Damyang Autumn Day Trip 2026: Gwanbangjerim, Noodles & Cafe

When autumn deepens,

don't you just feel like whisking yourself away somewhere new?

Whenever that feeling strikes, I find myself heading to Damyang (담양).

A stroll among the autumn leaves, a comforting bowl of noodles,

and even some leisurely time at a cafe –

It’s the perfect one-day itinerary!

I've organized a route featuring Gwanbangjerim (관방제림), Ttukbang Guksu (뚝방국수),

and Ampersand (앰퍼샌드) on the 3rd floor of Damyang Market (담양시장),

following the exact order I visited them.

These are all places I've personally explored and loved.

Today's Course at a Glance

Morning: Autumn Foliage Walk at Gwanbangjerim

Lunch: Ttukbang Guksu

Afternoon: Cafe Ampersand on the 3rd Floor of Damyang Market

All three of these spots are conveniently located within Damyang-eup (담양읍),

making travel between them incredibly easy.

Gwanbangjerim

Location: Damyang-eup, Damyang-gun, Jeollanam-do (전남 담양군 담양읍),

Damyangcheon Embankment (담양천 제방) opposite Juknokwon (죽녹원).

Admission: Free

Highlights: National Monument No. 366, approximately 2km (~1.2 miles) forest path

Ttukbang Guksu

Address: 20 Cheonbyeon 5-gil, Damyang-eup, Damyang-gun, Jeollanam-do

Hours: Daily 09:30 ~ 20:00

Phone: 061-382-5630

Ordering: Pre-payment required

Ampersand (3rd Floor of Damyang Market)

Address: 3rd Floor, 40 Damju 4-gil, Damyang-eup, Damyang-gun, Jeollanam-do

Hours: 11:00 ~ 20:00 (Last order 19:30)

Phone: 070-4077-0024

Parking: Available in the B1 parking lot

Morning: Autumn Foliage Walk at Gwanbangjerim

Your Damyang autumn adventure truly begins at Gwanbangjerim.

This enchanting forest path is designated as National Monument No. 366,

and it stretches along the Damyangcheon Embankment, lined with ancient zelkova (느티나무), hackberry (팽나무),

and elm (푸조나무) trees.

Instead of vibrant crimson foliage,

you'll discover a more profound and serene spectrum of autumn colors here.

Jeollanam-do itself recommends this spot as a healing autumn foliage destination for November.

The peak autumn foliage season can vary slightly each year, so it's always good to check beforehand!

Gwanbangjerim Pro Tips

No admission fee!

It's a flat path, perfect for a leisurely walk with kids or parents.

The stepping stones across Gwanbangcheon (관방천) provide a picturesque photo zone,

where the vibrant autumn leaves reflect beautifully on the water.

Located right opposite Juknokwon, it makes for a convenient travel route.

Parking Tips

Parking near Gwanbangjerim can be tricky.

I usually park inside Jeonnam Provincial University (전남도립대학교), which is right in front of Juknokwon,

and then walk down.

The walking and cycling paths here are exceptionally well-maintained.

Electric car rentals are also available,

making it a comfortable experience even if you're traveling with seniors.

After your stroll, please remember to take your trash with you.

More Reviews of Gwanbangjerim

Autumn Foliage Walk at Gwanbangjerim, a Must-Visit in Damyang

Lunch: Ttukbang Guksu

After a refreshing walk among the autumn leaves, you're bound to work up an appetite!

On the Noodle Street (국수거리) right by Gwanbangcheon,

Ttukbang Guksu is my absolute go-to spot.

Signature Menu

Anchovy Noodles: ₩6,000 (~$5)

Yeolmu Bibim Guksu (Spicy Radish Greens Noodles): ₩7,000 (~$5)

(Prices may vary; checking before your visit is recommended)

They operate on a pre-payment system.

Grab a seat, tell them your table number,

pay upfront, and your delicious food will be on its way.

It's a popular spot, so expect a wait during peak hours.

I'd suggest avoiding peak lunch times if you can.

I always find myself torn between the Anchovy Noodles and the Yeolmu Bibim Guksu.

We also ordered the Rolled Omelette (계란말이) and Spicy Stir-fried Chicken Feet (매운 닭발볶음) to share.

More Reviews of Ttukbang Guksu

I Visited Damyang Ttukbang Guksu Again!

Afternoon: Cafe Ampersand on the 3rd Floor of Damyang Market

After a satisfying meal,

it's time to unwind at a cozy cafe.

Our final stop for today is

Ampersand, located on the 3rd floor of the newly built Damyang Market building.

We stumbled upon this place while looking for a restaurant,

and it turned out to be an even more amazing space than we expected.

How to Get There

You can take the elevator inside the building

up to the 3rd floor.

You can use the basement level 1 parking lot.

Atmosphere of the Space

The interior is luxuriously decorated,

giving it an art gallery feel.

There's a high-end coffee machine,

and since it's on the 3rd floor, you can see the scenery of Damyang (담양) outside the window.

There's a diverse selection of chairs and tables,

making it fun to look around.

There are also reclining chairs and a spacious terrace.

Unfortunately, it was raining that day, so we couldn't use the terrace.

There are group seating areas designed like separate rooms,

spaces resembling music listening rooms, and

even a bakery.

If you're with kids,

there are plenty of photo zones, so they'll

have a blast sitting in different spots.

It's not widely known yet,

so we could enjoy it peacefully.

More Reviews for Ampersand (앰퍼샌드)

Ampersand: A Newly Opened Luxury Cafe on the 3rd Floor of Damyang Market (담양시장)

Our Honest Review

What We Loved & What We Found Challenging

What We Loved

All three spots are located within Damyang-eup (담양읍), so there's less travel hassle.

Gwanbangjerim (관방제림) is free and flat, making it great for families.

Ampersand was spacious and peaceful, offering a truly relaxed experience.

The underground parking made parking convenient.

What We Found Challenging

Parking near Gwanbangjerim can be difficult.

At Ttukbang Guksu (뚝방국수), you might have to wait, and it's pre-payment.

The terrace can only be enjoyed when the weather is good.

Mellowtrip's Practical Tips

If you leave early in the morning, parking will be much easier.

Aim for lunch before 11:30 AM or

after 1:30 PM.

Ampersand opens at 11:00 AM.

It's best to visit in the afternoon, after lunch.

The peak season for autumn leaves varies each year,

so check recent reviews again before you depart.

Pre-Visit Checklist

Decide on your Gwanbangjerim parking spot beforehand.

Check Ttukbang Guksu's operating hours: 09:30 AM ~ 08:00 PM.

Check Ampersand's operating hours: 11:00 AM ~ 08:00 PM.

Remember Ampersand's last order: 07:30 PM.

Bring comfortable walking shoes.

Take your trash with you after your walk.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Is there an entrance fee for Gwanbangjerim in Damyang?

A. No, there isn't. You can enjoy a walk for free.

Q. What kind of place is Gwanbangjerim?

A. It's about a 2km forest path lined with old trees

along the Damyangcheon (담양천) embankment.

It's designated Natural Monument No. 366.

Q. What are Ttukbang Guksu's operating hours?

A. It's open daily from 09:30 AM to 08:00 PM.

The phone number is 061-382-5630.

Q. How do you order at Ttukbang Guksu?

A. After finding a seat and telling them your table number,

you pre-pay, and then your food will be served.

Q. Where is Ampersand at Damyang Market?

A. It's on the 3rd floor of the Damyang Market building.

The address is 3rd floor, 40 Damju 4-gil, Damyang-eup, Damyang-gun,

Jeollanam-do (전남 담양군 담양읍 담주4길 40).

You can take the elevator inside the building.

Q. What are Ampersand's operating hours?

A. It's open from 11:00 AM to 08:00 PM,

with the last order at 07:30 PM.

The phone number is 070-4077-0024.

Q. Can I park at Ampersand?

A. Yes, you can use the basement level 1

parking lot of the Damyang Market building.

Q. Is a Damyang autumn travel itinerary possible in one day?

A. Absolutely! Gwanbangjerim, Ttukbang Guksu,

and Ampersand are all within Damyang-eup, making it

a perfect one-day itinerary.

Mellowtrip's Overall Take

It's an itinerary that starts with a walk at Gwanbangjerim,

has lunch at Ttukbang Guksu,

and then relaxes at Ampersand.

All three spots are within Damyang-eup,

which means less travel stress.

It's a great place to visit comfortably,

whether with children or parents.

If you're heading to Damyang this autumn,

be sure to follow this itinerary!

(Please double-check the peak autumn leaf season and operating hours

before your visit.)

Fellow explorers, if you go to Damyang,

do you head to the noodles or the cafe first?

Let us know in the comments!

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