Damyang(South Korea) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In Tanyang County, the top eco-friendly option is Baekyeon Mountain Eco Resort, nestled at the foot of Baekyeon Mountain. The resort uses sustainable materials, solar panels, and rainwater recycling systems, minimizing environmental impact. Rooms feature panoramic glass walls offering views of untouched forests and streams. Guests can explore on-site eco-trails, observe native wildlife like deer and fireflies, and enjoy night-time stargazing. Another standout is Namgok Lake Wetland Lodge, built with bamboo and reed walls beside Namgok Lake, providing lakefront cabins with natural ventilation and zero-waste practices. Both properties emphasize harmony with nature, making them ideal for travelers seeking sustainable, immersive experiences in rural Korea.

Additionally, many guesthouses here follow traditional Korean farming principles, sourcing food from local organic farms. These accommodations offer not just comfort, but a conscious lifestyle rooted in ecological respect and cultural authenticity.

For an authentic Korean tea culture experience in Tanyang County, visit Chaang Tea Workshop in Namgok Tea Fields, where you can participate in every stage of Tanyang green tea production—from hand-picking young leaves to steaming, rolling, and drying. Learn about the art of Korean tea ceremony (Darye), including proper pouring techniques, bowl selection, and mindful drinking rituals. The workshop also offers tea pairing sessions with local snacks like green tea mochi and baked rice cakes. During the annual June Tea Festival, guests can join guided tea-hill hikes, listen to stories from veteran tea farmers, and taste freshly brewed teas. This immersive journey into tea-making reveals how deeply tea is woven into daily life, tradition, and spiritual practice in this region.

Some retreats even offer overnight stays in traditional tea houses, allowing visitors to meditate by the sound of boiling water and savor silence—perfect for those seeking tranquility and cultural depth.

The best hiking and photography spots in Tanyang County are the Daemamsa to Baekyeon Mountain Trail and Namgok Lake Wetlands. The 7-kilometer trail winds through ancient forests, rocky streams, and the historic Daemamsa Temple, offering dramatic contrasts between moss-covered stones and vibrant spring blooms. Early morning fog rising over Namgok Lake creates ethereal scenes perfect for long-exposure shots of mirror-like reflections. The Baekyeon Mountain Cliff Path provides breathtaking vistas of layered mountains and drifting clouds—ideal for wide-angle landscape photography. Seasonal highlights include cherry blossoms in spring and fiery red maples in autumn. For photographers, bring a tripod and polarizing filter; sunrise and sunset times yield the most stunning light. These trails are well-marked and family-friendly, with rest stops and interpretive signs explaining local flora and fauna—making them both scenic and educational.

Hidden gems like the terraced tea fields after rain resemble emerald staircases, while secluded forest clearings offer intimate compositions. Capture not just beauty, but the quiet soul of rural Korea.

In Tanyang County, the most family-friendly stay is Daemamsa Family Resort, located near Daemamsa Temple. It features a children’s farm with goats and chickens, a mini zoo, and hands-on craft workshops like pottery and paper-making. All rooms have child-safe layouts, play zones, and private balconies. The resort hosts nightly star storytelling sessions, where guides share Korean folk tales under the open sky—captivating for kids and adults alike. Another great choice is Tanyang Forest Fun Stay, set within Baekyeon Mountain Forest Park, offering spacious cabins with outdoor playgrounds, swings, and picnic areas. Families can enjoy guided forest walks, birdwatching, and tea-making activities together. Some rooms even come with family tea kits, encouraging bonding through shared rituals. These accommodations blend fun, education, and safety—perfect for creating lasting memories in a peaceful, nature-rich setting.

Visitors to Tanyang County can experience rare traditional crafts such as handmade mulberry paper (Choi paper), a UNESCO-recognized intangible cultural heritage. At Tanyang Paper Art Studio, artisans guide guests through the entire process—from soaking bark to hand-dipping sheets—resulting in unique, durable handmade paper perfect for calligraphy or framing. Another popular activity is natural indigo dyeing, using locally grown plants to create intricate patterns on fabric. Participants learn binding techniques, immersion timing, and rinsing methods to achieve rich blue hues. Additionally, traditional straw basket weaving is taught at Namgok Folk Village, where guests use native rice straw to craft functional and decorative baskets. These workshops aren’t just creative outlets—they reflect Korea’s deep respect for natural materials, seasonal cycles, and ancestral wisdom, offering meaningful cultural connection beyond tourism.

Many studios sell finished pieces, allowing travelers to take home a piece of authentic craftsmanship.

Yes, Tanyang County holds several lesser-known spiritual sites steeped in history. The Daemamsa Temple, founded over 1,200 years ago, sits in a secluded valley surrounded by towering pines and cascading streams. Its serene atmosphere and ancient stone pagoda make it ideal for meditation and quiet reflection. Nearby, the Bongwonsa Hermitage—a small, abandoned temple tucked into a cliffside—offers a mystical vibe with its weathered wooden doors and moss-covered altar. Visitors often leave handwritten prayers on the rock wall. Another hidden gem is Gwaneum Hermitage, accessible via a narrow mountain path, where monks still practice silent meditation. These sites are off the tourist radar, preserving a sense of peace and timelessness. Many locals visit during Lunar New Year and Buddha’s Birthday for rituals, adding to their spiritual significance. For seekers of inner calm, these quiet sanctuaries provide profound connection to Korea’s Buddhist roots and natural harmony.

Tourists in Tanyang County must try Tanyang Green Tea Chicken, a regional specialty where chicken is slow-cooked in a broth infused with fresh Tanyang green tea, giving it a delicate, aromatic flavor. Another must-try is wild fern stir-fried tofu, made with tender young ferns gathered from nearby hills, paired with silken tofu and garlic. Don’t miss Tea Porridge (Cha-ju), a warm, creamy rice dish cooked with green tea—perfect for breakfast or a comforting evening meal. At Namgok Rural Restaurant, sample wild mushroom stew and hemp seed noodles, all sourced from local organic farms. For dessert, enjoy Green Tea Mochi or Tea Sugar Cake, sweet treats that highlight the area’s signature ingredient. These dishes showcase the region’s emphasis on seasonal, wild ingredients and tea-infused flavors—offering a true taste of mountain life and Korean culinary philosophy.

Many restaurants serve meals in traditional courtyard settings, enhancing the sensory experience.

The best time to visit Tanyang County for breathtaking scenery is spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November). In spring, the Daemamsa Cherry Blossom Avenue bursts into pink bloom, creating a dreamlike tunnel of flowers along the temple path. The surrounding tea fields turn lush green, and early wildflowers dot the hillsides. In autumn, the Baekyeon Mountain trails transform into a fiery tapestry of red, orange, and gold maple trees, especially visible from the Viewpoint Overlook. The Namgok Lake wetlands reflect the colorful foliage, offering perfect photo opportunities. June brings the Tanyang Tea Festival, when terraced fields glow emerald under sunlight. Morning mist over the lakes and valleys enhances the cinematic quality of the landscapes. For optimal photography and comfort, avoid summer heat and winter cold. Visiting during these seasons ensures vivid colors, pleasant temperatures, and access to cultural events—making it ideal for nature lovers and visual storytellers.

Tanyang County stands out for its deep integration of nature, tradition, and spirituality. Unlike bustling cities, it offers authentic cultural immersion through daily life: villagers still gather for tea ceremonies, harvest wild herbs, and practice Buddhist mindfulness in remote temples. The region’s tea culture, handmade paper art, and indigo dyeing are passed down through generations, not performed for tourists. Staying in a traditional hanok guesthouse allows guests to wake to bird songs, eat homegrown vegetables, and join farmers in seasonal tasks. Even casual interactions—like sharing tea with a local elder or watching a child weave straw—reveal layers of community and respect for nature. Events like the Tea Festival and Forest Storytelling Nights invite full participation, not passive observation. This genuine, unscripted rhythm of life fosters meaningful connection, making Tanyang County a rare destination where culture isn’t displayed—it’s lived.

It’s not just a place to visit, but to feel, breathe, and remember.

Yes, visitors can rent bicycles at several locations across Tanyang County, particularly near Daemamsa Temple and Namgok Lake. Local rental shops offer sturdy hybrid bikes and electric-assist models for easy exploration of scenic routes like the Tea Field Loop Trail and Namgok Lake Circular Path, both well-maintained and safe for families. Rental packages often include GPS trackers, helmets, and maps highlighting key sights—such as hidden temples, viewpoints, and farm stands. Some eco-lodges even provide complimentary bike rentals for guests. Riding through winding country lanes, past rice paddies and tea terraces, offers a slower, more intimate way to experience the landscape. Sunset rides along the lakeside are especially magical. For longer journeys, guided bike tours are available, covering up to 20 kilometers with stops at artisan workshops and local eateries. Cycling here is not just transportation—it’s part of the immersive rural adventure.