Firm bamboo has been called one of the Four Gracious Plants with plum, orchid and chrysanthemum. In particular, bamboo stands for constancy because of its properties of growing straight and green. There is an idiom “straight as an arrow” in Korea. This is a personal characteristic that means does not compromise with dishonesty but keeps his or her principles. Also, there is a lot of literature about bamboo in Korea. Likewise, bamboo deeply permeates Korean life. Damyang has many bamboo trees, so it is used as a symbol of the district. Among the many areas, there are some places where you can feel more strongly about bamboo.
The first is Juknokwon Bamboo Garden. Juknokwon is composed only of bamboo. This garden is 50,000 square meters separated into 8 walking trails. There are gazebos, cascades and various sculptures on these trails, so you will not feel bored. When you walk along the bamboo-lined trails, you can hear the soft rustling of bamboo leaves as the wind blows through. Bathing in the natural music of bamboo forests will relax your body and refresh your mind.
Beside the Juknokwon, Gwanbangjerim Riverside Park stretches far and wide. Gwanbangjerim means trees planted on the dike constructed by a government office. Gwanbangjerim is composed of diverse broadleaf trees that are various species, sizes and ages. The area around Metasequoia-lined Road is a good place to walk. High metasequoia make bright tunnels with natural green color. This boulevard was selected as Korea’s most beautiful road by the Korea Forest Service in 2002.
Juknokwon Bamboo Garden to Metasequoia-lined Road is a good course and Sigyeongjeong Pavilion to Soswaewon Garden is another good one. Sigyeongjeong, the start point of this course, means the shadow taking a rest in the pavilion. If you are sitting in the pavilion, you can see the twinkling, little pond in the sunlight and hear birds chirping. You can arrive at the Soswaewon Garden if you walk about 40 minutes from Sigyeongjeong Pavilion. Soswae means pure and clear. In the center of the garden, there is a pure water stream with two buildings, Jaewoldang and Gwangpunggak, situated around it. When I was sitting on the floor of the main room, I could see all of Soswaewon Garden.
Many people point out that Daenamutongbap, Tteokgalbi and bamboo shoot dishes are the best eats in Damyang-gun. Juksun Food Village is near Juknokwon, so you can easily try these foods. Daenamutongbap is a highly nutritional food that prevents adult diseases and is also good to restore energy by cooling down fevers.
If you come to Damyang, you can literally stand in the middle of splendid, green-colored scenery. Moreover, you will experience the bamboos with your eyes, ears and mouth. Let’s pack a bag and get in the car.
