Juknokwon Bamboo Forest Guide: Damyang Back Gate Route
Discover why entering Juknokwon Bamboo Forest via the back gate offers a peaceful, crowd-free escape in Damyang. Plan your perfect nature walk today!
Today, I took a quick spring getaway with my family
to Juknokwon Bamboo Forest, the iconic landmark of Damyang, Jeollanam-do,
which brims with vibrant green life all year round.

While most visitors head straight for the main gate,
if you're traveling with family or looking for a more relaxed stroll,
I highly recommend entering through
the back gate of Juknokwon.

From the charms of the back gate route that we personally experienced
to plenty of useful travel tips,
I'll break it all down for you right now.
Juknokwon Back Gate
Address: 378 Junghyangmunhwa-ro, Damyang-eup, Damyang-gun, Jeollanam-do
Parking: Large parking lot available at the Juknokwon Back Gate
Admission: Adults ~$2 / Youth ~$1 / Children ~$1
Juknokwon Back Gate Ticket Office


The three major attractions in Damyang—
Juknokwon, Metasequoia Land, and the Korea Bamboo Museum—
offer free admission to residents of sister cities
and friendly exchange municipalities of Damyang-gun,
provided they bring a valid ID or proof of residence.

Sister Cities & Friendly Exchange Regions
Dalseong-gun (Daegu), Seongbuk-gu (Seoul),
Yongsan-gu (Seoul), Seo-gu (Daejeon), Gyeryong-si (Chungnam),
Jecheon-si (Chungbuk), Shinan-gun (Jeonnam), Nam-gu (Gwangju),
Seongnam-si (Gyeonggi), Sunchang-gun (Jeonbuk), Jungnang-gu (Seoul),
Uljin-gun (Gyeongbuk), and 12 other regions

Since we live in one of these sister cities,
my entire family was able to enter for free!

Why Choose the Juknokwon Back Gate?
The main gate of Juknokwon is close to the Yeongsan River and the famous Noodle Street,
making it highly accessible, but
it has a lot of stairs and tends to be crowded,
which can feel a bit hectic.

On the other hand, the back gate offers a spacious, free parking lot,
and as soon as you enter, you're greeted by the serene Hanok landscapes
of the Jukhyang Culture Experience Village.
Recommended Juknokwon Course for Families
The Serenity of Jukhyang Culture Experience Village Entering through the back gate,
the very first place that welcomes you is
this experience village, which beautifully replicates
the historical pavilions of Damyang.



Strolling through the traditional architectures like Myeonanjeong and Songgangjeong pavilions,
you can fully soak in the absolute tranquility
of the bamboo forest.


There are so many famous spots known for gorgeous photos,
so make sure to snap a lovely family picture!



We strolled slowly through the area,
capturing the beautiful scenery along the way.





With fountains and benches scattered all around,
it's the perfect spot to sit back, relax,
and soak in the healing vibes of the bamboo forest.


As the bamboo trees grew thicker,
postcard-perfect views started appearing
at every turn.



Plum blossoms, the sweet messengers of spring, were also just starting to bloom.

Just a short walk from the entrance,
you’ll find this cozy Hanok cafe.
If you're traveling with family members who find long walks challenging,
this is a wonderful spot for them to take a relaxing break
while you explore the loop.



Walking a bit past the cafe leads you
to the Juknokwon Hanok Experience Center.
If you're planning a spring getaway to Damyang,
staying overnight here is highly recommended!
Plus, you get free admission to Juknokwon as a sweet bonus~


Admiring the green moss on the stone walls
and wandering into the path where the
dense bamboo forest begins...

...I stumbled upon the filming site of the famous show "2 Days & 1 Night"!


From this point, the path begins
to slope gently uphill.



As you walk, you'll spot bamboo sunbeds
and swing chairs along the way.
Lying down on one and gazing up at the sky is the ultimate stress-reliever—
it feels as if all your daily worries are just melting away.



As you step deeper into the forest, giant bamboo stalks soaring
high into the sky create a truly breathtaking canopy.



Juknokwon features eight different themed walking paths.
Trails like "Philosopher's Path" and "Scholar's Path"—
which connect right from the rear entrance—stay incredibly cool,
with temperatures 4 to 7°C (7 to 12°F) lower than outside, thanks to the dense bamboo.



I couldn't help but capture this sweet moment of
my eldest child, who lovingly held their grandmother's hand
the entire way.

And of course, we had to stop and
snap a quick family photo along the way!

A mysterious tree splitting gracefully in two,

and the lovely lights waiting to illuminate the path
when night falls—captured them all in photos.



Since we were walking with my mother,
we decided not to do the full loop and
kept it to a light, relaxing stroll.

On the way back, there's a slight downhill slope, so we took
our time, holding grandmother's hand carefully.
(Don't worry, there are flatter routes available too!)
Mellow Trip's Takeaway
Damyang Juknokwon is so much more than just a place to look at bamboo.
It’s a peaceful sanctuary where families can walk in step with one another,
share deep conversations, and find true comfort
in nature.

Why not escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and
head out for a refreshing spring family getaway to the lush,
green rear entrance of Juknokwon?
Other Posts You Might Enjoy
Best Budget-Friendly Eats & Restaurants in Damyang
A Cozy Cafe Tour in Damyang
Exciting New Hotspots in Damyang
Soarte
Damyang Memory Lane
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the information on admission fees and parking at the back gate of Damyang Juknokwon?
The admission fee for the back gate of Juknokwon is ~$2 for adults, ~$1 for teenagers, and ~$1 for children. For parking, you can use the large free parking lot available at the back gate.
Which 12 sister and friendship cities are eligible for free admission to Juknokwon?
They are Dalseong-gun in Daegu, Seongbuk-gu, Yongsan-gu, and Jungnang-gu in Seoul, Seo-gu in Daejeon, Gyeryong-si in Chungnam, Jecheon-si in Chungbuk, Sinan-gun in Jeonnam, Nam-gu in Gwangju, Seongnam-si in Gyeonggi, Sunchang-gun in Jeonbuk, and Uljin-gun in Gyeongbuk. Residents of these areas can enter for free by presenting an ID or other proof of residence.
Why is it recommended to enter through the back gate instead of the main gate at Juknokwon?
The main gate has many stairs and can be quite crowded with people. On the other hand, the back gate features a spacious free parking lot and allows for a relaxing walk, starting with the tranquil Hanok scenery of the Jukhyang Cultural Village.
What attractions can you see on the initial course when entering through the back gate of Juknokwon?
Right after entering, you will first encounter the Jukhyang Cultural Village, which recreates pavilions like Myeonangjeong and Songgangjeong. As you walk along the path, you will pass a Hanok cafe, the Juknokwon Hanok Experience Center, and the filming location for "2 Days & 1 Night" before entering the main bamboo forest trail.
What are the characteristics of the Philosopher's Path and the Scholar's Path connected from the back gate of Juknokwon?
These walking paths feature spectacular sections with densely towering giant bamboos. Thanks to the thick bamboo forest, the temperature is about 4 to 7 degrees Celsius lower than the outside even in midsummer, allowing for a cool and refreshing walk.
Share this article
Related Travel Stories

Verviers Damyang Review: Must-Visit Korean Bakery
Discover Verviers Bakery in Damyang, a massive red-brick pastry haven by a master baker. Get essential tips on parking, top menus, and photo spots.

Damyang Memory Alley Review 2026: Retro Korea Trip
Step back in time at Damyang Memory Alley, an incredible retro theme park in Korea. Rent vintage school uniforms and explore nostalgic streets!

Juknokwon Hanok Stay Review: Damyang Bamboo Forest
Ever dreamed of sleeping in a traditional Korean hanok surrounded by a lush bamboo forest? Discover the magical Juknokwon Hanok Stay in Damyang, South Korea.

Namdo Yedam Damyang Review 2026: Best Tteokgalbi Feast
Discover Namdo Yedam, Damyang's premier Hanjeongsik restaurant. Taste legendary Tteokgalbi and experience authentic Korean dining with your loved ones.

Damyang Hoshidam Pension Review 2026: Private Jacuzzi & BBQ
Seeking a tranquil escape in South Korea? Our 2026 review of Damyang's Hoshidam Pension highlights its private villas, outdoor jacuzzis, and delightful BBQ areas.

Juknokwon Damyang Guide 2026: Bamboo Forest Tips
Everything you need for Juknokwon Bamboo Forest in Damyang: admission fees, parking, how long to spend, and a pro-tip that makes the visit even better.


Best Budget-Friendly Eats & Restaurants in Damyang
Chasing Serenity: A Curated Guide to Damyang's Best Cafes
Discovering Soarte: Damyang's Newest Landmark & Perfect Date Spot
From Retro School Uniforms to Dance Halls: Step Back in Time at Damyang Memory Lane