Discover wonders of Jeolla, southern Korea's best-kept secrets

This May 2019 file photo shows a nighttime view of Gwanghallu Pavilion, a regional landmark in Namwon, North Jeolla Province. Korea Times photo by Choi Heung-soo

DAMYANG/NAMWON, Jeolla Province — As autumn paints Korea in calmer, demurer hues, Damyang County in South Jeolla Province and Namwon City in North Jeolla Province have emerged as perfect destinations for those seeking a peaceful retreat.

With their blend of breathtaking forests, historic sites and a variety of cultural offerings, these hidden gems invite visitors to explore the quieter — yet equally captivating — side of the country’s beauty as part of the Local 100, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism's campaign to highlight Korea's lesser-known cultural and natural gems outside of Seoul.

A scene from a modern rendition of "Chunhyang-ga," performed by the Namwon Municipal Orchestra for Korean Traditional Music near Gwanghallu Pavilion in North Jeolla Province / Captured from Instagram

Reconnecting with nature

Damyang's "Three Great Forests" — the Metasequoia-lined Road, the Gwanbangjerim Forest and the famous bamboo grove at Juknokwon — represent some of the region’s most stunning yet internationally lesser-known sites.

Planted in the early 1970s, Damyang's metasequoia trees create one of Korea's most picturesque walking paths. After five decades, these towering trees form a natural canopy that filters sunlight and casts soft, dappled shadows. In autumn, their golden leaves make for a serene atmosphere, creating an idyllic spot for a peaceful stroll.

Adjacent to the road lies the Gwanbangjerim Forest, a manmade area dating back 400 years, designed to prevent flooding from the nearby Damyang Stream. Designated as Korea's Natural Monument, this forest is home to centuries-old trees, and is cherished by locals as a natural retreat.

Adding to the county's forest offerings is Juknokwon, a sprawling bamboo forest covering approximately 160,000 square meters. The rock steps and gentle breeze rustling through the bamboo provide a tranquil escape from everyday life, complete with the mesmerising sound of wind gushing through trees.

Master Ki Soon-do, center, demonstrates the process of making "jang," or Korean traditional fermented sauce, at her fermentation center in Damyang County, South Jeolla Province. Captured from Instagram

Slow delights

Master Ki Soon-do's fermentation center in Damyang is a premier destination for those eager to experience the culinary traditions of the Jeolla region, particularly its famed traditional fermented pastes known as "jang."

Favored by chefs and culinary experts who visit Korea, the center showcases the expertise of Master Ki, who has been honored with the title of Korea Food Grand Master. The prestigious title is bestowed by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs upon individuals who have spent more than 20 years perfecting their culinary craft. Ki has dedicated over 48 years to crafting her traditional jang, preserving methods in their authentic form.

Visitors to Ki's fermentation center can marvel at the sight of over 1,200 traditional jars used for aging jang. They can also sample a variety of unique jang from the traditional ones to those made with innovative, modern ingredients, such as strawberry syrup, providing a glimpse into Korea's evolving culinary heritage.

Modern Dance Crew Sappho performs against the backdrop of Seodo Station, located in Namwon City, North Jeolla Province, Oct. 17. Captured from Instagram

Art of Namwon

Located about 40 kilometers east of Damyang County, Namwon City boasts a rich cultural heritage and is celebrated as the setting for "Chunhyang-ga," one of Korea's most beloved pansori repertoires, a type of narrative music.

In Namwon, visitors can immerse themselves in a variety of artistic performances, from pansori to modern dance.

Gwanghallu Pavilion, originally built in 1419, is a hallmark architectural treasure from the 1392-1910 Joseon Dynasty and serves as a venue for the Namwon Municipal Orchestra for Korean Traditional Music's modern rendition of "Chunhyang-ga," recognized as one of the Local 100 projects by the culture ministry.

Although the orchestra's "Chunhyang-ga" has concluded its run for this year, the troupe is currently preparing for a new performance based on "Manboksa Jeopogi," one of the five earliest Korean novels written by early Joseon literati Kim Si-seup, this December.

Seodo Station is another must-visit for those seeking artistic experiences in Namwon. A popular destination in autumn, the station gained fame as a filming location for the hit historical drama "Mr. Sunshine."

This old Jeolla Line train station ceased passenger operations in 2004 and closed in 2008, but has recently been revitalized as a stage for Modern Dance Crew Sappho on Oct. 18 and 19. Their performances, set against the backdrop of the historic station, conveyed emotions of longing and solitude through lyrical movements, offering a quiet visual experience.

Culture Minister Yu In-chon speaks with tourists at Damyang County's Juknokwon in South Jella Province, during his visit to promote the Local 100 project. Courtesy of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism

Promoting local treasures

The Local 100 project, a two-year initiative by the culture ministry set to conclude at the end of this year, aims to highlight Korea's lesser-known attractions and promote regional tourism.

Seeking to draw both domestic and international tourists to areas often overlooked in favor of Seoul, it offers a selection of 100 destinations, ranging from historical sites and cultural festivals to master artisans and performances that preserve Korea's traditional heritage.

Among the Local 100 selections are the iconic Seongsimdang Bakery in Daejeon, Incheon Pentaport Music Festival, the Chuncheon Mime Festival and Kim Kwang-seok Street in Daegu, named after the popular folk rock singer.

Since October 2023, Culture Minister Yu In-chon has personally visited a number of Local 100 sites, including stops in cities including Miryang, Changwon, Tongyeong, Suwon, Gangneung and Chuncheon. Damyang and Namwon marked the minister's ninth official visit under the project.

As the Local 100 project enters its final months, Yu reiterated his commitment to ensuring that these hidden gems receive the recognition they deserve.

"We will continue working tirelessly to promote the charms of Korea's local cultures," Yu said. "Our aim is to make sure that these beautiful and historically significant places remain a key part of Korea's tourism landscape for years to come."