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.

Kkotpineun Chunsamwol (꽃피는춘삼월)

12.5Km 2024-02-13

50 Seongyo-ro, Dong-gu, Gwangju

Kkotpineun Chunsamwol is a traditional Korean teahouse nestled in a picturesque hanok. It specializes in authentic Korean beverages and desserts. The teahouse's signature offering is ssanghwatang, an herbal tonic tea prepared with chestnuts, gingko, and nuts in a homemade decoction. Other popular items include Yennal Bingsu (shaved ice with grain and black sesame ice cream), and a nutty latte with bean powder. These beverages pair exceptionally well with traditional Korean sweets like yakgwa (honey cookie) and garaetteok gui (grilled rice cake stick), enhancing the overall culinary experience.

Seryangji Reservoir (세량지)

12.7Km 2019-11-06

+82-61-374-0001

Selected by CNN as one of the 50 beautiful places to visit in South Korea, Seryangji Reservoir offers amazing scenery not to be missed. The best time to visit is during spring when the cherry blossoms bloom along the lakeside. The reservoir on misty mornings and when the waters mirror the cherry blossoms are the most popular views. The site is especially popular among photographers.

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.

Jusangjeolli Cliff of Mudeungsan Mountain (무등산 주상절리대)

12.8Km 2020-06-05

San 354-1, Yongyeon-dong, Dong-gu, Gwangju
+82-62-227-1187

The Jueangjeolli cliffs are rock pillars of various hexagonal shapes that seem as if they were hand carved. The Jusangjeolli cliffs of Mudeungsan Mountain consist of Seoseokdae, Ipseokdae, and Gyubong Rocks formed about 70 million years ago. Ipseokdae and Gyubong Rocks are both of a distinct pillar shape as they have been heavily weathered, and Seoseokdae, which was less weathered, looks like a folding screen. The Neodeolgeong (cluster of rocks), which sit on the mountain slope, were made when stone pillars collapsed. The standing rocks and Neodolgeong have been designated as Natural Monuments due to their rarity and uniqueness.

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.

Damyang Changpyeong Samjinae Village [Slow City] (담양 창평 삼지내마을[슬로시티])

13.3Km 2020-03-31

9-22, Doldam-gil, Damyang-gun, Jeollanam-do
+82-61-383-3807

Damyang Changpyeong Samjinae Village was the first Korean place designated as a slow city in 2007. Compared with the fast-changing city life, the village seeks a slow life, experiencing regional cultures and food, surrounded by nature. Visitors can make Korean traditional sweets & cookies such as Hangwa and Ssalyeot here.

Mudeungsan Mountain (무등산)

13.3Km 2018-01-30

Nam-myeon, Damyang-gun & Dong-gu & Buk-gu, Gwangju & Iseo-myeon, Hwasun-gun, Jeollanam-do
82-61-379-3503

Mudeungsan covers an area of about 30 square meters above the metropolitan city of Gwangju, Hwasun-gun and the nearby Damyang-gun. The name means ‘a high mountain’ or, more mysteriously, a mountain beyond classification’.

Mudeungsan Mountain (무등산) is not too steep and many people come for a hike on the weekends or public holidays. Highlights on the way include the Seoseokdae, Ipseokdae, Seinbong and Gyubong Rocks, Wonhyo and Yongchu Valleys – as well as Jigong Neodeol (cluster of rocks) – and the Deoksan Neodeol. To enjoy a great view, try going up Jungmeorijae, Jangbuljae or the Donghwasa Temple Site, or the Jangwonbong Peak. Visitors coming from the Hwasun side of the mountain can see the picturesque Dongbokho Lake from Ipseokdae and Gyubong Rock, Jingong Neodeol, Jangbul, Baekma ridge and Gyubongam temple.

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.

Soswaewon Garden (담양 소쇄원) - Area information - Korea travel information