Damyang Day Trip with Kids: Juknokwon Bamboo Forest & Metasequoia Road (Stroller-Friendly)

Damyang, in South Jeolla Province, is known for two things: towering bamboo forests and a long road lined with metasequoia trees. Both paths are mostly flat, which makes Damyang a relaxed day out with children. Most places are free for kids aged 6 and under.

Quick facts

• Getting there: KTX or SRT to Gwangju Songjeong Station, then about 40 minutes by taxi or bus
• Time needed: a full day
• Autumn: metasequoia leaves turn rusty red in late autumn; check recent photos before you go

1. Juknokwon Bamboo Forest

Sunlight comes through the bamboo in stripes, and kids love it. Go in the morning, when it's calm and parking is easy.

• Tickets: adults 3,000 won, teens 1,500 won, elementary kids 1,000 won, 6 and under free
• Hours (Nov–Feb): 09:00–18:00, last entry 17:30 · free parking at the main gate
• Address: 119 Jungnogwon-ro, Damyang-eup (Korean: 전남 담양군 담양읍 죽녹원로 119)
• Strollers: possible, with some slopes; ask at the ticket booth for the flattest route.

2. Gwanbangjerim Forest (free)

Three minutes' walk from Juknokwon, this riverside embankment is lined with about 185 old trees and is a protected natural monument. Flat, shady and free, it's the perfect snack stop.

3. Metasequoia Road

About 7–10 minutes by car from Juknokwon. Tall trees form a long tunnel over a flat dirt path where kids can run.

• Tickets: adults 2,000 won, children about 700 won, 6 and under free
• Hours: 09:00–18:00 · free parking at Meta Provence, 5 minutes away

4. Rainy-day backup: Korea Bamboo Museum

About 5–10 minutes by car from the Metasequoia Road, with kids' activities and an outdoor playground. Children's entry is about 700 won. Call ahead about nursing facilities.

5. Lunch: Damyang tteokgalbi

Damyang's grilled short-rib patties are mild and popular with children.

• Deoginkwan: large tteokgalbi 32,000 won; tteokgalbi + bamboo-tube rice set 37,000 won; daily 11:00–21:00 (as of June 2026)
• Sinsikdang: tteokgalbi 35,000 won; daily 11:30–20:00 (as of June 2026)
• For something lighter, the noodle street near Juknokwon is cheap and quick. Ask about floor seating and high chairs.

A family-paced plan

1. 09:00–10:00 Juknokwon
2. 10:30 Gwanbangjerim walk and snacks
3. Lunch tteokgalbi or noodles
4. Afternoon Metasequoia Road, then a café at Meta Provence

Tips for foreign travelers

• Public transport between the sights is limited; taxis or a rental car save a lot of time.
• Weekends in the autumn color season get busy. Go on a weekday or start early.
• Use Naver Map or KakaoMap for local bus times from Gwangju.

Summary

Bamboo forest in the morning, tteokgalbi for lunch, metasequoia trees in the afternoon. With most places free for under-7s, Damyang is a gentle, budget-friendly family day trip.