Damyang Gwanbangjerim Guide 2026: Free Autumn Foliage Walk
Explore Damyang Gwanbangjerim, a beautiful forest path with ancient trees and tranquil autumn colors. Enjoy a free, flat walk perfect for all ages, with parking tips & nearby attractions.
Quick answer
- Admission to Damyang Gwanbangjerim is free.
- Parking is free at the public lot or Mokpo National University Damyang Campus.
- Autumn foliage typically peaks from late October to mid-November.
- It's a flat, easy walk suitable for all ages, including strollers and seniors.
- Nearby Juknokwon (₩3,000 (~$2)) and Damyang Noodle Street can be combined for a full day.
Are you looking for a great spot to see autumn foliage?
Somewhere on flat ground, not a mountain?
A place where you can easily enjoy the autumn leaves.
Damyang Gwanbangjerim (담양 관방제림) is a forest path along the Damyangcheon Stream (담양천) embankment,
lined with centuries-old trees.
There's no entrance fee and it's flat,
making it perfect for a walk with kids or parents.
In this post, I've compiled everything you need to know about Gwanbangjerim, including its location, entrance fees,
parking, best time for autumn leaves, and nearby courses to explore,
all in one place.
Damyang Gwanbangjerim
Address
Area of Gaeksa 7-gil 37, Damyang-eup (담양읍), Damyang-gun (담양군), Jeollanam-do (전남)
Operating Hours
Always Open (Year-round)
Entrance Fee
Free
Parking
Gwanbangjerim Public Parking Lot (관방제림 공영주차장) (Free)
On weekends, if the lot is full, park at Mokpo National University Damyang Campus (국립목포대학교 담양캠퍼스)
(where we always park)
Inquiries
Damyang County Office (담양군청) Tourism Division 061-380-3150
Official Information
damyang.go.kr/tour
📍 Damyang Gwanbangjerim
Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Metropolitan City (전남광주통합특별시), Damyang-gun, Damyang-eup, Gaeksa 7-gil 37
What Kind of Place is Gwanbangjerim?
Gwanbangjerim is a forest created to protect the Damyangcheon Stream embankment.
It is said that in the 26th year of King Injo of Joseon (1648),
Damyang Magistrate Seong I-seong (성이성) built the embankment and
began planting trees.
On November 27, 1991,
it was designated as Natural Monument No. 366.
The forest is home to deciduous broadleaf trees such as nettle trees, zelkova trees, hackberry trees,
cherry trees, and silver maples.
It's introduced as a forest path where you can feel
a calm and deep autumn glow, rather than vibrant red foliage.
When is the Best Time to See Autumn Leaves at Gwanbangjerim?
The autumn foliage in the Damyang area
usually lasts from late October to mid-November.
However, the timing of the fall foliage varies each year.
Before your visit, please make sure to check recent reviews and official notices from Damyang-gun
to see this year's colors.
Here are photos of Gwanbangjerim from my visit yesterday.
The weather was cloudy, but I was still able to fully immerse myself in the autumn atmosphere.
What I Loved About Walking Here
Here are some commonly highlighted points:
The area around the stepping stones of Gwanbangcheon Stream (관방천)
is known as a photo zone where the autumn leaves reflect beautifully on the water.
Since the path is flat,
it's easy to walk with a stroller or elderly family members.
Parking Tips
Parking near Gwanbangjerim
tends to get crowded on weekends and during peak foliage season.
Arriving early in the morning makes it much easier.
If the public parking lot is full on a weekend,
try parking at Mokpo National University Damyang Campus.
We always park there whenever we visit.
It gives us peace of mind knowing we don't have to panic
if we don't find a spot right away.
Please note that usage may be restricted on certain days due to campus circumstances.
Be sure to check on-site notices.
If it's still full,
the Damyang Sports Complex (담양종합체육관) parking lot
(134 Jungnokwon-ro, Damyang-eup) is also an alternative.
Recommended Nearby Courses
Juknokwon Bamboo Garden (죽녹원)
It's close to Gwanbangjerim,
making it great to combine for a full-day itinerary.
Damyang Travel Essential Course: Enjoying a Bamboo Forest Bath at Juknokwon (죽녹원)The address is 119 Juknokwon-ro, Damyang-eup (담양읍).
The entrance fee is ₩3,000 (~$2) for general admission,
as guided.
Winter operating hours apply from November,
so please check the official website (juknokwon.go.kr)
for the times before you go.
Damyang Noodle Street (담양 국수거리)
Located near Gwanbangjerim (관방제림),
it's perfect for lunch after a walk.
I visited Damyang Ddukbang Guksu againOperating hours vary by store,
so please check before visiting.
Damyang SoarTe (담양 소아르떼)
Damyang SoarTe: A newly opened tourist attraction, recommended for a date courseDamyang SoarTe is a complex cultural art space
that combines an immersive media art exhibition hall,
an exotic European-style street, and charming cafes.
Damyang Large-Scale Complex Art Complex SoarTe Admission Ticket - KlookRecommended Itinerary
Morning: Autumn foliage walk at Gwanbangjerim
→ Lunch: Noodles
→ Afternoon: Walk at Juknokwon
Mellow Trip Practical Tips
1. Plan your parking first on weekends.
Even if the public parking lot is full,
parking at Mokpo National University Damyang Campus (국립목포대학교 담양캠퍼스)
is convenient.
If you go in the morning, parking is easier,
and you'll have more time for photos.
2. Take photos around the stepping stones.
It's perfect for capturing the autumn leaves reflected in the water.
3. Bring an outer layer.
In November, the wind on the embankment
can be surprisingly chilly.
Recommended Outerwear for Kids
Rolli Tree Kids' Basic Cozy Fleece Zip-up Jacket - Apparel | Coupang4. Avoid peak times for lunch.
Noodle Street tends to get crowded
around noon.
Pre-Visit Checklist
Check the latest reviews for autumn foliage conditions.
Decide on your parking location in advance
(Mokpo National University Damyang Campus is recommended on weekends).
Check Juknokwon's winter operating hours.
Check restaurant operating hours.
Bring comfortable shoes and an outer layer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is there an entrance fee for Damyang Gwanbangjerim (담양 관방제림)?
A. No, there isn't. You can enter for free.
Q. Is parking at Gwanbangjerim free?
A. The Gwanbangjerim public parking lot is free.
If it's full on weekends, you can park at
Mokpo National University Damyang Campus (국립목포대학교 담양캠퍼스).
Our family always uses this spot.
Q. What should you do if there's no parking at Gwanbangjerim
on weekends?
A. Try parking at Mokpo National University Damyang Campus.
You can walk from there.
Keep in mind that there might be days when parking is restricted due to campus circumstances,
so please check the on-site notice.
Q. What are the operating hours for Gwanbangjerim?
A. It's open year-round, 24/7.
Q. When is the best time to see the autumn foliage at Gwanbangjerim?
A. The autumn leaves in Damyang usually can be enjoyed from late October
to mid-November.
Since it varies each year,
we recommend checking before your visit.
Q. Is Gwanbangjerim a Natural Monument?
A. Yes, it was designated as
Natural Monument No. 366 on November 27, 1991.
Q. Are Gwanbangjerim and Juknokwon (죽녹원) close to each other?
A. Yes, they are. You just cross one main road,
and you're there!
Many people combine them into a one-day course
and visit both together.
Mellow Trip's (멜로우트립) Overall Thoughts
Gwanbangjerim is a place where you can stroll through an autumn forest path
without any strenuous climbing.
Plus, there's no entrance fee,
making it perfect for a relaxed visit.
If you prefer the calm hues of autumn over vibrant red foliage,
we especially recommend it.
Consider adding it to your itinerary for a lovely stroll
with family, parents, or your significant other.
Fellow explorers, which do you prefer for an autumn foliage walk
— a mountain trail or a forest path?
Let us know in the comments!
Other Recommended Reads
Damyang Best 3 Places to Visit with Kids
Damyang Best 3 Places to Visit with Kids#DamyangGwanbangjerim #GwanbangjerimAutumnFoliage #DamyangPlacesToVisit #DamyangAutumnFoliage #DamyangTravel #JeollanamdoAutumnFoliageHotspot (전남) #RecommendedAutumnTravelDestination #DamyangJuknokwon #DamyangNoodleStreet (담양 국수거리)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the admission fee for Damyang Gwanbangjerim, and how can I use the parking facilities?
There is no admission fee for Damyang Gwanbangjerim. You can use the Gwanbangjerim public parking lot for free.
If the Damyang Gwanbangjerim public parking lot is full on weekends, what are the alternative parking options?
If the public parking lot is full on weekends, you can use the parking lot at Mokpo National University Damyang Campus. Usage may be restricted depending on the campus's internal circumstances, so please check the on-site notices.
When was Damyang Gwanbangjerim designated as Natural Monument No. 366, and what types of trees are there?
Gwanbangjerim was designated as Natural Monument No. 366 on November 27, 1991. The forest is home to deciduous broad-leaved trees such as hackberry, zelkova, Chinese nettle tree, cherry, and silver maple.
What are some recommended nearby courses to visit with Damyang Gwanbangjerim, and what is the admission fee for Juknokwon?
Near Gwanbangjerim, you can find Juknokwon, Damyang Noodle Street, and Damyang Soarte. The general admission fee for Juknokwon is ₩3,000 (~$2), and winter operating hours apply from November, so please check the official website.
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