Jeonnam & Gwangju Drive

Gurye Piagol Valley Autumn Foliage Drive

An autumn-only drive to witness the brilliant red foliage of Jirisan's Piagol Valley.

(Please verify the exact route using a map app)

Course Overview

A 22 km autumn-exclusive drive to Piagol Valley entrance in Jirisan National Park. Piagol, one of Jirisan's ten great valleys, is named "Blood Valley" for the blood-red color of its autumn maples filling the entire gorge.

Section Highlights

Section 1: Gurye to Yeongoksa (approx. 15 km)

Drive from Gurye town toward Piagol as autumn colors intensify progressively.

Section 2: Yeongoksa to Piagol Entrance (approx. 7 km)

From Yeongoksa Temple to the valley trail entrance. A 2 km hike leads to the core foliage zone.

Driving Tips

  • Peak foliage: late October to early November
  • 40-minute walk from Yeongoksa parking to the valley
  • Extreme congestion on autumn weekends; weekdays recommended
  • Gurye wild herb set meals are popular autumn cuisine

Course Info

Distance

--km

Duration

45 min

Difficulty

Moderate

Region

Jeonnam Gurye

Best Season
๐Ÿ‚ Autumn (Sepโ€“Nov)

Nearby Attractions3 attractions

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Piagol Valley Trail EntranceViewpoint

Starting point of Jirisan National Park's iconic trail, famous for the 'Three Reds' autumn foliage spectacle

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธDirections
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Seomjingang Fish Ecology CenterViewpoint

An ecology center exhibiting freshwater fish of the Seomjingang River, a popular family-friendly experience

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธDirections
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Gurye Sansuyu VillageViewpoint

A village famous for yellow cornus flowers in spring and red berries in autumn, a perfect rest stop

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธDirections