All About Bamboo: The Korean Bamboo Museum in Damyang

🏛️ Korean Bamboo Museum – The Essence of Damyang's Bamboo Culture 📍 Address: 35 Jukhyangmunhwa-ro, Damyang-eup, Damyang-gun, Jeollanam-do ⏰ Hours: Daily 9:00 AM–6:00 PM (Last admission at 5:30 PM) 💰 Admission Fees: • Adults: 2,000 KRW / Youth & Military: 1,000 KRW / Children: 700 KRW • Discounts available for groups, military personnel, seniors, and children (free or discounted) 🎉 Closed: Open year-round ⸻ 🌱 Museum Layout & Exhibits • History & Overview: Opened in 1981, relocated to its current expanded site in 1998. It is Korea's only museum dedicated to bamboo. • Exhibition Halls: Main building with 5 halls + Annex (International Hall, New Industry Hall, Expo Hall) — Total of 5–9 exhibition halls 📚 • Hall 1: Media Art Hall – Experience bamboo forests through seasonal video displays • Hall 2: Bamboo craft production process and royal court items from the Joseon Dynasty • Hall 3: Award-winning works from the National Craft Competition (1992–present) • Hall 4: Miniature recreation of past bamboo markets • Hall 5: Everyday bamboo crafts (dishes, fans, etc.) • Annex: 2015 Bamboo Expo works, global bamboo crafts, bamboo leaf tea, and other new industry products ⸻ 🎯 Activities & Attractions • Bamboo Craft Workshops: Make bamboo chopsticks, accessories, and more (seasonal availability) • Media Art Experience: Enjoy immersive videos of bamboo forests through the seasons • Greenhouse & Garden Walk: A decked trail behind the building connects to a bamboo forest • Amenities: Wheelchair and stroller rentals, tactile paving, elevators, gift shop, café, and more ⸻ 📝 Visitor Impressions "As I walked through the bamboo grove and entered the museum, I felt the vitality of bamboo seep into my entire being. The media art videos flowing through each exhibition hall made me think, 'Is bamboo really such a versatile artistic material?' The surprises kept coming. From Joseon-era bamboo crafts to modern design pieces and international works, I could feel the deep history and promising future of a single bamboo stalk. After viewing all the exhibits, stepping onto the trail behind the museum, the fresh bamboo scent and earthy aroma cleared my mind. This place is not just a museum but a small forest retreat in Damyang where you can breathe in 'bamboo time.'" ⸻ ✅ Tips & Recommendations • Hours: Be sure to enter at least 30 minutes before closing! • Discounts: Show your ticket from Juknokwon Bamboo Garden on the same day for a discount! • Transportation: 5–10 minutes by taxi or bus from Damyang city center; parking available • Suggested Itinerary: • Morning: Stroll through Juknokwon Bamboo Garden → • Noon: Visit the Korean Bamboo Museum + Craft Workshop → • Afternoon: Walk the trail behind the museum & relax at a traditional Hanok café