Damyang 2-Day Itinerary: Best Healing Spots & Bamboo Forest Guide
This guide introduces a recommended 2-day itinerary for those planning a trip to Damyang, focusing on healing and relaxation. We will explore Damyang's representative attractions in order, from Juknokwon (Bamboo Garden) and the Metasequoia Path to the famous Noodle Street and a review of a charming accommodation.
Damyang 2-Day Itinerary: Day 1
Gwanbangjerim Forest
We recommend starting your first day at Gwanbangjerim Forest, a designated natural monument. This man-made forest, created hundreds of years ago to prevent flooding, features a tunnel of ancient trees along the Damyangcheon Stream. It offers a pleasant walk without an admission fee. With plenty of shade, it is cool even in summer, and it connects directly to the nearby Juknokwon and Noodle Street, making it an excellent starting point for your Damyang tour.
Tip: Using the Gwanbangjerim public parking lot is convenient, and we recommend visiting early on weekends to avoid crowds.
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| Gwanbangjerim Forest |
Damyang Noodle Street
After a walk in Gwanbangjerim, you can have lunch at 'Damyang Noodle Street' located right next door. You can enjoy a meal sitting on outdoor wooden platforms (pyeongsang) or tables lined up along the stream, which is a unique local experience. The representative menus, Anchovy Noodle Soup (Myeolchi-guksu) and Spicy Mixed Noodles (Bibim-guksu), are affordable, mostly ranging from 5,000 KRW (approx. $3.70 USD) to 7,000 KRW (approx. $5.20 USD).
Tip: Most restaurants offer similar menus and prices, so feel free to visit any place with available seats.
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| Damyang Noodle Street |
Juknokwon (Bamboo Garden)
After lunch, the course leads to Juknokwon, located directly across from Noodle Street. It features 8 walking paths amidst a dense bamboo forest of about 310,000 square meters. It takes about an hour or more to look around the entire area. Walking along the forest path, you will reach the Bonghwangru Observatory, where you can see the panoramic view of Damyangcheon Stream and Gwanbangjerim Forest.
- Opening Hours: 09:00 ~ 19:00 (Last admission at 18:00)
- Admission Fee: Adults 3,000 KRW (approx. $2.20 USD), Youths 1,500 KRW (approx. $1.10 USD), Children 1,000 KRW (approx. $0.75 USD)
- Address: 119 Juknokwon-ro, Damyang-eup, Damyang-gun, Jeollanam-do
Tip: If the parking lot at the entrance of Juknokwon is full, it may be more convenient to use the large public parking lot across the river.
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| Juknokwon (Bamboo Garden) |
Meta Provence
Meta Provence, about a 5-minute drive from Juknokwon, is a tourist complex themed after a small European village. Various shops, cafes, and restaurants are gathered among pastel-toned buildings, making it a nice place to browse. There is no separate admission fee, and photo zones are available throughout the complex for great pictures.
Tip: When the lights turn on after sunset, you can feel an exotic atmosphere different from the daytime, so we recommend visiting for dinner or a night view course on the first day.
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| Meta Provence |
Damyang 2-Day Itinerary: Day 2
Jungnimjae (Bamboo Grove House)
For the morning of the second day, we recommend visiting Jungnimjae, which has historical significance. This building was originally built to be used as a study room for the Changnyeong Jo clan. It was destroyed during the Imjin War (Japanese invasions of Korea) and rebuilt during the reign of King Injo, and the current building is said to have been newly built in 1945. Also called 'Jungnim Seowon', it features a beautifully maintained garden and pond, making it a great place for a quiet walk.
- Opening Hours: 10:00 ~ 17:00 (Closed every Monday)
- Admission Fee: Adults 5,000 KRW (approx. $3.70 USD)
- Address: 59-10 Jungnimjae-gil, Bongsan-myeon, Damyang-gun, Jeollanam-do
Tip: It is recommended to check whether it is open before visiting. Also, please observe quiet etiquette.
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| Jungnimjae |
Metasequoia Path
The Metasequoia Path, located about a 10-minute drive from Jungnimjae, is another famous landmark of Damyang. The Metasequoia trees stretching high into the sky create an exotic landscape. It shows different charms in all four seasons, but it is especially crowded with visitors in summer when the fresh greenery is lush and in autumn when the leaves turn red.
- Opening Hours: 09:00 ~ 18:00 (Subject to change depending on the season)
- Admission Fee: Adults 2,000 KRW (approx. $1.50 USD)
- Address: 12 Metasequoiaro, Damyang-eup, Damyang-gun, Jeollanam-do
Tip: You can rent a bicycle at the entrance of the trail, so we recommend using it if you want to explore the long course comfortably. It is right next to Meta Provence, so it is good to plan them together.
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| Metasequoia Path |
Cafe Recommendation (Chillings)
'Chillings' (formerly Supply), located right next to the Metasequoia Path, is a large cafe perfect for wrapping up your trip. It was created by renovating an old warehouse and features a high ceiling and spacious area. Although there are many Hanok cafes nearby, Chillings is recommended because of its good accessibility and unique atmosphere, making it one of Damyang's famous spots. It is also a great place to end your trip with their house-roasted coffee and various bakery menus.
Tip: The cafe is very large and has many seats, but it tends to be crowded on weekends. Using the Meta Provence parking lot is convenient.
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| Cafe Chillings |
Damyang 2-Day Accommodation (Sentimental Stay)
Soar Hotel (Location, Facilities, Breakfast Info)
The accommodation chosen for this trip is 'Soar Hotel' located within the Meta Provence complex. Its biggest advantage is the location; the movement is very convenient as you can enter directly after enjoying the night view of Meta Provence. The rooms are available in studio and duplex types, as well as 2-room types good for family trips. Breakfast is provided with simple bread and drinks, and depending on the season, you can book a 2-room suite at a reasonable price in the mid-100,000 KRW range (approx. $110 USD), offering good value for money.
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| Soar Hotel |
- Note: Although named a hotel, it does not have an elevator and is closer to a pension (vacation rental). There is no dedicated parking lot, but you can park on the street in front of the hotel. For reference, I parked at the Meta Provence parking lot. It might lack some practicality compared to its unique design, but it is not significantly inconvenient. Please consider this personal opinion when booking.
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| Soar Hotel Room and Breakfast Menu |
In this post, we organized a 2-day Damyang travel course with the theme of healing and relaxation. The schedule included feeling nature at Gwanbangjerim and Juknokwon on Day 1, and enjoying leisure while walking through Jungnimjae and the Metasequoia Path on Day 2. We hope this guide helps you escape from your busy daily life and spend a recharging time in Damyang.
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