1 Day Solo Hiking Mt. Jiri (Jirisan)

1-Day Jirisan hike is a perfect itinerary to add to your trip to South Korea. It’s safe for female hikers.

Mt. Halla in Jeju Island, 1,950 meters, is the tallest mountain in South Korea. The second is Mt. Jiri at 1,915 meters in height. Jiri means to turn a foolish person into a wise one. It sounds like a perfect place for hermits who could find their wisdom. The mountain area encloses 7 cities: Namwon, Jiangsu, Gokseong, Gurye, Hadong, Sancheong, and Hamyang—a total of 18 trails created in this large area range from easy to difficult. If you don’t want to hike, there is a 300 km walking trail circling the Jirisan across 5 cities. The summit is Cheonwangbong Peak at 1,915 meters in the center, and the second is Jungbong Peak at 1,875 meters. The national park is home to the Asiatic Black Bear.

I only packed two vegetarian buns for lunch. I walked into the rest area, where hikers in thick jackets were cooking instant noodles on compact camping stoves. I began and ended the hike at Hwaeomsa Temple. I set Namwon as my travel base, this classic route from Hwaeomsa Temple in Gurye and finishes at Jungsanri or Daewonsa Temples is about 59 km, which is a long stretch. You could even take a two-day, one-night trip and camp in the Nogodan Shelter near Hwaeomsa Temple. The park has well-equipped shelters, which rent blankets, stoves, etc.

Can I climb Jirisan independently?

Absolutely. I did this 1-day hike alone, 10 km for ascending and descending. Just follow the designated trails and signboards :). Although the chance of encountering wild animals or black bears is low, just keep an eye out.

Is it safe for solo female travelers?

I felt safe. I only met an old man hiker on this hike. If you do it in November, the trail could be quiet.

Best Time to Hike / Camping

The peak season is from May to November.

How to get to Jirisan from Namwon?

Namwon Intercity Terminal to Gurye, another transit bus to Hwaeomsa Temple (화엄사/ 華嚴寺). The bus will stop in a parking lot, you have to walk a kilometer to the temple.

Gurye is the main transit terminal to Hwaeomsa Temple, Sungsamjae.

Where to stay in Namwon?

Mua Guesthouse $20 female dormitory

Hwaeomsa Temple (화엄사/ 華嚴寺)

Hwaeomsa Temple (화엄사/ 華嚴寺) is one of the oldest temples in South Korea, located at the foothill of Jirisan. The temple is built in a valley, and Yeongiam Hermitage is inside the forest. I imagined the river runs from Jirisan down to the foothill, as in winter, the river has dried out.

Check out for Temple Stay to spend a night here. Pay a visit upon your arrival. It’s closed when you come down from the mountain.

The trailhead is around the temple from the outside; it is only 5.5 km from the base to the top one way, so a total of 11 km for a round trip. It takes about 5 hours for a one-day hike. In winter, the river is frozen, and the trees are bare. The trail is covered in dried leaves. I saw only three people descending before noon, and after that, I was the only one on this trail. Only some areas require some knee work to climb the large rocks near the ridges. It’s best to begin as early as possible, so you can walk around the large flat ridges.