Gurye Temples & Seomjin River Steam Train Tour 9–10 hrs

Glide along the Seomjin River and soak in Jirisan’s tranquil mountain life

A nine to ten-hour tour from Gwangju Metropolitan City to Gurye and Gokseong in South Jeolla Province, visiting Hwaeomsa Temple and Saseongam Hermitage on Mt. Jirisan, riding the Seomjin River steam train, and stopping at a 200-year-old traditional house. Private transportation, entrance fees, lunch and refreshments are included, with a live English guide leading the day.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Gurye temples and Seomjin River

• Ride steam train at Seomjingang Village
• Visit Sangsanjae historic house
• Have lunch in Gurye
• Tour Saseongam Hermitage on Mt. Osan
• Explore Hwaeomsa Temple

The experience

The day starts with a drive south from Gwangju to Gokseong, where you board the steam train at Seomjingang Train Village. The locomotive (a restored vintage engine that once served the region) carries you on a slow 10-kilometer journey alongside the Seomjin River to Gajeong Station. The old station and its surrounding streets have been rebuilt to recreate the 1930s, and the train ride itself is often called the best way to see the river. After the return journey, you move on to Sangsanjae, a private house that has belonged to the Haeju Oh family for over two centuries. Built originally as a study hall, it sits behind a simple gate with a hidden courtyard, bamboo groves, tea trees, and a broad lawn: a place designed for quiet contemplation rather than display.

Lunch in Gurye offers a choice of local specialties: mountain vegetable set meals from Jirisan, freshwater clams from the Seomjin River, lotus leaf rice, handmade pork cutlet with Cornelian cherry sauce (Gurye produces about 70 percent of Korea's Cornelian cherries), or fried sweetfish from the clean river waters. Meals range from 15,000 to 35,000 KRW. The afternoon turns to the two temples. Saseongam Hermitage sits on a 530-meter peak and dates to 544 AD. It is known for the Wish Rock (a stone said to resemble the Buddha), and for an engraved image of the Medicine Buddha on the rock wall behind the hall. The hermitage overlooks both Jirisan National Park and the Seomjin River. Hwaeomsa Temple, also founded in 544, stands in the heart of Jirisan and served as a spiritual center for Korean Buddhism. Its Gakhwangjeon Hall is the largest wooden structure of its kind in Korea. If you arrive near sunset, the temple holds the traditional Samul ritual at dusk, when deep temple instruments signal the start of evening prayer.

The tour includes private transportation throughout, entrance fees to both temples and Sangsanjae, lunch, and coffee or tea. A live English-speaking guide leads the day. If you want to hike Nogodan Peak on Mt. Jirisan the following day, the operator offers complimentary help with hotel bookings, hiking reservations, and onward transport.

What’s included

• Private transportation from Gwangju to Gurye and Gokseong and back.
• entrance fees to Hwaeomsa Temple, Saseongam Hermitage, and Sangsanjae.
• the steam train ride on the Seomjin River.
• lunch at a local Gurye restaurant.
• coffee and tea.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:30

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (18 to 75 years) · Youth (13 to 17 years) · Child (5 to 12 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Tasty Trails Korea

Is this one for you?The nine to ten-hour duration fits a full day from Gwangju without an overnight stay, leaving the evening free. If you want to add a hike of Nogodan Peak on Mt. Jirisan, plan to stay overnight in Gurye and climb the following day. The operator handles the bookings and logistics.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 17 years); Child (5 to 12 years). Children under 5 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How long is the steam train ride on the Seomjin River?

The steam train journey covers 10 kilometers from Seomjingang Train Village to Gajeong Station, following the river and countryside at a slow pace. The ride itself is the highlight of the Gokseong stop and is included in the tour.

What are the lunch options in Gurye?

You choose from five local specialties: mountain vegetable set meals from Jirisan, freshwater clams from the Seomjin River, lotus leaf rice, handmade pork cutlet with Cornelian cherry sauce, or fried sweetfish. Prices range from 15,000 to 35,000 KRW depending on your choice.

What is Saseongam Hermitage known for?

Saseongam Hermitage, founded in 544 on a 530-meter peak, is known for the Wish Rock (a stone believed to resemble the Buddha), and for an engraved Medicine Buddha image on the rock wall behind the hall. It also offers panoramic views of Jirisan National Park and the Seomjin River.

What makes Hwaeomsa Temple significant?

Hwaeomsa Temple, founded in 544 in the heart of Jirisan, is one of the most important centers of Korean Buddhism. Its Gakhwangjeon Hall is the largest wooden structure of its kind in Korea. At sunset, the temple performs the traditional Samul ritual, with deep temple instruments signaling the start of evening prayer.

Can I hike Mt. Jirisan after this tour?

Yes. If you want to hike Nogodan Peak the following day, the operator offers complimentary support with hotel bookings in Gurye, hiking reservations, and transportation arrangements for your next destination.

Is the guide English-speaking?

Yes, a live English-speaking guide leads the entire tour from Gwangju through all the stops in Gurye and Gokseong.