A Forest That Protected Damyang -Gwanbangjerim and the Story Behind Chunhyangjeon-

Hello, this is Jiro.

We’ve been continuing our series introducing different regions of South Korea.

Today, we’d like to share the story of a forest that once protected Damyang, a county in Jeollanam-do.

This place is also closely connected to one of Korea’s most famous classical novels, Chunhyangjeon.

Let’s take a closer look.

Gwanbangjerim, Damyang, Jeollanam-do, South Korea

Gwanbangjerim

Why Was a Levee Needed?

In the past, the Damyang Stream flooded almost every year.

Records from the reign of King Yeongjo of the Joseon Dynasty describe how water flowed down from Yongcheon Mountain, causing annual floods that swept away more than sixty households and resulted in casualties.

To protect people’s lives and livelihoods from these repeated disasters, a levee became essential.

Gwanbangjerim

The Beginning of Gwanbangjerim

In 1648, Seong I-seong, then governor of Damyang, began constructing a levee.

Because it was built under official supervision, it came to be known as Gwanbangje—literally, “the officially managed levee.”

Over time, trees were planted along the embankment, and the site gradually developed into what is now called Gwanbangjerim, the forested levee.

Gwanbangjerim

Protected by Soil, Guarded by Trees

Gwanbangjerim was not just an earthen embankment.

By planting trees alongside the levee, erosion caused by strong currents was reduced.

It was a Joseon-era disaster prevention method that worked with nature rather than against it—using the strength of the natural environment to provide protection.

Gwanbangjerim

Gwanbangjerim Today

The result is a 2-kilometer forest path made up of trees over 300 years old.

Today, the forest preserves 160 protected trees, including zelkova, hackberry, and pagoda trees.

The levee path itself remains well maintained, and due to its historical and natural value, Gwanbangjerim has been designated Natural Monument No. 366 of South Korea.

Gwanghallu Garden, a key setting of the classic Korean novel Chunhyangjeon

A Literary Connection to Chunhyangjeon

The link between Gwanbangjerim and Chunhyangjeon comes from literary-historical interpretation.

Gwanghallu Garden, a key setting of the classic Korean novel Chunhyangjeon

Seong I-seong grew up in Namwon, the setting of Chunhyangjeon.

In his personal record, Gyeseo Diary, he wrote that during his time as a secret royal inspector, he met Jo Gyeong-nam, often cited as one of the original authors of Chunhyangjeon, at Gwanghallu Pavilion, where they exchanged stories.

Based on these records and later literary interpretations, Seong I-seong is sometimes viewed as a model for Yi Mong-ryong, the male protagonist of Chunhyangjeon.

Walking Through Literature and Landscape

Today, Gwanbangjerim is more than a forest—it is a place where history, literature, and everyday life intersect.

If you ever visit Damyang, walking through this forest while recalling the story of Chunhyangjeon can be a quietly meaningful experience.

Jiro will continue to share stories from different regions of South Korea, exploring places where local history and culture still resonate.

Have a wonderful day.

Photo Credit: Photos courtesy of Damyang County Office Official Website (Public Nuri Data)

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