Private Tour

Damyang Bamboo Forest Tour (Private)

Overview

Available languages

English

8 hours 30 minutes

Mobile ticket

This tour starts from Gwangju Metropolitan City.

This journey will lead you to Damyang, an ideal destination for those seeking tranquility away from the bustle of urban life and a deep dive into traditional Korean culture. Renowned for its bamboo and bamboo crafts, Damyang boasts the perfect environmental and geographical conditions for bamboo cultivation.

In addition, Damyang is home to Asia's first "Slow City" village, where the emphasis is on a leisurely lifestyle and regional cuisine. The area is also rich in history, with private gardens from the Joseon Dynasty that inspired classical Korean poetry. Here, you'll have the chance to experience the charm of rural life, rich cultural heritage, and a variety of local delicacies.

Additional Info

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

Wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Travel time from Gwangju to Damyang is around 45minutes.

Travel time from Damyang to Gwangju is around 60minutes. (rush hour)

Total Tour Duration inclusive of start to each leg of the tour and back.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What To Expect

Juknokwon is the most renowned bamboo forest in South Korea, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. Nestled in Damyang, the heartland of Classical Korean Poetry from the Joseon Dynasty, Juknokwon features a dense bamboo forest and a pavilion culture village. Once you pass through the entrance, you'll find yourself enveloped in a serene world surrounded by towering bamboo. A leisurely stroll through this enchanting forest is remarkably calming and rejuvenating. To enhance your visit, savor Jukro Tea, a premium tea made from dew collected from bamboo trees—one of the finest teas in the world. If tea isn't to your taste, you can also indulge in Bamboo-leaf ice cream for a refreshing treat!

2 hours • Admission Included

Gwanbangjerim Forest

Gwanbangjerim is a unique manmade forest, originally planted in 1648 along the banks of Damyangcheon Stream to prevent flooding. Stretching for two kilometers, it resembles a riverbank trail more than a traditional forest. This site holds significant historical and cultural value, showcasing the ingenuity of Korean ancestors in disaster prevention. Today, It is a popular destination where visitors can enjoy a pleasant stroll along its pathways, taking in the beautiful landscape and reflecting on its historical significance.

40 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

What‘s Included

Private transportation

All Fees and Taxes

Gourmet Lunch

Coffee or Tea in a Hanok Cafe

Alcoholic Beverages

Pickup points

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Damyang Bamboo Forest Tour (Private)

Pickup included

Reviews

5.00

2 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Informative, moving, restful (and tasty)
L2744QFphilipg,,Jun 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
I booked myself on the Damyang tour to tick the Juknokwon bamboo forest off my bucket list, but our guide Veronica is an astute listener and she intuited that having visited Damyang a couple of times in previous years I might benefit from a slightly altered itinerary – so she combined elements of her Gwangju city tour (focusing on 5.18 but with a very welcome visit to an exhibition at the Asia Culture Center) with edited highlights of her Damyang tour. It all worked perfectly, though undoubtedly we were blessed with good fortune along the way, like seeing the Gwangju Mayor celebrating the presidential election result in the main square, and meeting the owner of the Soswaewon garden in Damyang. At the end of the day, Veronica dropped me off at the station in plenty of time for me to catch the KTX back to Seoul. The restaurant recommendation (tteokgalbi) for lunch was excellent. I'll definitely be back to try one of her other tours.
Go to the Bamboo Forest!
271daphnet,,May 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Fantastic tour! Veronica was a superb tour guide. The tour experience was like visiting a friend and touring their hometown. It was splendid. I never knew a bamboo forest could be so interesting. Veronica shared about the historical and economic impact on the region over the years to present, the connections with the region’s communities and even some folk tales. We sampled tea made from bamboo, learned about the different species of bamboo, and visited a museum that exhibited art and vintage products made from bamboo. Amazing! Veronica took us to a restaurant that served a delicious meal. The table was full of a variety of dishes to sample. We tried everything. The rice was steamed and served in bamboo. What a unique experience!