Damyang

Damyang — City of Bamboo Forests, and the Essence of Korean Gardens

I always say the same thing to friends visiting Damyang for the first time — "Everywhere you walk becomes a photo opportunity." Bamboo forests, Metasequoia-lined roads, Joseon Dynasty gardens, Tteokgalbi alley — it's not a large city, but the condensed scenic density in this small town is among the best in Korea. A 30-minute drive from Gwangju, perfect for a 1-night, 2-day trip or a day trip.

At a Glance

What kind of place is it?

A county in the northwestern part of Jeollanam-do. Although a small city with a population of around 40,000, it is the center of Korean bamboo culture. Bamboo shoots (juksun), bamboo tube rice (juktongbap), and bamboo crafts are everyday items, and the garden culture cultivated since the Joseon Dynasty is also profound (a collection of byeolseo gardens such as Soswaewon and Sikyeongjeong).

Must-Visit Spots

• 🎋 Damyang Juknokwon — Damyang's signature. A 310,000㎡ bamboo forest. A scene where sunlight filters through the bamboo as you walk.
• 🌳 Metasequoia Garosu-gil — An 8.5km Metasequoia-lined road. Bicycle or walk. Autumn is spectacular.
• 🏯 Soswaewon — A Joseon Dynasty byeolseo garden created in the 1530s. Small but the essence of Korean garden aesthetics.
• 🌲 Gwanbangjerim — A massive scenic forest (protected trees) lining Damyangcheon Stream. Great for walks.
• 🦆 Damyangho Lake + Gamagol Ecological Park — Tranquil lake scenery.

Food — Damyang is a Culinary City

• Tteokgalbi — Damyang Tteokgalbi is virtually the original. Thick short rib patties. Sweet and savory seasoning. Numerous long-standing restaurants (nopo) like Sinsikdang, Deokin Galbi, Bangmulgwan Galbi line the streets.
• Daetongbap — Rice cooked in a bamboo tube. Toppings include nuts, ginkgo, and jujubes. A Damyang specialty.
• Juksun Dishes — Juksun-hoe (sliced raw bamboo shoots) · Juksun-namul (seasoned bamboo shoots). Limited to spring season.
• Noodles — Noodle Street (near Gwanbangjerim). Anchovy noodles (myeolchi guksu) · Bibim guksu (spicy mixed noodles). Excellent value for money (gaseongbi gap).

How to Get There

• KTX: Yongsan Station → GwangjuSongjeong Station approx. 1 hour 30 minutes → Damyang by city bus or intercity bus approx. 40~50 minutes.
• Express Bus: Seoul → Damyang direct approx. 3 hours 30 minutes (Central City).
• From Gwangju: City bus No. 311 or 30 minutes by car.
• Rental Car Recommended — The routes to Juknokwon, Metasequoia, Soswaewon, and Tteokgalbi Alley are long, so a car is more convenient.

Recommended Itinerary

• Day Trip (Gwangju-based) — Gwangju → Juknokwon → Metasequoia → Tteokgalbi → Soswaewon → Gwangju
• 1-Night, 2-Day Trip (Damyang-based) — Day 1: Juknokwon · Noodle Street · Tteokgalbi / Day 2: Metasequoia · Soswaewon · Gwanbangjerim
• 2-Night, 3-Day Trip (Gwangju & Damyang combined) — Gwangju Mudeungsan · Yangnim-dong · City + Damyang

Good Combined Itineraries

• Gwangju — 30 minutes by car. Combine with Mudeungsan, Yangnim-dong, and downtown Gwangju.
• Suncheon — 1 hour by car. Add Suncheonman Garden.
• Boseong Green Tea Fields — 1 hour 30 minutes by car. As part of a Southern Jeolla Province tour.

Seasonal Scenery

• 🌱 Spring (April-May) — Juksun (bamboo shoot) season. Metasequoia new shoots.
• ☀️ Summer — The bamboo forest is cool even at midday. Most recommended.
• 🍁 Autumn (October-November) — The foliage of the Metasequoia road is at its peak. The busiest time of the year, but well worth it.
• ❄️ Winter — Quiet. A snow-covered bamboo forest has its own charm.

Honest Tips

• Renting a bicycle for the Metasequoia road (available at the entrance) is the best option. Walking 8.5km takes too much time.
• Juknokwon has an admission fee (around 3,000 won for adults). Reasonable.
• Tteokgalbi nopo (long-standing restaurants) have varying prices — older establishments tend to be more expensive. For value for money (gaseongbi), compare places like Sinsikdang and Bangmulgwan Galbi.
• Lunch at Noodle Street offers excellent value for money (gaseongbi) + great atmosphere. Menus around 5,000 won per person.
• Damyang itself is a small county — many places close early in the evening. The restaurant area becomes quiet by 7-8 PM.
• For foreign travelers, combining Gwangju + Damyang is the way to go. Damyang alone might feel a bit lacking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Is a day trip to Damyang possible? A. Yes. If based in Gwangju, a course visiting Juknokwon → Metasequoia-gil → Tteokgalbi → Soswaewon in one day is feasible. The attractions are concentrated in the town, so a rental car makes the itinerary much more convenient.

Q. How much is the admission fee for Juknokwon? A. As of 2026, it is 3,000 won for adults. You can see both the bamboo forest walking trails and the garden, offering good value for money. For detailed courses, check the Damyang Juknokwon Guide.

Q. When is the Metasequoia Garosu-gil most beautiful? A. Autumn, from October to November, when the leaves change color, is its peak. Since it's an 8.5km section, you can comfortably explore it by renting a bicycle at the entrance. The admission fee for the paid section is 2,000 won for adults.

Q. Where are the best Damyang Tteokgalbi restaurants? A. Damyang Tteokgalbi is characterized by thick short rib patties with sweet and savory seasoning. Well-known long-standing restaurants (nopo) include Sinsikdang, Deokin Galbi, and Bangmulgwan Galbi. If you want a lighter meal, Noodle Street near Gwanbangjerim is also a good option.

Information

• Recommended Duration: Day trip ~ 1-night, 2-day trip
• Language: Korean, some English in tourist areas
• Official: Damyang-gun (damyang.go.kr)