Damyang Taemok-ri Bamboo Grove Designated as Natural Monument

"High Natural and Academic Value Due to Habitats of Natural Monuments and Rare Plants"

Bamboo Grove in Taemok-ri, Damyang

The bamboo grove located in Taemok-ri, Daejeon-myeon, Damyang-gun, Jeollanam-do, is set to become a natural monument. On the 7th, the Cultural Heritage Administration announced the advance designation of the 'Damyang Taemok-ri Bamboo Grove' as a nationally designated cultural heritage natural monument. Opinions from various sectors will be collected for a month, and after review by the Intangible Cultural Heritage Committee, the designation will be finalized.

This bamboo grove was naturally formed on a sedimentary layer that extends along the Yeongsan River floodplain. It features king bamboo (Wangdae) with heights of 18 meters and diameters ranging from 2 to 12 cm, along with soft bamboo (Somdae). It is home to natural monuments such as the common kestrel (No. 323-8), mandarin duck (No. 327), and otter (No. 330), as well as rare plants like Dalppuripul and Jul, making it highly valuable for natural academic research. A Cultural Heritage Administration official stated, "Our ancestors used bamboo for food and daily tools, giving it significant folk value."

Bamboo Grove in Taemok-ri, Damyang

Damyang is known as the hometown of bamboo. It accounts for 34% of the nationwide bamboo distribution area. According to historical records such as the 'Sejong Sillok Jiriji', 'Yeojidoseo', and 'Buyeoksilchong', Damyang has long produced bamboo products including Ganeundae (small, short arrows), Wangdae, Ojuk (black bamboo), Hwasaldae (arrow shafts), Jukryeok (bamboo sap), Jukjeon (bamboo arrows), and Chaesang (bamboo woven rings). Chaejuk boxes (boxes made by splitting bamboo and weaving patterns like cloth) and Sedae satgat (monk’s hats) are also introduced as famous products in the 'Gyuhap Chongseo'.

Intangible cultural heritages related to bamboo include Chaesangjang (bamboo box craftsmen), Chambitjang (bamboo comb craftsmen), and Nakjukjang (bamboo carving craftsmen). An official said, "Six holders are actively working. Damyang-gun also preserves traditional bamboo craft techniques through systems such as the 'Bamboo Master' program."

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