Damyang National Heritage Night Tour
Oct 9 – Oct 10, 2026 · Gwangju & Jeollanam-do
Overview
On a mysterious night in October, very special guests travel back through time to a Damyang that never sleeps. The Damyang National Heritage Night Tour unfolds the stories of the historical and cultural figures born in Damyang, centered on Gwanbangjerim Forest, the Gaeksa-ri Stone Flagpole (Seokdanggan), and the Namsan-ri Five-Story Stone Pagoda. The site comes alive with dynamic storytelling: a market-square pangeuk play that conveys, with love and laughter, the story of Magistrate Seong, who built Gwanbangjerim Forest; a madang-changgeuk (outdoor pansori drama) that stirs the heart with Lee Nalchi, the national master singer of the Joseon Dynasty born in Damyang; a talk concert where night stories beneath the Stone Flagpole flow together with piano melodies; and family games and performances carrying out the "Jeon Woo-chi mission," based on the magic arts Jeon Woo-chi honed at Damyang's Yeondongsa Temple. Added to this is an in-depth humanities lecture reflecting on the secret behind the music of Damyang's singer-songwriter Kim Jeong-ho, known for "Hayan Nabi (White Butterfly)," and what he has in common with Seong Yi-seong and Jeon Cheon-sang. Layers of Damyang's history and culture unfold over the quiet Damyang night and the softly spread-out lawn. On a mysterious night in October, visitors can experience Damyang's own special atmosphere.
Why go
This is a themed autumn-night event in Damyang centered on three historic sites — Gwanbangjerim Forest, the Gaeksa-ri Stone Flagpole, and the Namsan-ri Five-Story Stone Pagoda — bringing local history to life through outdoor plays, a pansori drama, a talk concert, and family-friendly games. It's a good pick for visitors who want a cultural, performance-based evening rather than a typical sightseeing stop.
Getting there from Seoul
Damyang itself has no passenger rail station, so the usual route is KTX or SRT from Seoul (Yongsan or Suseo) to Gwangju Songjeong Station, roughly 2–2.5 hours, then a local bus or taxi onward to Damyang-eup (about 30–40 minutes). Alternatively, direct express or intercity buses run from Seoul's bus terminals to Damyang, taking around 3.5–4 hours depending on traffic.
Tips
- Since the program runs at night in October, bring a jacket as temperatures drop after dark.
- The event spans two days (Oct 9–10, 2026), so confirm which performances fall on which evening before planning your schedule.
- Damyang's sites (Gwanbangjerim Forest, Stone Flagpole, stone pagoda) are close together and walkable, making it easy to combine the night tour with daytime sightseeing in the same area.
Best for: history buffs, families, photographers, performing arts fans.
Photos
Photo: Korea Tourism Organization 
Photo: Korea Tourism Organization 
Photo: Korea Tourism Organization 
Photo: Korea Tourism Organization 
Photo: Korea Tourism Organization 
Photo: Korea Tourism Organization
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Reach travelers heading to Gwangju & Jeollanam-do: sponsor this page.
Dates and programs can change. Check the official site before you go. Official site