A Camping Trip in a Bamboo Forest

Damyang is the land of bamboo. Beyond bamboo-themed parks like Juknokwon and Daenamugol Theme Park and the Bamboo Museum where visitors can fully immerse themselves in bamboo, the journey also takes in Gwanbangjerim, a forest of centuries-old trees along the Yeongsan River running through downtown Damyang, and Korea's celebrated Metasequoia Road, often called the most beautiful road in the country — a trip where forest and road come together in harmony.

Along the way

1. 1
   Gwanbangjerim

   관방제림

   Gwanbangje is an embankment along the Gwanbang stream, stretching 6km from Dongjeongja Village in Namsan-ri, Damyang-eup, through Hwanggeum-ri in Subuk-myeon, to Gangui-ri in Daejeon-myeon. Gwanbangje is famous for the massive scenic forest it forms over about 2km. This forest, known as Gwanbangjerim, covers 49,228㎡ and is densely packed with trees estimated to be 200–300 years old. \nMoreLess

   

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2. 2
   Juknokwon

   죽녹원

   Juknokwon is a bamboo grove that comes into view on the left just past the Confucian school (hyanggyo) along Damyang-cheon, the source of the Yeongsan River, near Gwanbangjerim. Climbing the stone steps one by one at the entrance to Juknokwon loosens up a stiff body, and the bamboo wind blowing between the stalks brings a refreshing coolness to a mind and body worn out by daily life. Walking the densely packed bamboo path, listening to the rustle of the bamboo leaves, also brings a fresh feeling as sunlight pours down through the green leaves, bathing your whole body in its glow. \nMoreLess

   

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3. 3

   Lunch (Deokingwan, Seungil Sikdang, Wonjo Hansanggeun Daetongbapjip)

   점심식사(덕인관, 승일식당, 원조한상근대통밥집)

   [Deokingwan] \nLocated on the main road toward Juknokwon from Damyang IC, Deokingwan is a storied tteokgalbi (grilled short rib patty) house serving the real thing. As the only restaurant in the country that still makes tteokgalbi using the traditional cooking method, its flavor and aroma are incomparable to the modified tteokgalbi served at other restaurants.\n \n[Seungil Sikdang] \nThe restaurant's unchanging flavor and 25-year history owe to owner Kim Gap-rye, who has made the galbi seasoning by hand since 1987. She also sources good-quality pork ribs through a nationwide distribution network. Tender pork, she says, is the kind that doesn't turn hard once it cools. \n[Wonjo Hansanggeun Daetongbapjip] \nHansanggeun Daetongbapjip is run by Han Sang-geun, the very person who first developed daetongbap (bamboo-tube rice). Since it's run by its creator, it's the original of originals.MoreLess

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4. 4

   Daenamugol Theme Park (1-night camping)

   대나무골 테마공원(캠핑1박)

   Daenamugol sits in a basin that fans out across the valleys of Chuwolsan and Gojisan, centered on the pristine Damyangho Lake. Surrounded by bamboo forest planted and tended for about 30 years, the area boasts beautiful natural scenery. In spring, bamboo shoots bursting up through the bamboo grove's soil create a spectacular sight, and the area also serves as a nesting habitat for resident birds. \nMoreLess

   

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5. 5
   Geumseong Fortress

   금성산성

   Located on Geumseongsan (603m), which forms the border between Geumseong-myeon, Damyang-gun, and Sunchang-gun, Jeollabuk-do, Geumseong Fortress is ranked among the three great mountain fortresses of Honam. The fortress connects Cheolmabong, Undaebong, and Jangdaebong to form a double-walled fortification, with an outer wall 6,486m long and an inner wall 859m long, both built of stone.\nMoreLess

   

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6. 6

   Gamagol Valley

   가마골계곡

   Gamagol is a valley formed across a 4km radius centered on Yongchubong Peak (523m) in Yongyeon-ri, Yong-myeon, Damyang-gun. The mountain isn't especially high, but across its expansive 311,000㎡ area, dense forest, clear valley streams, and striking rock formations combine to create a beautiful landscape. With rest areas, a lawn plaza, a nature study field, and various other amenities scattered throughout, it's a great spot for forest bathing.\nMoreLess

   

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