The main path branches off in different directions. Although they grow quickly they only flower and produce seeds after they have reached twelve years of age and only once in their lifetime. They vary in height from fifteen centimetres to more than forty metres. They have hollow, woody stems know a culms and they grow in clusters from a thick underground stem. Some can grow as much as thirty centimetres in a day. These tall, tree-like grasses are fast growing perennials and a popular garden plant.
I was surprised to learn that there are 1,400 species around the world. I joined a path that took me through a tunnel of bamboo stalks that all looked exactly the same. After visiting the eco-exhibition centre near the entrance I strolled past a beautiful artificial waterfall, two pavilions and a fountain before I spotted any bamboo trees – a whole forest of them. On arrival I was not sure I was in the right place as there was not a bamboo plant in sight just a very pretty formal garden – Juknokwon garden. This made it all the more special and interesting. The area, one of the greenest in the country, is more renowned for its organic farming than its tourist attractions. Damyang is in the province of South Jeolla whose climate favours the growth of bamboo a plant this is not common in other parts of South Korea. I had visions of wandering through cool, green avenues of bamboo plants but there was a big surprise in store for me. I accepted an invitation to visit the bamboo grove in Damyang, as the idea of a journey through the South Korean countryside after the bustle of Seoul was very appealing.
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