Most visitors to Damyang leave after walking the Metasequoia Road and never discover the small frog-themed eco park right beside it. Free of the crowds that typify the main avenue, Gaeguri Eco Park is designed for a slow, unhurried walk along its pond and trails. On an October afternoon, when autumn sunlight settles on the water's surface, the scene has a quiet, lasting quality.
Why October Is the Right Time
Damyang's autumn foliage is generally at its peak between late October and mid-November. Early to mid-October still carries plenty of green, which is precisely why the park stays so calm. On weekends, the Metasequoia Road draws large crowds regardless of season, but Gaeguri Eco Park remains uncrowded year-round. With comfortable autumn temperatures and sunlight reflecting off the pond, it is an ideal setting for a leisurely walk without any rush.
What to See in the Park
The park is divided into two main areas: an outdoor zone and an indoor ecology center. Outside, a pond, stepping-stone path, and walking trails provide an easy immersion in nature. The indoor ecology center houses a range of domestic and international amphibian species in a climate-controlled facility. Note that humidity inside the center runs high by nature, so carrying a light jacket will keep the visit comfortable.
The park also contains the Honam Climate Change Experience Center (호남기후변화체험관). This facility has closed temporarily in the past for renovation, so it is worth confirming its operating status before your visit.
Admission and Hours
Admission to Gaeguri Eco Park on its own costs ₩2,000 for adults, ₩1,000 for teenagers and military personnel, and ₩700 for children aged 7 and over. Entry is free for children under 6, visitors aged 65 and over, national merit recipients, people with disabilities, and residents of Damyang County.
If you purchase a ticket for Metasequoia Land (메타세콰이어랜드), Gaeguri Eco Park is included at no additional charge. However, Metasequoia Land itself carries a separate admission fee of ₩2,000 for adults. The combined ticket covers both attractions together; if you plan to visit Gaeguri Eco Park alone, the standalone admission fee applies.
The park is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and is closed every Monday. When a Monday falls on a public holiday, the closure moves to the following day, so check ahead if your visit coincides with a holiday period.
Suggested Half-Day Itinerary
Gaeguri Eco Park sits very close to the Metasequoia Road, making the two easy to combine in a single outing. Juknokyeon (죽녹원) and Gwanbangjerim — a forested riverside path designated as a Natural Monument — are also nearby, giving you a full day of Damyang's natural scenery without much travel between stops.
Before You Go — Practical Checklist
Parking around the Metasequoia Road area can become congested on weekend afternoons. Arriving between 9:00 and 10:00 a.m. generally allows for easier parking and a more relaxed start. Bring a light jacket for the humid interior of the ecology center, and wear comfortable shoes for the pond-side paths. Visitor numbers tend to increase from late October as the foliage deepens; if a quiet walk is the priority, an early-morning arrival is the better choice.
