Photo credit: Korea Tourism Organization
Looking to beat the heat this summer but
don’t want endless lineups and crowds? In the heart of Jeollanam-do
rests the peaceful town of Damyang. While not as well-known as many
other Korean cities popular as summer destinations, it is home to some
very appealing attractions that make a trip here worthwhile.
Tranquil, majestic bamboo city, Juknokwon (Bamboo Garden)
First up is the solitary forest of bamboo trees known as Juknokwon,
which is spread across an area of almost 77 acres. It is a must-see
attraction for those needing some rest, relaxation, and some
mind-soothing meditation. Opened in May of 2003, the forest is divided
into eight paths totaling a distance of 2.4 kilometers, enough for
visitors to take full advantage of what these thematic trails have to
offer. It was also used as a filming location for the popular TV show 1 Night 2 Days (1박2일) and the 2004 film R-Point (알
포인트). Walk through the numerous paths that meander through this quiet,
peaceful haven as you take in the sounds and smells of the bamboo
forest.
Photo credit: Korea Tourism Organization
Entering the forest, visitors quickly begin to
take out their cameras and begin shooting the skinny bamboo trees. Many
people stop to take pictures of each other as they waltz through the
winding trails.
One can also feel the drop in temperature caused by the forest, which regularly has a temperature difference of 4 to 7 degrees Celsius cooler than the outside air, making it a refreshing oasis during the summer heat. At several points on the paths, statues of panda bears – the “ambassador” of bamboo – greet passersby with a scene of traditional Korean drums.
One can also feel the drop in temperature caused by the forest, which regularly has a temperature difference of 4 to 7 degrees Celsius cooler than the outside air, making it a refreshing oasis during the summer heat. At several points on the paths, statues of panda bears – the “ambassador” of bamboo – greet passersby with a scene of traditional Korean drums.
Juknokwon’s Scenic Trails
Photo credit: Korea Tourism Organization
The skinny bamboo trees shoot up from the
forest floor like green strands stretching into the sky. Unlike the
usual brown tree bark and green foliage of most forests, the entire
bamboo tree is green from trunk to canopy, giving the forest an ominous
green glow that is positively breathtaking.
Much of the forest has shrubbery and bushes on the forest floor, adding to the intensely rich green that envelops the forest. Let’s take a look at a few of the eight trails that wrap around and cut through this cool forest of bamboo.
Much of the forest has shrubbery and bushes on the forest floor, adding to the intensely rich green that envelops the forest. Let’s take a look at a few of the eight trails that wrap around and cut through this cool forest of bamboo.
Lovers’ Road
Photo credit: Korea Tourism Organization
At 630 meters, this is one of the longer
trails. It’s a great trail to take your spouse or significant other for
a peaceful, romantic walk through the twists and turns of the path,
just
like the way our lives unfold in reality. Stop at the waterfall
and renew your love for one another as you listen to the sounds of the
water trickling down the rocks, and the view of the panda statues
sitting on the rocky ledges of the waterfall.
Old Memory Bypath & Road to Seonginsan Mountain
Photo credit: Korea Tourism Organization
Take a close friend down Old Memory Bypath
and talk about a fond memory you have, or let the calm atmosphere of
the bamboo trees soothe your spirit as you reminisce about good times
you’ve had and the people dearest to you. After you’ve walked the 210
meters of this path, you’ll find yourself refreshed and rejuvenated.
Seonginsan Mountain trail consists of three parts of varying lengths: 70 meters, 150 meters, and 200 meters. People of Damyang have long believed that Seonginsan Mountain represents the benevolence of Confucius. Take your friends and family up this path and ponder the five virtues of Confucius’ teachings: benevolence, honesty, loyalty, altruism, and knowledge.
Seonginsan Mountain trail consists of three parts of varying lengths: 70 meters, 150 meters, and 200 meters. People of Damyang have long believed that Seonginsan Mountain represents the benevolence of Confucius. Take your friends and family up this path and ponder the five virtues of Confucius’ teachings: benevolence, honesty, loyalty, altruism, and knowledge.
Philosopher’s Road
At 360 meters, this medium-length trail is a
great way to get rid of your stresses by remembering that the worries
of the day will all work themselves out in the end. The complexity and
daily stresses of life can all fall away in a moment along this path.
There are plenty of signs and maps along the trails to ensure that nobody gets lost in the forest, and that everyone gets a chance to see exactly what they want to see. There is also historical information on the signs relating the story of the forest and its significance.
There are plenty of signs and maps along the trails to ensure that nobody gets lost in the forest, and that everyone gets a chance to see exactly what they want to see. There is also historical information on the signs relating the story of the forest and its significance.
More Info
☞ Address: 119 Juknogwon-ro, Damyang-eup, Damyang-gun, Jeollanam-do, Korea
☞ Admission: Adults 3,000 won
☞ Operating Hours: 09:00-19:00 / Open all year round
☞ Website: juknokwon.go.kr (Korean only)
☞ Directions:
From Damyang Bus Terminal, get on Nongeochon bus 60-1 heading northeast and ride it for 3 stops.
Get off at Juknokwon Bus Stop (죽녹원 정류장).
☞ 1330 Korea Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
☞ Address: 119 Juknogwon-ro, Damyang-eup, Damyang-gun, Jeollanam-do, Korea
☞ Admission: Adults 3,000 won
☞ Operating Hours: 09:00-19:00 / Open all year round
☞ Website: juknokwon.go.kr (Korean only)
☞ Directions:
From Damyang Bus Terminal, get on Nongeochon bus 60-1 heading northeast and ride it for 3 stops.
Get off at Juknokwon Bus Stop (죽녹원 정류장).
☞ 1330 Korea Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
Photo credit: Korea Tourism Organization
This gorgeous path of Metasequoia trees is located just a few kilometers from Juknokwon,
and is regarded as one of the most picturesque roads in all of Korea.
Planted as young saplings in the early 1970s, these majestic trees now
stand tall along the 4-kilometer boulevard. There are many great spots
along the road for photo opportunities, and the road looks beautiful
during any season of the year, even winter. Bring your friends or loved
ones for an after-lunch stroll along this stunning road and take in
the smells and sights of these beautiful trees.
More Info
☞ Address: 12 Metasequoia-ro, Damyang-eup, Damyang-gun, Jeollanam-do, Korea
☞ Website: www.damyang.go.kr (English, Japanese, Chinese, Korean)
☞ Directions:
From Damyang Bus Terminal, get on Nongeocheon bus 10-1 heading northeast and ride it for 3 stops.
Get off at Gipeunsil Bus Stop (깊은실 정류장).
☞ 1330 Korea Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
☞ Address: 12 Metasequoia-ro, Damyang-eup, Damyang-gun, Jeollanam-do, Korea
☞ Website: www.damyang.go.kr (English, Japanese, Chinese, Korean)
☞ Directions:
From Damyang Bus Terminal, get on Nongeocheon bus 10-1 heading northeast and ride it for 3 stops.
Get off at Gipeunsil Bus Stop (깊은실 정류장).
☞ 1330 Korea Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
Damyang Tteok-galbi and Bamboo Rice at House by the Museum
Photo: Tteok-galbi (left) / Bamboo rice (right)
If you’re getting hungry in Damyang and you want to try some local specialties, look no further than House by the Museum. Getting its name due its location across the street from the Korea Bamboo Museum (한국대나무박물관), it serves tteok-galbi famous to this area.
Tteok-galbi, which is a grilled short rib meat patty, gets its name from its slight resemblance to tteok, or rice cake. Served with this tteok-galbi is cooked rice with dates, beans, millet, and other grains all stuffed together and cooked in a bamboo stalk, then served for you in the bamboo stalk itself. This part of the meal compliments the rich tastes of the other delicious dishes, and adds a pleasing visual appeal to the meal as well.
Tteok-galbi, which is a grilled short rib meat patty, gets its name from its slight resemblance to tteok, or rice cake. Served with this tteok-galbi is cooked rice with dates, beans, millet, and other grains all stuffed together and cooked in a bamboo stalk, then served for you in the bamboo stalk itself. This part of the meal compliments the rich tastes of the other delicious dishes, and adds a pleasing visual appeal to the meal as well.
More Info
☞ Address: 22 Jukhyangmunhwa-ro, Damyang-eup, Damyang-gun, Jeollanam-do, Korea
☞ Operating Hours: 10:30-21:30
☞ Closed: Public holidays (call in advance to confirm)
☞ Directions:
From Damyang Bus Terminal, walk south along Jukhyangdae-ro (죽향대로) for about 670 m then turn right onto Jukhyangmunhwa-ro (죽향문화로). Take your first right to find the restaurant (approx. 230 m).
☞ 1330 Korea Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
☞ Address: 22 Jukhyangmunhwa-ro, Damyang-eup, Damyang-gun, Jeollanam-do, Korea
☞ Operating Hours: 10:30-21:30
☞ Closed: Public holidays (call in advance to confirm)
☞ Directions:
From Damyang Bus Terminal, walk south along Jukhyangdae-ro (죽향대로) for about 670 m then turn right onto Jukhyangmunhwa-ro (죽향문화로). Take your first right to find the restaurant (approx. 230 m).
☞ 1330 Korea Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
*This column was last updated on June 2015, and
therefore information may differ from what is presented here. We advise
you to check details from the official website before visiting.
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