Damyang-gun: Walking Trails and Old Trees

For a stay in Damyang-gun, Juknokwon and Gwanbangjerim Forest can be considered according to different interests. Juknokwon is known for its themed walking trails and other facilities; Gwanbangjerim is a forest designated as a natural monument on the banks of the Damyangcheon Stream. These features give you a concrete basis for choosing the focus of your visit according to your preferences.

Walking Trails and Hanok at Juknokwon

Juknokwon offers eight themed walking trails. The number gives you a choice, while their themes provide a framework for your walk. If you want to make walking the focus of your visit, you can understand Juknokwon through this combination: it offers both several trail options and a thematic layout. Juknokwon also includes a foot bath experience area. This means two different interests are available within the site: walking trails and a dedicated foot bath experience.

Juknokwon also includes the Jukhyang Experience Village, the Hanok Experience Site, and Sibi Park. Juknokwon also offers traditional Hanok accommodation. When planning, it is useful to distinguish between accommodation and the Hanok Experience Site: one is a form of overnight stay, while the other is a separate facility at Juknokwon. This lets you consider the named accommodation separately from the other facilities and walking trails.

Gwanbangjerim: Forest on the Damyangcheon

Gwanbangjerim Forest is designated as a natural monument and is located on the banks of the Damyangcheon Stream. Its riverside location and designation give the site a different focus from Juknokwon’s themed walking trails: here, the forest and its status as a natural monument take center stage. For visitors interested in forest landscapes, it offers a distinct nature-focused option for a trip to Damyang-gun.

The large trees in Gwanbangjerim include hackberries, zelkovas, nettle trees, and cherry trees; they are about 200 to 300 years old. The tree species and their approximate age give the forest a distinct character. If you are interested in old trees, you can also explore Gwanbangjerim through the composition of its tree population, not only through its status as a natural monument.

The Korea Forest Service selected Gwanbangjerim Forest as “Korea’s Most Beautiful Forest.” This selection adds a distinct form of recognition to its status as a natural monument. Visitors can stop to take photos in the forest’s sculpture park. For photography enthusiasts, this is another specific idea for a visit, alongside learning about the trees.

Two Different Focuses for Your Trip

A comparison can help you choose the focus of your visit: Juknokwon combines themed walking trails, a foot bath experience area, and traditional Hanok accommodation. Gwanbangjerim is known for its natural monument status, large old trees, and sculpture park. If you want to include walking and traditional Hanok accommodation in your travel plans, you can choose Juknokwon as your reference point. If you are more interested in forests, tree species, and photography, Gwanbangjerim offers a different focus. This lets you consider your interests and accommodation separately and weigh them according to your own priorities.

Discover more destinations: Haenam-gun, Muan, Mokpo, Boseong-Gun, Yeonggwang-gun, Yeongam-Gun, Yeosu, Gwangyang-si

For the overview of the wider region: Jeollanam-Do.