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Damyang

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Landmark
—°11
Damyang (South Korea)

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Damyang is a sanctuary for nature lovers and those seeking tranquility. Its most iconic site is Juknokwon, a sprawling bamboo forest where cool paths wind through towering stalks. Another highlight is the Metasequoia Path, often called one of Korea’s most beautiful roads, which creates a remarkable green tunnel in summer and turns a brilliant orange in autumn. The town also preserves the Soswaewon Garden, a masterpiece of traditional Korean landscaping. Culinary experiences here are deeply tied to bamboo: don't miss Daetong-bap (rice steamed in bamboo tubes) or the unique bamboo-flavored ice cream. The region has excellent hiking around Damyang-ho Lake and the ancient mountain fortress of Geumseongsanseong. For those interested in crafts, the Bamboo Museum showcases the intricate weaving techniques that have been a local specialty for centuries. Damyang is easily accessible by a short bus ride from Gwangju (about 30-40 minutes). The best times to visit are late spring for the freshest bamboo greens or autumn for the dramatic foliage along the forest roads. It is a destination that invites slow travel and deep appreciation for the natural world.

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Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-1051116212425201471
Rain mm2943559193139307269136594735

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The bamboo forests and gardens of Damyang are open to the public, with most paths leading through the groves. Traditional tea houses offer indoor spaces.
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Typical hours
The parks and gardens are typically open from sunrise to sunset. Some attractions like the Bamboo Museum have fixed opening hours.
📷
Photography
Photography is allowed anytime in the bamboo forests, especially welcoming through the tall stalks. In tea houses, photograph discreetly.
⏱️
Time needed
A walk through the main bamboo forest and garden takes about 1.5 hours. With museum and tea houses, allow 2-3 hours.
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Combine with
Nearby are Metasequoia Lane and the traditional Soswaewon Garden, easily combined. Juknokwon Bamboo Garden is also worth a visit.
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Getting there
Damyang is accessible by bus from Gwangju. From the bus terminal, walk or take a taxi to the bamboo attractions.
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Insider tip
Go early to enjoy the bamboo forest's tranquility before the tour buses arrive. Be sure to try traditional bamboo rice (Daetongbap) at a local restaurant.

Geography

Population
44,800 (2025)
Coordinates
35.31889, 126.98389

Facts

  • Home to Juknokwon Bamboo Forest
  • Famous Metasequoia-lined road
  • Specialty: Rice steamed in bamboo
  • Historic Soswaewon private garden
  • Bamboo Festival held every May
  • Gwanbangjerim riverside forest
  • Scenic Damyang-ho Lake
  • Center for traditional bamboo crafts

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Gwangju Lake Eco-ParkGwangju Lake Eco-Park8 km · SEExplore →
GwangjuGwangju18 km · SExplore →
Naejangsan National ParkNaejangsan National Park21 km · NWExplore →
GochangGochang29 km · NWExplore →
Gangcheonsan Mountain ValleyGangcheonsan Mountain Valley29 km · EExplore →
Gochang Dolmen SitesGochang Dolmen Sites32 km · NWExplore →
NamwonNamwon38 km · EExplore →
NajuNaju41 km · SWExplore →

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Sights in the town Damyang (11)

Damyang Hot Spring🎡 recreation

A spa facility featuring natural alkaline hot spring waters and outdoor baths.

Damyangnijoteu Hot Spring🎡 recreation

A wellness center located within the Damyang Resort, offering therapeutic hot mineral baths.

Damyang Geumseong fortress🏰 castle

A formidable Joseon-era mountain fortress with stone walls spanning over seven kilometers.

Meta Provence📍 landmark

A colorful European-themed village with shops and cafes, located next to the Metasequoia Road.

Chuseong Memorial Hall🏛 museum

A museum dedicated to the patriotic 'Righteous Army' of Damyang that fought during the Joseon era.

Subuk Hakgudang🏺 historical

The site of a traditional local school dating back to the Joseon Dynasty.

Damyang Cultural Center🎭 culture

A local venue for performing arts, community classes, and cultural heritage festivals.

Juknokwon🌳 park

A vast, lush bamboo forest with cooling walking paths, art spaces, and a traditional tea house.

Korea Bamboo Museum🏛 museum

Exhibits a wide array of traditional bamboo products and explores the plant's cultural significance.

💶

Yongheungsa Temple📍 landmark

A Buddhist temple located in the secluded forest of Mt. Chuwolsan, known for its serene atmosphere.

Damyang Market🎭 culture

A lively traditional marketplace where local bamboo crafts and regional produce are sold.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Damyang: where is it located?
Damyang is located in South Korea.
Damyang: what is there to see?
Highlights include Damyang Hot Spring, Damyangnijoteu Hot Spring, Damyang Geumseong fortress.
Damyang: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.
Damyang: why is it worth visiting?
Damyang is a sanctuary for nature lovers and those seeking tranquility.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
Asia
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Nearby cities

Gwangju — Damyang (South Korea)
Gwangju
Gwangju is Korea's sixth-largest city, renowned as a hub for arts, culture, and the Korean democratic movement.
Suncheon — Damyang (South Korea)
Suncheon
Known as the 'Eco-Capital' of Korea, famous for Suncheonman Bay and its gardens.
Yeosu — Damyang (South Korea)
Yeosu
A scenic coastal city consisting of a peninsula and over 300 islands, which hosted the 2012 Expo.
Mokpo — Damyang (South Korea)
Mokpo
A port city in South Jeolla Province, serving as a ferry terminal to islands in the southwest.
Gwangyang — Damyang (South Korea)
Gwangyang
A major industrial city with one of the busiest seaports in the world and a large steel mill.
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Naju
A historical city that was once the center of the region, now reinventing itself with the Naju Innovation City project.
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Hadong
Hadong is the cradle of Korean tea, famous for the Seomjin River, ancient tea plantations, and cherry blossom tunnels.
Gurye — Damyang (South Korea)
Gurye
Gurye is a tranquil retreat at the foot of Jirisan Mountain, famous for its ancient temples and bright yellow Sansuyu blossoms.
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Buan
A coastal county featuring Byeonsanbando National Park, known for its unique cliffs, sandy beaches, and Naesosa Temple.
Goheung — Damyang (South Korea)
Goheung
Goheung is a picturesque peninsula known as Korea's gateway to space and for its fragrant Yuja citrus fruits.
Namhae — Damyang (South Korea)
Namhae
Namhae, often called 'Treasure Island,' is famous for its terraced rice fields, German Village, and stunning coastal temples.
🗺️
Myeonjeon-ri
A hidden gem on Jaeundo Island, known for its pristine white sand beaches and the tranquil West Sea scenery.
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Baeksan-ri
A quiet coastal village in Sinan County, famous for its unique pine forests and vast beaches.
Wando — Damyang (South Korea)
Wando
Wando is a scenic archipelago known for its maritime history under Admiral Jang Bogo and world-class abalone farming.
Jindo — Damyang (South Korea)
Jindo
Jindo is Korea's third-largest island, world-famous for the natural sea-parting phenomenon and its loyal Jindo dogs.

History & landmarks

Namwon — Damyang (South Korea)
Namwon
Known as the "City of Love," Namwon is the setting of the famous Chunhyang legend and a major gateway to Jirisan National Park.
🗺️
Gochang
A UNESCO World Heritage site known for its vast dolmen sites, the historical Moyangseong Fortress, and Seonunsa Temple.
Boseong — Damyang (South Korea)
Boseong
Boseong is famous for its terraced green tea fields, offering some of the most spectacular and serene landscapes in South Korea.
Haenam — Damyang (South Korea)
Haenam
The southernmost point of the Korean Peninsula, known for its "End of the Land" village, majestic mountains, and historical temples.
🗺️
Hampyeong
Hampyeong is an ecological gem, world-renowned for its colorful Butterfly Festival and sustainable agriculture.
Naganeupseong Folk Village — Damyang (South Korea)
Naganeupseong Folk Village
A fortress town from the Joseon Dynasty, remarkably well-preserved, where residents still live in thatched-roof houses.
Boseong Green Tea Fields — Damyang (South Korea)
Boseong Green Tea Fields
Spectacular, expansive tea plantations in Boseong, famous for producing high-quality green tea.

Nature

Seomjin River — Damyang (South Korea)
Seomjin River
One of South Korea's cleanest major rivers, flowing through Jeolla and Gyeongsang provinces.

More places

Naganeupseong Folk Village — Damyang (South Korea)
Naganeupseong Folk Village
A well-preserved fortress town from the Joseon Dynasty.
Suncheon Bay Wetlands — Damyang (South Korea)
Suncheon Bay Wetlands
One of the world's largest coastal wetlands, home to vast reed fields and a major habitat for migratory birds.
Jirisan National Park — Damyang (South Korea)
Jirisan National Park
The largest and oldest national park in South Korea, spanning three provinces.
Boseong Green Tea Fields — Damyang (South Korea)
Boseong Green Tea Fields
The largest and oldest tea plantations in South Korea, known for their terraced fields and high-quality green tea.
Port of Gwangyang — Damyang (South Korea)
Port of Gwangyang
A strategic port specializing in container and steel transport, serving the POSCO Gwangyang Steel Mill.
Yudalsan Mountain — Damyang (South Korea)
Yudalsan Mountain
A mountain in the port city of Mokpo.
Goryeo Celadon Museum — Damyang (South Korea)
Goryeo Celadon Museum
Located in Gangjin, this museum is dedicated to the exquisite celadon ceramics of the Goryeo Dynasty.
Turtle Ship (Geobukseon) Replica — Damyang (South Korea)
Turtle Ship (Geobukseon) Replica
A replica of the famous warship used by Admiral Yi Sun-sin during the Imjin Wars in the 16th century.