the 'Nine Dragons' Falls.

I have seen the Falls, and it looks like its flow is embedded as one piece on the face of the granite rock.

Taken from its sideview

Guryong Valley, where this Guryong Falls is located, has nine magnificent sights. I have just realized upon reading other sources that Guryong Falls is composed of the other nine falls (or cascades since others are much smaller) and pools.

These beautiful falls and cascades include...

Songyeokdong Falls
Ogyongchu
Hakseoam
Seoam ("the reading Buddha")
Yuseondae
Jijudae
Bipokdong
Gyeongcheonbyeok
Gyoryongdam

Inviting pools flowing from the lush forest in Jirisan Mountain

Guryong Valley of Jirisan National Park, Jeollabukdo Province, South Korea.

I am just so happy that I have hiked and explored this part of Jirisan National Park. Yes, it is worth your time and effort.

You won't regret any bit, and you'll miss something if you are here and don't see what I'm trying to describe with my finite words (my photos are maybe helpful:).

If you plan on visiting this area, make sure that you don't come during peak seasons. It will be very crowded!

One of the waterfalls of the nine Guryong Waterfalls in Jirisan National Park

Getting to Guryong Falls in Jirisan

Guryong Falls in Jirisan National Park, also known as the “Nine Dragons Falls,” is (are) a beautiful waterfall (falls/waterfalls and cascades). Here’s how you can get there from Seoul...

Transportation Options

By Bus: Take a bus from Seoul to Gucheon-myeon, which is the closest place with accommodations near Guryong Falls. The journey takes approximately 4 hours.

By Train: Alternatively, you can take a train from Seoul to the same area.

Hiking Trail: Start your hike from Gucheon-myeon. Follow the Course 1 trail to reach Guryong Falls. The trail takes about 1 hour from the entrance to the falls.

Additional Tips

Jirisan National Park has yearly fire restrictions from November to December and March to May.

During this time, most of the ridge line is closed, but certain courses leading to the main peak remain open. If you’re doing a day trip, the trail described here doesn’t close during the fire season.

For overnight trips, be aware of any seasonal closures by checking the Korean National Park website.

Remember to enjoy the natural beauty of Jirisan National Park and the stunning Guryong Falls!

Thanks for reading this short article. Enjoy your travels!

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