Whispering Canopies and Towering Redwoods: Exploring Damyang Juknokwon Bamboo Forest & Metasequoia Lane (담양 죽녹원 & 메타세쿼이아길)
Following our coastal retreat along Gangneung’s blue horizons, today’s morning guide journeys southwest to the lush county of Damyang (담양) in South Jeolla Province. Celebrated across Korea as the ecological sanctuary of slow living and scholar gardens, Damyang is home to the nation’s most magnificent grove: Juknokwon (죽녹원), paired with the storybook tunnel of Metasequoia-lined Road (메타세쿼이아 가로수길).
Cultivated over 310,000 square meters on the gentle hills overlooking the Damyangcheon Stream, Juknokwon is a dense forest of thick green bamboo stalks reaching up to 20 meters into the sky. The forest air is rich in negative ions and phytoncides, naturally keeping the canopy 4 to 7 degrees cooler than surrounding urban areas. For centuries, Joseon scholars retreated to Damyang’s pavilions to compose poetry and practice calligraphy, drawing inspiration from the upright resilience of bamboo. Just a few minutes down the road, towering deciduous conifers form an arched canopy that shifts from emerald greens in summer to deep rust-amber tones in late autumn.
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Highlights of Damyang Juknokwon & Metasequoia Lane
- The Eight Themed Forest Trails: Juknokwon features 2.4 kilometers of walking paths divided into eight distinctive routes, including Philosopher’s Path, Memories Byway, and Scholar’s Walking Path. As the mountain breezes rustle through the bamboo leaves (Jukpung), sunlight filters down in dancing patterns across the stone trails.
- Bonghwangnu Observation Pavilion: Located near the main entrance, this elevated open-air pavilion provides a panoramic vista over Damyang’s historic Gwanbangjerim flood-prevention forest and the surrounding countryside.
- Siga Culture Village (시가문화촌): Nestled in the rear section of the forest, this heritage zone replicates famous historic literary pavilions such as Songgangjeong and Myeonangjeong. Visitors can sit on wooden verandas, practice traditional tea ceremonies, and listen to classical Korean geomungo zither music.
- Metasequoia-Lined Road: Originally planted as saplings along National Route 24 in the early 1970s, these giant trees have matured into a pedestrian-only boulevard stretching over 2 kilometers. Bicycles, strollers, and walkers stroll beneath a living cathedral arch that has been voted one of the most beautiful roads in South Korea.
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What to Eat & Drink: Bamboo Shoot Delicacies & Charcoal Ribs
Damyang’s culinary identity is built entirely around fresh bamboo shoots, seasonal herbs, and traditional charcoal grilling techniques.
1. Steamed Bamboo Tube Rice (Daetongbap / 대통밥): Short-grain rice, black beans, chestnuts, pine nuts, and ginkgo nuts packed into a fresh cut bamboo stalk, sealed with hanji paper, and steamed until the natural bamboo resin permeates the grains.
2. Damyang Charbroiled Short Ribs (Damyang Tteok-galbi / 담양 떡갈비): Minced prime beef marinated in aged soy sauce, garlic, and scallions, hand-shaped into thick rectangular patties and slowly grilled over glowing oak charcoal (e.g., Deok-in-gwan, Namdoyehyang).
3. Spicy Bamboo Shoot Salad (Juksun Muchim / 죽순무침): Tender, freshly harvested bamboo shoots tossed with sweet onions, squid or freshwater snails, and tangy chili-vinegar dressing (chogochujang). Served as a signature side with Daetongbap.
4. Bamboo Leaf Ice Cream & Tea (Jukno-cha & Jukyeop Softcream): Soft-serve ice cream infused with powdered young bamboo leaves, giving it a subtle green tea-like aroma with sweet earthy undertones.
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Essential Visitor Tips
- Morning Forest Bathing: Arrive at Juknokwon around 09:00 AM. Early morning visits offer tranquil trails filled with birdsong and whispering winds before tour groups arrive.
- Footwear Recommendation: The pathways inside Juknokwon are gravel and soft earth with gentle slopes and wooden steps. Comfortable walking shoes or sneakers are recommended.
- Connecting via Gwanbangjerim: To walk between Juknokwon and Metasequoia Lane, follow the Gwanbangjerim Forest (관방제림) trail along the stream. This 2-kilometer dyke forest features 300-year-old zelkova and hornbeam trees, connecting both destinations without walking along main traffic roads.
- Getting There from Seoul: Take the Honam KTX/SRT train from Yongsan Station or Suseo Station to Gwangju-Songjeong Station (approx. 1 hour 40 minutes). From Gwangju, catch express intercity bus No. 311, which runs directly to the Juknokwon stop in about 45 minutes.
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Visitor Information
- Address: 119 Juknokwon-ro, Damyang-eup, Damyang-gun, Jeollanam-do (전라남도 담양군 담양읍 죽녹원로 119)
- Nearest Transit: Gwangju-Songjeong KTX Station / Gwangju U-Square Bus Terminal (Direct express bus 311 to Juknokwon).
- Operating Hours:
* Juknokwon: Daily 09:00 – 19:00 (Mar–Oct) / 09:00 – 18:00 (Nov–Feb). Last admission 1 hour before closing.
* Metasequoia Lane: Open 24/7 (Ticket booth operates 09:00 – 18:00).
- Admission:
* Juknokwon: 3,000 KRW for adults / 1,500 KRW for youths / 1,000 KRW for children.
* Metasequoia-lined Road: 2,000 KRW for adults / 1,000 KRW for children.
Following our coastal retreat along Gangneung’s blue horizons, today’s morning guide journeys southwest to the lush county of Damyang (담양) in South Jeolla Province. Celebrated across Korea as the ecological sanctuary of slow living and scholar gardens, Damyang is home to the nation’s most magnificent grove: Juknokwon (죽녹원), paired with the storybook tunnel of Metasequoia-lined Road (메타세쿼이아 가로수길).
Cultivated over 310,000 square meters on the gentle hills overlooking the Damyangcheon Stream, Juknokwon is a dense forest of thick green bamboo stalks reaching up to 20 meters into the sky. The forest air is rich in negative ions and phytoncides, naturally keeping the canopy 4 to 7 degrees cooler than surrounding urban areas. For centuries, Joseon scholars retreated to Damyang’s pavilions to compose poetry and practice calligraphy, drawing inspiration from the upright resilience of bamboo. Just a few minutes down the road, towering deciduous conifers form an arched canopy that shifts from emerald greens in summer to deep rust-amber tones in late autumn.
---
Highlights of Damyang Juknokwon & Metasequoia Lane
- The Eight Themed Forest Trails: Juknokwon features 2.4 kilometers of walking paths divided into eight distinctive routes, including Philosopher’s Path, Memories Byway, and Scholar’s Walking Path. As the mountain breezes rustle through the bamboo leaves (Jukpung), sunlight filters down in dancing patterns across the stone trails.
- Bonghwangnu Observation Pavilion: Located near the main entrance, this elevated open-air pavilion provides a panoramic vista over Damyang’s historic Gwanbangjerim flood-prevention forest and the surrounding countryside.
- Siga Culture Village (시가문화촌): Nestled in the rear section of the forest, this heritage zone replicates famous historic literary pavilions such as Songgangjeong and Myeonangjeong. Visitors can sit on wooden verandas, practice traditional tea ceremonies, and listen to classical Korean geomungo zither music.
- Metasequoia-Lined Road: Originally planted as saplings along National Route 24 in the early 1970s, these giant trees have matured into a pedestrian-only boulevard stretching over 2 kilometers. Bicycles, strollers, and walkers stroll beneath a living cathedral arch that has been voted one of the most beautiful roads in South Korea.
---
What to Eat & Drink: Bamboo Shoot Delicacies & Charcoal Ribs
Damyang’s culinary identity is built entirely around fresh bamboo shoots, seasonal herbs, and traditional charcoal grilling techniques.
1. Steamed Bamboo Tube Rice (Daetongbap / 대통밥): Short-grain rice, black beans, chestnuts, pine nuts, and ginkgo nuts packed into a fresh cut bamboo stalk, sealed with hanji paper, and steamed until the natural bamboo resin permeates the grains.
2. Damyang Charbroiled Short Ribs (Damyang Tteok-galbi / 담양 떡갈비): Minced prime beef marinated in aged soy sauce, garlic, and scallions, hand-shaped into thick rectangular patties and slowly grilled over glowing oak charcoal (e.g., Deok-in-gwan, Namdoyehyang).
3. Spicy Bamboo Shoot Salad (Juksun Muchim / 죽순무침): Tender, freshly harvested bamboo shoots tossed with sweet onions, squid or freshwater snails, and tangy chili-vinegar dressing (chogochujang). Served as a signature side with Daetongbap.
4. Bamboo Leaf Ice Cream & Tea (Jukno-cha & Jukyeop Softcream): Soft-serve ice cream infused with powdered young bamboo leaves, giving it a subtle green tea-like aroma with sweet earthy undertones.
---
Essential Visitor Tips
- Morning Forest Bathing: Arrive at Juknokwon around 09:00 AM. Early morning visits offer tranquil trails filled with birdsong and whispering winds before tour groups arrive.
- Footwear Recommendation: The pathways inside Juknokwon are gravel and soft earth with gentle slopes and wooden steps. Comfortable walking shoes or sneakers are recommended.
- Connecting via Gwanbangjerim: To walk between Juknokwon and Metasequoia Lane, follow the Gwanbangjerim Forest (관방제림) trail along the stream. This 2-kilometer dyke forest features 300-year-old zelkova and hornbeam trees, connecting both destinations without walking along main traffic roads.
- Getting There from Seoul: Take the Honam KTX/SRT train from Yongsan Station or Suseo Station to Gwangju-Songjeong Station (approx. 1 hour 40 minutes). From Gwangju, catch express intercity bus No. 311, which runs directly to the Juknokwon stop in about 45 minutes.
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Visitor Information
- Address: 119 Juknokwon-ro, Damyang-eup, Damyang-gun, Jeollanam-do (전라남도 담양군 담양읍 죽녹원로 119)
- Nearest Transit: Gwangju-Songjeong KTX Station / Gwangju U-Square Bus Terminal (Direct express bus 311 to Juknokwon).
- Operating Hours:
* Juknokwon: Daily 09:00 – 19:00 (Mar–Oct) / 09:00 – 18:00 (Nov–Feb). Last admission 1 hour before closing.
* Metasequoia Lane: Open 24/7 (Ticket booth operates 09:00 – 18:00).
- Admission:
* Juknokwon: 3,000 KRW for adults / 1,500 KRW for youths / 1,000 KRW for children.
* Metasequoia-lined Road: 2,000 KRW for adults / 1,000 KRW for children.
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