Metasequoia Road
Metasequoia Road (메타세콰이어길; map) is a walking area in Damyang County, South Jeolla Province. Originally planted in the 1970s during a national roadside beautification project, the dirt walking road now stretches for over 8 kilometers, its towering Metasequoia trees forming a natural canopy that changes with the seasons.
The road’s aesthetic appeal extends beyond its beauty. The hit K-Drama, Winter Sonata (겨울연가; 2002), gave the road cultural significance. Today, people recognize it as both a scenic spot and a symbol of Damyang’s commitment to preserving and enhancing its natural heritage.
A Road Transformed
Metasequoia Road began its life as a functional thoroughfare, providing transportation for vehicles along what was once National Road 24. In the 1970s, as part of a national beautification effort, Damyang County planted approximately 1,300 Metasequoia trees along an 8-kilometer stretch.
The trees, chosen for their fast growth and striking symmetry, transformed the road into a scenic corridor. Over time, its visual appeal and growing popularity among visitors led to a pivotal change.
When the county built a nearby highway to reroute traffic, Metasequoia Road was converted into a pedestrian-only path, making it a tranquil retreat for visitors. Workers tore up the asphalt surface and replaced it with dirt walking trails.
These renovations solidified the road’s status as one of Korea’s most beautiful and iconic destinations, earning it a spot in the prestigious “100 Most Beautiful Roads in Korea” list.
Key Features
- Manicured Dirt Paths: The soft walking trails are well-maintained, offering a comfortable surface for visitors. Shaded by the towering Metasequoia trees, these paths remain cool even in the summer heat.
- Seasonal Transformations: The road’s character evolved throughout the year.
- In summer, the dense green foliage creates a vibrant canopy.
- Autumn paints the avenue in golden and rust-colored hues
- Winter’s bare branches lend a stark, peaceful beauty.
- In spring, the avenue begins to bloom, with fresh greenery signaling renewal.
- Benches and Rest Areas: Strategically placed seating areas encourage visitors to pause and appreciate their surroundings. These rest points provide unobstructed views of the road and the natural beauty of its surroundings.
Today, Metasequoia Road stands as a model of how infrastructure can evolve to promote sustainability and leisure, attracting visitors while preserving the harmony of its natural setting.
Certification Center
For cyclists exploring the Yeongsangang Bike Path, the Metasequoia Road Certification Center (메타세콰이어길 인증센터; map) serves as the second stamp booth. Located at the start of this scenic avenue, bike riders can stamp their Bike Passports here before continuing along the path.
Tips for Visiting
- Admission:
- Adults (individual): 2,000 KRW
- Adults (group): 1,600 KRW
- Youth/Military (individual): 1,000 KRW
- Youth/Military (group): 700 KRW
- Children (individual): 700 KRW
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn are ideal, with lush greenery in spring and golden foliage in autumn.
- Accessibility: The paths are wheelchair and stroller-friendly, with restrooms and washing stations..
- Getting There:
- Address: 전남 담양군 담양읍 학동리 613-31
- From Damyang Town: A 10-minute walk from the center of Damyang.
- Contact: 061-380-3149
- Nearby Attractions: Nearby highlights include Juknokwon Bamboo Forest or the historical Gwanbangjerim Forest. These spots complement the natural beauty and tranquility of Metasequoia Road.
