Imagine walking through a forest of tall green bamboo, with cool air and soft light all around.
That’s Juknokwon in Damyang — Korea’s most famous bamboo forest.
The tall bamboo, the fresh air, and the peaceful paths make it feel like another world. Add the nearby Metasequoia Road, and you have one of the most beautiful nature trips in Korea. Let’s explore!
Juknokwon Bamboo Forest in Google Maps
What Is Juknokwon?
Juknokwon is a large bamboo forest in Damyang, in Jeollanam-do province.
It is the most popular bamboo forest in all of Korea.
Inside, there are 8 different walking paths winding through the tall green bamboo. The forest is cool, quiet, and beautiful in every season. It’s a perfect place to slow down, breathe, and take dreamy photos.
Hours & Admission
- Hours: March–October 09:00–19:00 (last entry 18:00) / November–February 09:00–18:00 (last entry 17:30)
- Admission: Adults 3,000 won / Teens 1,500 won / Children 1,000 won
Hours and prices may change — check before your visit.
How to Get There (From Seoul)
It’s a bit far, but very doable as a trip.
By Train + Bus
- Take the KTX from Seoul Station to Gwangju Station (about 2 hours)
- Then take Bus 311 to Juknokwon (about 1 hour)
By Express Bus
- Take a bus from Seoul Central City Terminal to Damyang Bus Terminal
- Then take Bus 311 to Juknokwon
Damyang Bus Terminal in Google Maps
✔ Easy to combine with Gwangju as a two-day trip ✔ By car, it’s about 3.5 hours from Seoul
What Can You Do at Juknokwon?
1. Walk the 8 Bamboo Trails
The forest has 8 walking courses of different lengths. Stroll under the tall green bamboo and enjoy the cool, fresh air. Every path has its own charm — just relax and wander.
2. Take Dreamy Photos
The rows of tall bamboo make an amazing natural backdrop.
The soft green light through the leaves is perfect for photos. It’s one of the most “instagrammable” nature spots in Korea.
3. Try Bamboo-Themed Food & Tea
End your walk with a cup of bamboo leaf tea. Don’t miss daetong-bap — rice steamed inside a bamboo stem — at the food village next to Juknokwon. It’s a tasty local specialty of Damyang.
4. Walk the Famous Metasequoia Road
Just nearby is the Metasequoia-lined Road, an 8.5 km boulevard of tall trees. It’s one of Korea’s most beautiful roads, especially stunning in summer and autumn. It’s about a 35-minute walk from Juknokwon, so you can enjoy both in one day!
Damyang Metasequoia Road in Google Maps
Helpful Links (Plan Your Visit)
- Damyang County Official Site: https://www.damyang.go.kr
- VisitKorea – Juknokwon (Bamboo Garden): https://english.visitkorea.or.kr/svc/whereToGo/locIntrdn/rgnContentsView.do?vcontsId=93987
- VisitKorea – Damyang Metasequoia-lined Road: https://english.visitkorea.or.kr/svc/contents/contentsView.do?vcontsId=89007
Tips for Visitors
- Wear comfortable shoes for the forest paths
- Summer is cool and green; autumn adds golden Metasequoia colors
- Combine Juknokwon + Metasequoia Road in one day
- Try the bamboo rice (daetong-bap) for lunch
- Weekdays are quieter for photos
Best Time to Visit
- Summer: Cool, shady, and lush green
- Autumn: Golden Metasequoia trees nearby
- Morning: Fewer crowds and soft light
- Any season: The bamboo stays green all year
