Natural spaces are as important to the people of Damyang as its architectural structures.

Its forest trails, two of which we visited on a trip with the Korea Tourism Organization Manila office and Jeollanam-do Tourism Organization last month, are worth the hike.

Serenity becomes Juknokwon

Juknokwon is a bamboo forest that spans 341,981 sqm. It has eight themed trails that are traversed by 1.3 million visitors per year.

The first, called Unsudaetong Road, is famous among seekers of luck. While walking along its 420-meter stretch, simply throw a coin into the unsudaetong (box of good charm) to extend your luck from one to 10 years.

Next is Meditation Road, a shorter route than Unsudaetong, right before the entrance to Philosopher's Road that, on the other hand, has a clean and crisp breeze that revitalizes one's mind and body.

Couples who visit Juknokwon will grow even more in love with each other if they walk on Lovers' Lane. It is said that bamboo trees and a waterfall create anions together, which will make you look even more beautiful in each other's eyes.

But, if you are visiting with a friend, you can take the Old Friends' Trail in the middle of Unsudae-tong. It is the perfect space to think about the story of the geomungo (traditional Korean zither) master Baeka and his loyal friend Jongjagi. Or if you'd rather, walk along Old Memories Byway for some serene time.

People from Damyang have long believed that Seonginsan Mountain behind Damyanghyanggyo means benevolence, righteousness, propriety, wisdom and sincerity, as told by Confucius. Walking by Juknokwon's Seonginsan Trail with your family will help strengthen your relationship.

Scholar's Road gives you an opportunity to experience the life of a scholar in the old days. If you are a student preparing for an entrance exam or a job application, this road is said to give strength and inspiration.

Juknokwon is located at 119 Jungnogwen-ro, Damyang-eup, Damyang-gun, only a 20-minute walk from the Damyang Public Bus Terminal. It is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Picturesque stretch of Metasequoia-lined Road

Metasequoia-lined Road was named the most beautiful tree-lined path in Korea by the Korea Forestry Service and Yuhan Kimberly in 2002. It was again recognized by the Ministry of Construction and Transportation in 2006.

The 8.5km-long path is lined with Metasequoia (dawn redwood). The trees, developed using farmed saplings in the early 1970s, can grow as tall as 10 to 30 m.

The road is blocked to traffic for the exclusive use of pedestrians. Visitors can rent a bicycle by the entryway to enjoy its fresh sprouts in spring, green leaves in summer, crimson foliage in fall and snow-laden branches in winter.

Metasequoia-lined Road is located at 578-4 Hakdong-ri, Damyang-eup, Damyang-gun, Jeollanam-do. It takes about five minutes by taxi from the Damyang Bus Terminal.