Destination briefing
Why travelers stop here
Gatan Village is located in Tap-ri, Hwagae-myeon, Hadong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do. The old name of the village was Gayeoul (Gatan), meaning a beautiful rapids like a fairyland. Even now, residents call it Gayeoun or Gaerol. It is said that it became Gatan because a hermit lived here and dipped his fishing rod into the beautiful rapids. This place is the starting point of the Gatan–Songjeong section of the Jirisan Dulle-gil (Jirisan Circumference Trail). This section is a 10.6 km path that begins in front of Gilga Supermarket on the road of Gatan Village, about 400 m from Hwagae Middle School, and connects to Songjeong Village in Gurye-gun, Jeollanam-do. It follows a small pass that was used to cross from Hadong to Gurye. Most of the path is a forest trail, and it runs parallel to the Seomjin River, offering views of the river from open areas. Although the path has a considerable slope, the forest and river make for a refreshing walk. Despite being deep in the mountains, you will frequently encounter tombs along the way, and nearby are Hwagaecheon Stream and the Sip-ri Cherry Blossom Road.
OTA-ready stop
Built into inbound routes and day-tour planning.
Local context
경상남도 하동군 화개면 탑리
Travel fit
Attraction · Gyeongsangnam-do
