Travel
Hamyang’s Jirisan Scenic Road Designated as Korea’s first official tourist road
Haps Magazine Korea
November 13, 2025
(Illustration by Gyeongnam Province/Illustration courtesy of Haps Magazine Korea)
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport has designated Hamyang’s Jirisan Scenic Road in Gyeongnam province as Korea’s first-ever “Tourist Road,” marking a milestone in the country’s tourism and transportation policy.
The newly designated Jirisan Scenic Road spans 59.5 kilometers across four routes and was selected for its outstanding natural scenery and strong connection to Korea’s scholarly and cultural heritage. The road, themed “From the Forest of Scholars to the Embrace of Jirisan,” showcases Hamyang’s unique blend of history, ecology, and scenic beauty.
The four courses highlight different aspects of the region’s landscape:
Course 1 – Scholar’s Landscape Road (23.6 km): Connects Geoyeonjeong, Gaepyeong Hanok Village, and Namgyeseowon, reflecting the scholarly traditions of Hamyang’s Confucian heritage.
Course 2 – Millennium Forest Healing Trail (11.8 km): A family-friendly walking path through Sangrim Park, Korea’s oldest artificial forest, offering tranquility and natural harmony.
Course 3 – Jirisan Panorama Road (13.8 km): Offers expansive views of Jirisan’s ridges and dramatic seasonal scenery.
Course 4 – Baekmu Life Road (10.3 km): Extends deep into Jirisan National Park, following the pristine Baekmu-dong Valley and its untouched forests.
The “Tourist Road” system was introduced this year to promote roads with distinctive scenic, cultural, and ecological value.
Hamyang’s selection followed a rigorous evaluation process that included written reviews, on-site inspections, and comprehensive assessments held from July through October.
As Korea’s first designated tourist road, the Jirisan route is expected to serve as a model for similar initiatives nationwide.
The designation also brings incentives, including preferential consideration for funding under the Smart Complex Rest Area Support Project, enabling the development of scenic rest spots, eco-friendly amenities, and EV charging stations along the route.