Taking It Nice and Slow in Korea's " Slow City"

Here's my Damyang wish list ie. things I want to do if I'm lucky enough to revisit the place. Why I didn't do these the first time I was there? Put it down to poor timing, lousy decision-making after days of solo backpacking and being overwhelmed by the officers in blue. See previous posting.

Moreover, when I visited the place in 2005, Damyang  hadn't yet been proclaimed as a "Slow City".  A village called Samjicheon within the county only became the first place in Asia to be part of the "Cittaslow" movement in 2007. This movement is actually  a "global cultural trend aimed at improving the quality of life in small towns while resisting hectic and fast-paced urban lifestyles, and .... a cultural shift against anything done or made quickly."

So,in keeping with the spirit of the place. this is my dream itinerary:
 
1. The Damyang Bamboo Museum
Funny enough, I never got round to visit this place. I guess my assumption that there wouldn't be any explanatory boards in English put me off going there but that's a pathetic excuse as the artefacts and handicrafts can speak for themselves. So I have to be content with a bit more armchair travelling, thanks to this videoclip produced by KBS World Radio until I can find my way there.

2. Soswaewon Garden
This long-established tourist attraction showcases a Joseon-style garden complete with pavilions, water mills, falls and bridges. I'd pack a picnic lunch to savour the balance between nature and man-made beauty whilst trying to compose some sijo under the friendly shade of a pavilion.

3. Junokwon ( Bamboo Forest Theme Park)
I'd spend at least half a day here to look out for the three species of bamboo featured here ( Bunjuk, Wangdae, Maengjongjuk) and do some serious reading to learn more about these fabulous grasses beforehand. I'd linger till evening when they switch on the lights to create a different ambience for the bamboo groves here.

4. Gamagol Valley
I'd follow the Youngsan-gang ( river) into some of its deep valleys to look for the first and second Yongdam Waterfalls.

5. Geumseong ( Fortress) Wall
This fortress wall, built during the Goryeo Dynasty,  in the only one in the country with the complete set of doors  facing all the four main points of the compass. I'd need a full day to complete the 7,345 meter circuit and the top of the mountain  here is 603 m above sea level. The fortress links many ridges here and rewards hikers with great views of the lake.

6. Stay in Samjicheon
I'd soak in the atmosphere here, understand what the scent of bamboo is truly like, take part in making hangwa ( traditional sweets) and dyeing fabrics the traditional way while staying a few nights at this hanok village.

7. Find a restaurant which serves Juktongbap ( also known as daetongbab)
This is a local specialty - a meal of  rice, bamboo shoots and other vegetables steamed in the hollow of a bamboo.

Sources:

http://www.damyang.go.kr/eng/s02/01.html
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2009/11/281_42833.html
• http://asiaenglish.visitkorea.or.kr/ena/SI/SI_EN_3_6.jsp?cid=70655
• http://asiaenglish.visitkorea.or.kr/ena/FU/FU_EN_15.jsp?cid=317001
• http://asiaenglish.visitkorea.or.kr/ena/SI/SI_EN_3_6.jsp?cid=309578
• http://asiaenglish.visitkorea.or.kr/ena/SI/SI_EN_3_6.jsp?cid=76416
• http://asiaenglish.visitkorea.or.kr/ena/SI/SI_EN_3_4_12_15_2.jsp
• http://asiaenglish.visitkorea.or.kr/ena/SI/SI_EN_3_1_1_1.jsp?cid=815404
• http://asiaenglish.visitkorea.or.kr/ena/SI/SI_EN_3_1_1_1.jsp?cid=815387
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/41/Korean_cuisine-Juktongbap-02.jpg