Juknokwon is a bamboo garden planted right in the heart of Damyang, turning roughly 310,000㎡ of dense bamboo forest into a full walking park. The bamboo grows thick enough to blot out most of the sky, so the air inside drops noticeably even in peak summer — locals call the act of walking through that cool, ion-rich bamboo air 'jungnimyok,' or bamboo forest bathing. Finding a bamboo forest this size right in the middle of a town is rare enough that Juknokwon is usually the first thing people think of when Damyang comes up.
The trail network totals 2.4km, split across eight themed paths with names like Unsudaetong-gil ('road of good fortune') and Jukmagou-gil ('childhood friends road'). Each one cuts through the bamboo at a slightly different angle, so the shade and the sound of wind shift subtly as you move between them. That sound — wind sweeping through the bamboo — is basically Juknokwon's signature; stand still for a moment with your eyes closed and the rustling wraps around you completely, which is part of why the place has such a reputation as a relaxation spot. Benches and pavilions are scattered throughout, so there's no pressure to rush.
It shows up constantly as a filming location for Korean dramas and movies, so there's a decent chance you'll spot a scene you recognize somewhere in the bamboo. Right near the entrance is Damyang's noodle-restaurant street, perfect for a quick bowl on your way out, and a short trip further gets you to the Metasequoia-lined road (another famous filming spot) and Gwanbangjerim forest. Hit all three in one day and you've basically covered Damyang's greatest hits.
Don't skip the bamboo-themed food while you're here. There's bamboo shoot namul and pancakes, daetongbap (rice steamed inside a bamboo tube), and bamboo-leaf-scented ice cream — plenty of ways to eat the theme. It's an easy bus ride from Gwangju, so a lot of people knock it out as a day trip from there, and combo day-passes covering Juknokwon, the Metasequoia road, and Gwanbangjerim exist too if you're short on time.