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The Korea Times

By Pyo Kyung-min
As autumn paints Korea in calmer hues, Damyang County in South Jeolla province and nearby Namwon City have emerged as perfect destinations for those seeking a peaceful retreat.
With their blend of forests, historic sites and a variety of cultural offerings, these hidden gems invite visitors to explore the quieter – yet equally captivating – side of the country’s beauty.
They are being promoted under Local 100, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism’s campaign to highlight Korea’s lesser-known cultural and natural gems outside Seoul.

Damyang’s “Three Great Forests” – the Metasequoia-lined Road, the Gwanbangjerim Forest and the famous bamboo grove at Juknokwon – represent some of the region’s most stunning yet internationally lesser-known sites.
Planted in the early 1970s, Damyang’s metasequoia trees create one of Korea’s most picturesque walking paths. After five decades, these towering trees form a natural canopy that filters sunlight and casts soft, dappled shadows.
In autumn, their golden leaves make for a serene atmosphere, creating an idyllic spot for a peaceful stroll.
Adjacent to the road stands the Gwanbangjerim Forest, a man-made area dating back 400 years, designed to prevent flooding from the nearby Damyang Stream. Designated a Natural Monument, this forest is home to centuries-old trees, and is cherished by residents as a natural retreat.
Adding to the county’s forest offerings is Juknokwon, a sprawling bamboo forest covering around 160,000 square metres (40 acres). The rock steps and gentle breeze rustling through the bamboo provide a tranquil escape from everyday life, complete with the mesmerising sound of wind gushing through trees.

Master Ki Soon-do’s fermentation centre in Damyang is a premier destination for those eager to experience the culinary traditions of the Jeolla region, particularly its famed traditional fermented pastes known as jang.
Favoured by chefs and culinary experts who visit Korea, the centre showcases the expertise of Master Ki, who has been honoured with the title of Korea Food Grand Master.
The prestigious title is bestowed by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs upon individuals who have spent more than 20 years perfecting their culinary craft. Ki has dedicated over 48 years to crafting her traditional jang, preserving methods in their authentic form.

Visitors to Ki’s fermentation centre can marvel at the sight of over 1,200 traditional jars used for ageing jang. They can also sample a variety of unique jang, from the traditional ones to those made with innovative, modern ingredients, such as strawberry syrup, providing a glimpse into Korea’s evolving culinary heritage.
Located about 40km (25 miles) east of Damyang County, Namwon City boasts a rich cultural heritage and is celebrated as the setting for Chunhyang-ga, one of Korea’s most beloved pansori repertoires, a type of narrative music.
In Namwon, visitors can immerse themselves in a variety of artistic performances, from pansori to modern dance.
Gwanghallu Pavilion, originally built in 1419, is a hallmark architectural treasure from the Joseon dynasty (1392-1910) and serves as a venue for the Namwon Municipal Orchestra for Korean Traditional Music’s modern rendition of Chunhyang-ga, recognised as one of the Local 100 projects by the culture ministry.

The troupe is currently preparing for a new performance based on Manboksa Jeopogi, one of the five earliest Korean novels written by early Joseon literati Kim Si-seup, this December.
Seodo Station is another must-visit for those seeking artistic experiences in Namwon. A popular destination in autumn, the station gained fame as a filming location for the hit historical drama Mr. Sunshine. This old Jeolla Line railway station ceased passenger operations in 2004 and closed in 2008.
The Local 100 project, a two-year initiative by the culture ministry set to conclude at the end of this year, aims to highlight Korea’s lesser-known attractions and promote regional tourism.
Seeking to draw both domestic and international tourists to areas often overlooked in favour of Seoul, it offers a selection of 100 destinations, ranging from historical sites and cultural festivals to master artisans and performances that preserve Korea’s traditional heritage.
Read the full story at The Korea Times.


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Far from Seoul, natural and cultural gems make for a special autumn retreat in South Korea

A traditional fermented paste producer in South Korea’S Jeolla region. Photo: Instagram

Gwanbangjerim Forest, in Damyang County, South Jeolla province, is one of the spots in the Jeolla region the South Korean government is promoting to spotlight the country’s more peaceful side. Photo: Shutterstock

Juknokwon, a sprawling bamboo grove, is one of Damyang’s “Three Great Forests” promoted as part of the Local 100 initiative. Photo: Getty Images

South Korean culture minister Yu In-chon speaks with tourists at Damyang County’s Juknokwon bamboo forest. Photo: Instagram

Master Ki Soon-do (centre) demonstrates the process of making “jang”, a Korean fermented paste, at her fermentation centre in Damyang County, South Jeolla province. Photo: Instagram

A scene from a modern rendition of Chunhyang-ga, performed by the Namwon Municipal Orchestra for Korean Traditional Music, near Gwanghallu Pavilion. Photo: Instagram

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Lifestyle

Travel & Leisure

Entertainment

Less visited spots in Korea’s Jeolla region have forests, traditional food and music and a K-drama location, and show country’s quiet side


Less visited spots in Korea’s Jeolla region have forests, traditional food and music and a K-drama location, and show country’s quiet side.


Tourism

South Korea

Korea Times