I’ve visited Gurye several times, yet every trip leaves me wanting to return.
Unlike destinations packed with famous attractions, Gurye feels slower and quieter. Mountains, temples, old houses, and locally owned cafés come together to create a rhythm that encourages you to slow down and enjoy the moment.
If I were introducing Gurye to a friend, this is the two-day itinerary I would recommend.
Day 1: Local Food, Temple Walks, and a Peaceful Stay
After arriving in Gurye, my first stop was Bubu Sikdang, one of the town’s best-known restaurants.
The restaurant specializes in dishes made with freshwater snails. I arrived around 11:40 a.m. and still ended up waiting for nearly an hour, which locals say is fairly normal on weekends. The meal was worth the wait. The spicy snail salad paired perfectly with the handmade sujebi, whose broth felt both hearty and comforting.
After lunch, I stopped by Bingurye, a charming ice cream shop known for using local ingredients such as Korean wheat, rice, mugwort, and matcha. It was the perfect dessert after a flavorful meal.
In the afternoon, I headed to Hwaeomsa Temple. Although reaching the temple by public transportation required a short taxi ride from the bus stop, the peaceful atmosphere made the extra effort worthwhile. Walking among centuries-old buildings with Jirisan Mountain in the background always makes me feel relaxed.
For the night, I stayed at Sosikdaryo Stay.
The accommodation itself is simple and elegant, with a calm atmosphere that reflects the slower pace of Gurye. I also spent some time at the attached tea room and ordered their matcha latte. Unlike the sweeter versions found in many cafés, this one emphasized the natural bitterness and depth of matcha, making it feel more like a traditional tea experience.
Day 2: Old-School Bakeries, Gardens, and Country Comfort
The next morning began with Haengun Bunsik.
The bread here reminded me of the old neighborhood bakeries I grew up with. Salad bread and sticky rice doughnuts may look simple, but they have a nostalgic charm that feels increasingly rare these days. If possible, I recommend visiting early, as some breads sell out quickly.
After breakfast, I visited Ssangsanjae, one of the most beautiful traditional gardens in the area. The quiet atmosphere and carefully preserved hanok buildings create a sense of calm that perfectly suits Gurye.
For lunch, I headed to Fisherman’s House, a local restaurant near the five-day market.(오일장)
About O-iljang
-Known as O-iljang, Korea’s traditional five-day markets have been part of local life for generations. More than places to shop, they offer visitors a chance to experience regional food, culture, and the rhythms of everyday Korea.-
Reservations are essential, but the grilled fish set meal was one of the highlights of the trip. Every side dish tasted homemade, and I almost felt guilty leaving empty plates behind.
One of my favorite places in Gurye is Chaekbang Lo-fi
Part bookstore and part café, it feels like stepping into a Korean countryside home. The yard is filled with old objects that seem as though they once belonged to someone’s grandmother. Sitting there with a drink and a book under the afternoon sun, I completely lost track of time.
To end the trip, I usually stop by either Sanaraemil or Mokwol Bakery.
Sanaraemil focuses on healthy breads made with local ingredients and even carries zero-waste products. Mokwol Bakery has become something of a local favorite, and according to one taxi driver I met, they avoid using preservatives, which is why the bread is best enjoyed fresh.
Why I Keep Returning to Gurye
What I love most about Gurye isn’t a single attraction.
It’s the feeling.
A quiet tea room, a countryside bookstore, old-fashioned bakeries, and the peaceful atmosphere around Jirisan make it a place where time seems to move a little slower.
For anyone looking to escape busy city life and enjoy a slower pace, Gurye remains one of my favorite destinations in Korea.
Visitor Information
Day 1
Bubu Sikdang
📍 30 Gurye 2-gil, Gurye-eup, Gurye-gun, Jeollanam-do
Hours
- Tue–Sun: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Closed on Monday
- Service may end early when ingredients sell out.
Recommended
A beloved local restaurant known for freshwater snail dishes and handmade sujebi.
– Bread and Cafe, Luna’s Garden(bakery)
📍 Across from Gurye Catholic Church, Gurye-eup
Hours
- Tue–Sat: 3:00 PM – 6:30 PM
- Closed on Sunday and Monday
Reservation
Bread pickup reservations are required.
Recommended
A small bakery famous for its limited, handmade breads.
Bingurye
📍 19-1 Bongdong-gil, Gurye-eup
(Near Nonghyup Hanaro Mart)
Hours
- 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Recommended
Handmade ice cream featuring local ingredients such as mugwort, rice, and matcha.
Hwaeomsa Temple
📍 539 Hwaeomsa-ro, Masan-myeon, Gurye-gun
Hours
- 3:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Recommended
One of Korea’s most beautiful temples, nestled near Jirisan National Park.
Sosikdaryo Tea Room
📍 Next to Sosikdaryo Stay
Hours
- Thu–Mon: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Closed on Tuesday and Wednesday
Recommended
A peaceful tea room known for its rich matcha drinks.
Sosikdaryo Stay
📍 Next to the tea room
Check-in / Check-out
- Check-in: 4:00 PM
- Check-out: 11:00 AM
Price Range
₩130,000–₩150,000 per night (up to 2 guests)
Recommended
A beautifully understated stay perfect for a quiet retreat.
Day 2
Haengun Bunsik
📍 38-1 Jungang-ro, Gurye-eup
Hours
- Thu–Tue: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Closed on Wednesday
- Popular items may sell out early.
Recommended
A nostalgic bakery that’s perfect for breakfast.
Ssangsanjae
📍 3-2 Jangsu-gil, Masan-myeon, Gurye-gun
Hours
Admission
₩10,000.
- Wed–Mon: 11:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- Last admission: 4:00 PM
- Closed on Tuesday
Recommended
A tranquil hanok garden with beautiful traditional architecture.
Fisherman’s House (restaurant)
📍 Near Gurye Five-Day Market
Hours
- Mon–Sat: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM
- Break: 2:30 PM – 4:30 PM
- Closed on Sunday
Reservation
Phone reservation required at least 30 minutes in advance.
Recommended
Excellent grilled fish set meals and homemade side dishes.
Chaekbang Lo-fi
📍 5-11 Bongbuk 2-gil, Gurye-eup
Hours
- Mon, Tue, Sat, Sun: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Closed on Wed, Thu, and Fri
Recommended
A cozy bookstore café filled with countryside charm.
Sanaraemil
📍 Taekji 1-gil, Gurye-eup
Hours
- Thu–Mon: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Closed on Tuesday and Wednesday
Recommended
Healthy breads made with local ingredients and zero-waste products.
Mokwol Bakery
📍 85 Seosicheon-ro, Gurye-eup
Hours
- Mon–Fri: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Weekend breaks:
- 12:30 PM–1:30 PM
- 3:00 PM–3:30 PM
Recommended
A favorite local bakery known for fresh breads without preservatives.