Gwangju Arboretum (광주시립수목원)

10.9Km 2024-11-18

142 Dodong-gil, Nam-gu, Gwangju

Gwangju Arboretum was built on a sanitary landfill to restore the natural ecological environment by planting trees and creating convenience facilities. The arboretum preserves, manages, researches, and exhibits the indigenous plants of the region and provides visitors with a space to relax and connect with nature. Visitors of all ages can enjoy educational programs and forest commentary tours, making it a great place for families.

Pyeongchon Ceramics Workshop (평촌도예공방)

11.2Km 2024-11-14

77 Damanpyeongmu-gil, Buk-gu, Gwangju

The Pyeongchon Ceramics Workshop keeps the spirit of traditional Korean Buncheong pottery alive by offering an experiential learning space and hands-on programs that blend classic Korean and contemporary styles. Visitors can create unique pieces that capture the rustic beauty of tradition while keeping the modern flair.

Gwangju Pyeongchon Village (광주 평촌마을)

11.4Km 2025-08-12

15 Pyeongchon-gil, Buk-gu, Gwangju
+82-62-266-2287

Gwangju Pyeongchon Village, located north of Mudeungsan Mountain, is a cozy farming village made up of four villages Dongrim, Daman, Woosung, and Dangmoe. The village still has an excellence natural preservation, growing environmental-friendly rice in the fields and Punamcheon stream that runs through the middle of the village is home to fireflies and otters. The village also keeps the tradition of making pottery as the village was the place that made grayish-blue-powdered celadon during the Joseon dynasty. The village street corner offers visitors to Mudeungsan Mountain a place to rest with Mudol-gil shelter and Bandi lodging.

Soswaewon Garden (담양 소쇄원)

11.5Km 2023-01-04

17, Soswaewon-gil, Damyang-gun, Jeollanam-do
+82-61-381-0115

Soswaewon Garden is a private garden from the Joseon period where Korea's traditional beauty is preserved. It was built by Yang San-Bo (1503-1557) after he gave up his success when his mentor Jo Gwang-Jo (1482-1519) was killed during political strife. Soswaewon Garden presents itself as a clean and transparent garden where the righteous enjoy the life of anbinnakdo (being comfortable amid poverty and taking pleasure in an honest lifestyle) surrounded by a bamboo grove.

Including peach trees, various kinds of trees and grass are planted on both sides of the stream while clear water flows down the foot of the garden walls. The log bridge above the valley adds to the charm of the scenery. The harmony between nature and the artificial waterfall is a sight to behold. Soswaewon Garden is 150 meters away from the main road. Passing through the thick bamboo forest, you will find the small valley and Soswaewon Garden on your left.

Myeonangjeong Pavilion (면앙정)

12.7Km 2025-01-09

382-11 Myeonangjeong-ro, Damyang-gun, Jeollanam-do
+82-61-380-2811

Myeonangjeong Pavilion is located on the slopes of Jebongsan Mountain in Damyang-gun. The pavilion was constructed in 1533 by Song Sun (1493-1583), who built it as a place for writing poems. After its construction, the pavilion served as a meeting place for scholars and intellectuals and was even frequented by Lee Hwang (1501-1570), a representative Confucian scholar who is pictured on the 1,000 won bill.

The roof of Myeonangjeong Pavilion was originally made of reeds, straw, grass and other materials which could not withstand the elements. After several repairs, the building was developed into the wooden structure that it is today.

From the back of the pavilion, you can see the mountain range and open wide fields; renowned scholars’ poems are engraved on the wooden panels that decorate the pavilion walls.

Damyang Changpyeong [Slow City] (담양군 창평면 [슬로시티])

13.0Km 2021-04-16

56-24, Doldam-gil, Damyang-gun, Jeollanam-do
+82-2-383-3807

Damyang Changpyeong Samjinae Village is a farming village that produces vegetables and fruits including tomatoes and strawberries. The name of the village goes all the way back to early Goryeo period. Changpyeong is home to many important historical figures and known for its regional foods and local produce.

Wolbongseowon Confucian Academy (월봉서원)

13.3Km 2021-07-06

133, Gwanggok-gil, Gwangsan-gu, Gwangju
+82-62-960-8253

Wolbongseowon Confucian Academy, built in 1578, was established by Kim Gyehwi and other confucian scholars to honor Ki Daeseung's study and virtue through Mangcheonsa Shrine. The location of the academy was moved to its current site in 1646, and the name Wolbong was given by King Hyojong in 1654. In 1671, Bak Sang and Bak Sun's shrines were moved from Deoksansa Shrine by the suggestion of Song Siyeol. Also, Kim Jangsaeng and Kim Jip's shrines were additionally placed in 1673. Unfortunately, the confucian academy was abolished due to the abolition policy of Daewongun in 1868. Later, Bingwoldang Hall was built by Jeollanam-do's Confucian scholars in 1938, followed by Gojiksa Shrine in 1972, Jangpangak Pavilion and Oesammun Gate in 1978, Sau in 1980 and Naesammun Gate in 1981. Bingwoldang is designated as Gwangju Monument No. 9 and woodblocks of Gobongjip are preserved in Jangpangak Pavilion.

Gotaekhanok (고택 한옥에서)

13.3Km 2024-12-23

88-9 , Doldam-gil, Damyang-gun, Jeollanam-do
+82-10-3606-1283

In A Hanok is a grand old house in Samjinae Village, Changpyeong, Jeollanam-do - a member of the international Slow City movement. The house comprises a sarangchae (men’s house), an anchae (women’s house), outbuildings and a spacious yard and garden. Local tourist destinations such as Soswaewon Garden, Songgangjeong Pavilion, and Damyang’s bamboo forest and redwood road are all within 30 minutes, of the house. Visitors can rest here while drinking in the atmosphere of the old Korean countryside.

Gossaumnori Theme Park (고싸움놀이테마파크)

13.9Km 2024-10-10

2 Gossaum-ro, Nam-gu, Gwangju

Gossaumnori Theme Park was built over five years to preserve and develop the traditions of Gossaum, a local type of tug-of-war game. The park comprises a training center, video experience hall, folk game experience center, and outdoor performing hall.

Gyubongam Hermitage (Hwasun) (규봉암(화순))

14.3Km 2024-02-20

40-28 Dowon-gil, Iseo-myeon, Hwasun-gun, Jeollanam-do

Gyubongam Hermitage is a small hermitage located on Mudeungsan Mountain. It is believed to have been established during the Silla dynasty (B.C. 57-A.D. 935) and underwent renovations in 1959 to attain its current appearance. Renowned for its picturesque scenery, Gyubongam Hermitage is said to be a must-visit spot for those climbing Mudeungsan Mountain. It is particularly famous for its vibrant autumn foliage, and the area around the hermitage is abundant with rocky cliffs.

Gwangju Arboretum (광주시립수목원) - Area information - Korea travel information