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Juknokwon Bamboo Forest

Yeongsangang Bike Path

Juknokwon Bamboo Forest (죽녹원; map) lies on the north side of the Yeongsan River in downtown Damyang County. This bamboo garden is renowned for its immersive escape into nature and history.

Tourists walk up the stone steps leading to the entrance of Juknokwon Bamboo Forest, a popular eco-tourism destination known for its serene bamboo groves and cultural heritage.
Tourists walk up the stone steps leading to the entrance of Juknokwon Bamboo Forest.
The illuminated entrance to Juknokwon Bamboo Forest at night, with a traditional hanok-style pavilion glowing atop the dense bamboo grove, creating a serene and atmospheric scene.
The entrance to Juknokwon Bamboo Forest at night.
A traditional wooden pavilion overlooks the dense green bamboo forest of Juknokwon, a famous eco-tourism site in Damyang, known for its tranquil atmosphere and cultural heritage.
A traditional wooden pavilion overlooks the dense green bamboo forest of Juknokwon.

Spanning over 31 hectares, its setting holds rustling of bamboo leaves and the cool shade, creating an experience known as jukrim-yok (죽림욕), or bamboo forest bathing. Established in 2003, Juknokwon quickly became a prime attraction in South Korea, welcoming over a countless number of visitors annually.

Juknokwon’s layout showcases the versatility and elegance of bamboo while emphasizing sustainability and heritage. Eight distinct walking trails wind through towering bamboo groves, offering diverse experiences for visitors. These pathways are interwoven with cultural landmarks, such as historic pavilions, tea houses, and the Damyang Hyanggyo Confucian School.

Nearby, cyclists on the Yeongsangang Bike Path can stop by the Damyang Bamboo Forest Certification Center (담양대나무숲 인증센터; map) to stamp their Bike Passports.

Let’s explore more.

Bamboo Walks

Juknokwon features eight themed walking trails that span 2.2 kilometers. They offer diverse experiences for visitors, with each path designed to highlight the tranquility of the bamboo forest. Among the most popular paths are:

  • Lover’s Lane: This trail includes a picturesque artificial waterfall. The mist from the waterfall enhances the cooling effect of the bamboo. The area, known for its abundance of negative ions, is believed to reduce stress and improve well-being.
  • Philosopher’s Path: A route perfect for contemplation, with benches placed along the way for visitors to pause and enjoy the stillness of the forest.
  • Scenic Overlook: The summit of the bamboo garden provides breathtaking views of Damyang’s landscape, including the Yeongsan River and Metasequoia Road.

Hyanggyo Confucian School

Located within the grounds of Juknokwon, the Hyanggyo Confucian School (담양향교; map) is a historical landmark that traces its origins back to the 14th century.

First established during the Goryeo Dynasty under the reign of King Chungnyeol (충렬왕; 1236 ~ 1308), the school was expanded in 1398 during the Joseon Dynasty. It served as a center for Confucian education, teaching moral philosophy and classical literature to local scholars.

The school’s architecture reflects the traditional Confucian layout, with buildings arranged according to the principle of jeonhak-humyo (education in the front, ancestral rites in the back). Key structures include:

  • Daeseongjeon Hall: The main shrine where Confucian scholars, including Confucius, are venerated.
  • Myeongnyundang Lecture Hall: The educational hub where students gathered for lessons and discussions.
  • Dongmu and Seomu Halls: Auxiliary halls used for ceremonies and scholarly activities.
The grand entrance to Juknokwon Bamboo Forest, featuring a traditional wooden gate and stone steps leading into the lush greenery of one of Korea’s most famous bamboo gardens.
The grand entrance to Juknokwon Bamboo Forest, featuring a traditional wooden gate and stone steps.
A traditional Korean hanok-style building perched above the dense green bamboo forest of Juknokwon.
A Korean hanok-style building perched above the dense green bamboo forest of Juknokwon.
A red entrance gate welcomes visitors to Juknokwon Bamboo Garden, with a wooden waterwheel set against the backdrop of towering bamboo groves.
A entrance gate welcomes visitors to Juknokwon Bamboo Garden.

Over centuries, the school underwent numerous renovations, including major reconstructions during the reigns of King Sukjong (1674) and King Yeongjo (1747). Today, it preserves its historic significance, offering visitors a glimpse into the scholarly traditions of the past.

The integration of the Hyanggyo Confucian School into the bamboo forest highlights Juknokwon’s commitment to combining nature with historical heritage. Visitors can explore the school’s beautifully preserved structures.

Cultural Sites

In addition to the Hyanggyo Confucian School, Juknokwon features several traditional pavilions, tea houses, and art exhibits that provide an understanding of Damyang’s culture:

  • Traditional Pavilions: Scattered throughout the forest, these rest stops offer spaces to relax while enjoying panoramic views of the bamboo groves.
  • Tea Houses: Visitors can sample Damyang’s famous jukro-cha (bamboo leaf tea), made from tea leaves grown in the surrounding bamboo forests.
  • Art and History Exhibits: Displays include traditional bamboo crafts, highlighting the region’s historical reliance on bamboo as a resource for tools, furniture, and art.

Night Illuminations and Exhibits

When the sun sets, Juknokwon transforms. Soft lighting is strategically placed throughout the forest, emphasizing the height and grace of the bamboo stalks. Night visits offer a completely different experience, with the forest’s ambiance heightened by the interplay of light and shadow.

Juknokwon’s exhibits provide insights into the ecological significance of bamboo. Highlights include:

  • Bamboo Ecology: Learn about the unique properties of bamboo, including its rapid growth and ecological benefits, such as carbon sequestration and soil stabilization.
  • Bamboo Crafts: Discover the traditional methods used to create tools and furniture from bamboo, an industry that once played a vital role in Damyang’s economy.
A traditional Korean pavilion stands atop a lush bamboo forest at Juknokwon.
A traditional Korean pavilion stands atop a lush bamboo forest at Juknokwon.
A street sign directing visitors to Juknokwon Bamboo Forest, a popular eco-tourism site in Damyang, with local shops and traditional architecture in the background.
A sign directing visitors to Juknokwon Bamboo Forest.
A couple walks under the traditional red gate marking the entrance to Juknokwon Bamboo Garden, a serene eco-tourism destination surrounded by lush bamboo forests.
A couple walks under the traditional red gate marking the entrance to Juknokwon Bamboo Garden.

Tips for Visiting

  • Admission Fees:
    • Adults: 3,000 KRW
    • Youth (middle/high school) and military: 1,500 KRW
    • Children: 1,000 KRW
    • Free for Damyang residents, children under 6, seniors over 65, and other eligible groups (with ID).
  • Opening Hours:
    • Summer (March ~ October): 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM (last admission 6:00 PM).
    • Winter (November ~ February): 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM (last admission 5:30 PM).
  • Getting There:

Nearby Attractions

  1. Damyang’s Gwanbangjerim Forest: Located near Juknokwon, this 300-year-old riverside forest offers a shady retreat along the Yeongsan River.
  2. Damyang Noodle Street: Across from Juknokwon, this area is known for traditional guksu (noodle dishes), served in small eateries overlooking the river.
  3. Metasequoia Road: A short walk or bike ride away, this iconic tree-lined avenue is another must-visit destination in Damyang.
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