Damyang Bamboo Festival (담양대나무축제)

18.3Km 2025-07-11

134 Jungnogwon-ro, Damyang-eup, Damyang-gun, Jeollanam-do
+82-61-380-3152

In Damyang, a town where bamboo grows abundantly, there used to be a day when villagers gathered to plant bamboo, known as the Day of Jukchwi (bamboo planting day). This tradition has evolved into an annual festival celebrated in May since the Goryeo Dynasty. The festival takes place around the famous bamboo forest, Juknokwon, and the natural monument forest, Gwanbangjerim Forest. Various bamboo-related activities are available, such as making bamboo kites, shooting bamboo water guns, and riding bamboo rafts and canoes. A stroll through the bamboo forest, which emits phytoncides and negative ions, offers a relaxing charm during the festival. Visitors can also enjoy Damyang’s local food on the lawns, watch performances, and participate in various events, immersing themselves in the celebration of Damyang and bamboo.

◎ Day of Bamboo Planting
May 13 on the lunar calendar is a good day to plant bamboo. It is recommended that bamboo shoots be planted during the rainy season, as bamboo loves water.

Gwanbangjerim Forest (관방제림)

18.6Km 2025-01-09

1, Gaeksa-ri, Damnyang-gun, Jeollanam-do
+82-61-380-2812

Located in Damyang, Jellanam-do, Gwanbangjerim Forest (Natural Monument) is a forest that was made along the banks of Damyangcheon Stream. The two-kilometer-long forest stretches from Dongjeong Village in Namsan-ri to Hwanggeum-ri, Subuk-myeon and Gangui-ri, Daejeon-myeon.

Gwanbangjerim Forest is a special manmade forest that was planted to prevent flooding along Damyangcheon Stream. It is comprised of large trees such as muku trees, zelkova trees, nettle trees, and cherry trees that are about 200 to 300 years old.

The forest’s beauty is so well known that it was even selected as “Korea’s Most Beautiful Forest” by the Korean Forest Services. Visitors enjoy this gorgeous natural getaway all year round, with many stopping by the forest Sculpture Park for pictures. Nearby attractions include the Jungnogwon Bamboo Garden and the Metasequoia-lined road.

Juknokwon (Bamboo Garden) (죽녹원)

18.6Km 2024-12-02

119 Jungnogwon-ro, Damyang-gun, Jeollanam-do
+82-61-380-2680

Juknokwon in Damyang is a bamboo forest cultivated by the town of Damyang. This bamboo forest, at approximately 160,000 ㎡ in size, was formed in May 2003. The rock steps and soft breeze blowing between the bamboo trees provide relief from daily stress. Try bamboo leaf tea for a perfect end to one's visit.

Gokseong Seomjingang Astronomical Observatory (곡성섬진강천문대)

18.7Km 2024-02-22

1234 Seomjingang-ro, Gurye-eup, Gurye-gun, Jeollanam-do

Gokseong Seomjingang Astronomical Observatory is an astronomical observatory located along the Seomjingang River, equipped with a 600mm astronomical telescope and various other telescopes. It features a Main Observatory, Auxiliary Observatory, and an Planetarium for observing stars and the sun. Experience facilities include a 4D & VR Theater, VR Gyroscope, Space Elevator, and a Children's Experience Center.

The Face Shop [Tax Refund Shop] (더페이스샵)

18.8Km 2024-04-22

385-16, Nammun-ro, Namwon-si, Jeollabuk-do

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Gwanghalluwon Garden (광한루원)

18.9Km 2025-10-23

1447 Yocheon-ro, Namwon-si, Jeonbuk-do

Originally known as Gwangtongnu, Gwanghalluwon Garden was built by Hwang Hui Jeongseung in 1419 during the reign of Joseon dynasty’s King Sejong. Because of its outstanding beauty, Governor Jeong In-ji gave the garden the name "Gwanghallu" in 1444, comparing it to a garden from the palace on the moon. It is famous as the location where Lee Mong-ryong and Chunhyang (two lovers from a well-known Korean folk story) first met. In the 1920s Chunhyangsa Temple was established in the neighboring area and a portrait of Chunhyang was hung in a place of honor. The garden is the venue of the Chunhyangjae Festival every spring, celebrating the deep and lasting love of the famous couple. The area around Gwanghalluwon Garden is full of many attractions, including Ojakgyo Bridge, symbolizing the bridge connecting Chilseok and Gyeonwu from the traditional story of Chilseok; and Chunhyang Hall, Wolmae-jip (house of Chunhyang's mother), Wanwoljeong Pavilion, Yeongjugak Pavilion, Samsinsan and many other traditional buildings.

Gwanghallu Pavilion (광한루)

18.9Km 2024-04-07

1447, Yocheon-ro, Namwon-si, Jeonbuk-do
+82-63-620-6172

Rebuilt in 1638 (the 16th year of King Injo), Gwanghallu Pavilion is one of the Joseon dynasty’s most exemplary structures. The pavilion was constructed in 1419 by Hwang Hui, a noted prime minister in the early Joseon dynasty, during his exile to Namwon. The name of the pavilion at that time was Gwangtongnu. In 1434, while the pavilion was undergoing reconstruction, scholar and politician Jeong In-ji called it Gwanghallu after Gwanghancheongheobu, the mythical palace on the moon. Designated as Treasure No. 281, the pavilion is one of four major pavilions known for excellent craftsmanship, along with Yeongnamnu Pavilion (Miryang), Chokseongnu Pavilion (Jinju), and Bubyeoknu (Pyeongyang). Gwanghalluwon Garden, which consists of Gwanghallu Pavilion, a pond, Bangjangjeon Pavilion, and Yeongjugak Pavilion form Historic Site No. 33.

Sinsikdang (신식당)

18.9Km 2024-12-26

전라남도 담양군 담양읍 담주2길 18-13
061-382-9901

Established in 1932, this restaurant has been passed down through four generations. One of its unique qualities is making its own fermented soybeans, soy sauce, and red chili paste, giving its dishes a rich and deep flavor.

Stayriun [Korea Quality]스테이리운[한국관광 품질인증]

19.0Km 2024-08-14

53-7 , Gosaem-gil, Namwon-si, Jeonbuk-do
+82-507-1493-0660

Stayriun is a private hanok adjacent to the famous Gwanghalluwon Garden in Namwon, Jeollabuk-do. Accommodation is in the sarangchae and the main building. The sarangchae is a cozy space for two people with a small yard and a wooden maru where you can enjoy a cup of tea. The main building has high ceilings, large windows and a terrace, giving a sense of openness; the floor is neatly finished in wood and stone. There’s a beam projector, and an indoor spa.

Namwonyechon by Kensington (남원예촌)

19.0Km 2024-12-24

17 , Gwanghanbuk-ro, Namwon-si, Jeonbuk-do
+82-63-636-8001

Namwonyechon in Namwon, Jeollabuk-do, combines the beauty of traditional hanok with the convenience of a hotel. In summer, rooms with daecheongmaru are popular, and in winter, you can cozy up to an oakwood fire. A hanbok experience, pansori and gayageum performances, and a traditional games experience are provided free of charge. Residents get a free entry pass with mapae(a certificate to allow officials to use horses) to nearby Gwanghalluwon Garden, Chunhyang Theme Park, and Baekdudaegan Ecological Education Center. Room minibars are also free of charge.

Damyang Bamboo Festival (담양대나무축제) - Area information - Korea travel information