"Shine Bright, Bamboo" Damyang Bamboo Festival Opens on May 1
by Min Hyunki
Published 21 Apr.2026 15:33(KST)
Significantly Enhanced Nighttime Content: Spectacular Lighting Displays and Bamboo Grove Cinema
Star-Studded Performances Featuring Yoon Do Hyun Band, Namjin, and More
Admission Fees Refunded as Local Gift Certificates to Boost the Local Economy
The 'Damyang Bamboo Festival,' one of South Korea's representative festivals, celebrates its 25th edition this year and will be held in grand style from May 1 for five days at Juknokwon and the Dambit Music Hall area. This year's theme, "Shine Bright, Bamboo!," signals a significant enhancement of nighttime content, promising visitors an enchanting night in Damyang that surpasses even the beauty of its days.
On April 21, Damyang County, South Jeolla Province, announced that the 25th Damyang Bamboo Festival will take place from May 1 to May 5 at Juknokwon, the multipurpose gymnasium, and the Dambit Music Hall area.
This year's festival is centered on immersive experiences that can be enjoyed well into the night. Spectacular lighting will be installed around Bonghwangru and Gwanbangcheon in Juknokwon, and for the first time, a "Bamboo Grove Cinema" will allow visitors to watch movies against the backdrop of the bamboo forest, with Juknokwon open until 9 p.m.
The opening ceremony will feature the unveiling of a new tourism character and brand for Damyang. During the festival, popular singers such as Yoon Do Hyun Band, Namjin, Ali, and Hwang Minho will take the stage to energize the event. On Children's Day, future-oriented activities for families-such as musicals, drone-making workshops, and a national speed drone competition-will be offered.
Measures have also been put in place to boost the local economy. During the festival, admission fees for Juknokwon and Metaland will be refunded as local gift certificates to encourage spending at town center shops, and in cooperation with the Ministry of SMEs and Startups' "Together Festival," the event will help expand sales channels for small businesses.
The county has already completed hygiene training for booth operators and conducted on-site safety inspections, ensuring all preparations are in place to welcome visitors.
A Damyang County official stated, "This year's festival will evolve into an immersive experience with illuminated nighttime scenery and a variety of performances. We will do our utmost until the very end so that families and couples can create special memories in Damyang."
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