Damyang
Damyang is a county in southwest South Korea known for its bamboo forest and a tree-lined road. It works as a short, slow trip from Gwangju.
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Damyang is a county in Jeollanam-do, in the southwest of South Korea. Bamboo grows thickly on the hills around the county, and the Juknokwon bamboo garden is the best-known place to see it. Local shops sell bamboo crafts. Soswaewon, a garden from the Joseon period with pavilions and ponds, is the other stop most travelers make. The Metasequoia-lined road through the countryside draws visitors too, and tteokgalbi, grilled minced short rib, is the local dish to try.
Damyang works best as a slow trip. One day covers the bamboo forest, the garden and a meal, and two days give time for the tree-lined road at an easy pace. Autumn is the best season, when the metasequoia trees turn russet and the weather is mild. Spring is also pleasant. Plan one to two days here.
Damyang in five
- Get Naver Map or KakaoMap before you travelNaver Map and KakaoMap give more detailed bus and transit routes in Korea than most foreign map apps. Download offline maps before you leave the city.Phones and eSIM
- Load a T-money card for city busesT-money is a prepaid card that works on many Korean buses. Check that it is accepted on the local bus before you rely on it.Money and costs
- Take a bus or taxi from GwangjuDamyang has no KTX station, so most visitors come by bus or taxi from Gwangju. Check current times in Naver Map or KakaoMap, since timetables change.Getting around
- Carry won for small shops and stallsCards work at most larger shops and restaurants. Carry some won for small stalls and rural shops.
- Apply for K-ETA before you flyMany visa-exempt travelers need a K-ETA before they board. Apply on the official site well ahead of your flight, not at the airport.Visas and entry
Need to know
- Currency
- Won (KRW)
- Entry
- Visa-free short stays for many passports; K-ETA for many visa-exempt visitors Read more
- Emergency
- 112 police, 119 fire and ambulance
- Tipping
- Not expected
- Time
- UTC+9, no daylight saving
Weather by month
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Poor
- JanuaryCold, dry
- FebruaryCold, quiet
- MarchSpring starts
- AprilMild, spring
- MayMild, green
- JuneRainy season
- JulyMonsoon rain
- AugustHot, humid
- SeptemberTyphoon season
- OctoberAutumn color
- NovemberCool, dry
- DecemberCold, dry
Right now in Damyang
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
7
- Feels like
- 7°
- Humidity
- 66%
- Wind
- 5 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 0%
Damyang
05:41 AM
Tuesday, November 3
- Today18°6°0%Tuesday: Partly cloudy. High 18°, Low 6°. Chance of rain 0%.
- Wed15°8°3%Wednesday: Cloudy. High 15°, Low 8°. Chance of rain 3%.
- Thu16°9°90%Thursday: Rain. High 16°, Low 9°. Chance of rain 90%.
- Fri14°5°0%Friday: Fog. High 14°, Low 5°. Chance of rain 0%.
- Sat10°2°0%Saturday: Cloudy. High 10°, Low 2°. Chance of rain 0%.
- Sun8°3°12%Sunday: Drizzle. High 8°, Low 3°. Chance of rain 12%.
- Mon12°0°2%Monday: Cloudy. High 12°, Low 0°. Chance of rain 2%.
Updated 05:03 AM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 USD = 1,333 KRW
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Day trips by train
- Gwangjuabout 1 hour by busThe regional city with the largest choice of hotels and transport links.
- Najuabout 1 hour by carA town on the plain to the southwest, a quieter option for a half day.
- Jangseongabout 30 min by carA neighboring county with lakeside walks and a rural pace.
Before you go to Damyang
Rules for Damyang, checked
- Many visitors need no visa for short stays, but visa-exempt travelers from many countries must apply for a K-ETA before flying.Source
- Declare cash above the legal limit on the arrival form. Check the rules with Korea Customs Service before you travel.
- Dial 112 for police and 119 for fire or an ambulance anywhere in South Korea.
- Check Korea's drug rules before you carry prescription medicine, since some common medicines are restricted.
Plan around Damyang
Regions, entry rules, transport and money for a Korea trip
Read the guideJeollanam-doThe southwest province where Damyang sits
Read the guideGetting around KoreaTrains, buses and taxis between cities and small towns
Read the guideVisas and entryK-ETA, visa-free stays and what to check before you fly
Read the guideMoney and costsCash, cards and typical prices for food, beds and sights
Read the guideWhere to stayGuesthouses and hotels in Damyang and nearby Gwangju
Read the guideDamyang FAQ
How do you get to Damyang?
Most visitors take a bus or taxi from Gwangju, since no KTX train stops in Damyang. Check current bus times in Naver Map or KakaoMap before you leave.
Is Damyang worth visiting?
Yes if you want bamboo groves, the Metasequoia road and a slower countryside stop. It is a short trip from Gwangju, but it has fewer sights than the city.
How many days do you need in Damyang?
One day covers the bamboo forest and the Metasequoia road. Stay a night if you want the town in the evening and an early start for walks.
When is the best time to visit Damyang?
Spring and autumn give mild days. Summer is hot and humid with monsoon rain, and winter is cold and dry.
Do you need a car in Damyang?
Not for the town itself, but the bamboo forest and the Metasequoia road are outside the center. A taxi or car makes both easier.
Can you pay by card in Damyang?
Cards work at most shops and restaurants, but carry some won for small stalls and rural shops.