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County in South Gyeongsang Province, South Korea
Photo: hyolee2, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Hadong (하동) is a county in South Gyeongsang Province, South Korea, well known for its scenic landscapes and traditional tea culture. Nestled between the Seomjin River and the Jirisan Mountains, Hadong offers a slower pace of life compared to the bustling cities, with picturesque villages, lush green tea fields, and historic temples. The area is especially famous for its Hadong green tea, considered one of the oldest and most prestigious in Korea, with a history dating back over a thousand years. Visitors can enjoy hiking in Jirisan National Park, strolling along the Seomjin River, exploring traditional markets, or experiencing Korea’s tea heritage through tea festivals and hands-on tea-making programs.
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삼성궁
Samseonggung is a unique cultural and spiritual complex located about 1.5 km up a mountain trail in Cheonghak-dong, Cheongam-myeon, at an altitude of around 850 m on Jirisan. Founded in 1983 by Master Hanpul, it was built as a shrine dedicated to Korea’s founding figures — Hwanin, Hwanung, and Dangun — and as a center for the practice of Korea’s traditional spiritual path known as Sundo. The complex is particularly known for its thousands of hand-built stone pagodas, called sotdae, which were created by disciples as symbols of wishes and spiritual devotion. These stone towers, rising from the forested slopes, give the site a distinctive and almost otherworldly atmosphere. Today, Samseonggung serves as a place for ritual, martial arts, music, and meditation, with the goal of preserving Korean indigenous culture and spirituality.
쌍계사
An 8th-century Buddhist temple nestled in the southern foothills of Jirisan. Founded in 722, Ssanggyesa is famous for its historical relics, scenic valley location, and a 6 km cherry blossom avenue connecting it to Hwagae Market. Visitors can explore centuries-old stone pagodas, wooden halls, and a tranquil mountain atmosphere. It’s one of the most beloved cultural and natural landmarks in Hadong.
최참판 (Toji Cultural Village)
A restored 19th-century manor featured in the epic Korean novel Toji (“The Land”) by Park Kyung-ni. The complex consists of over a dozen hanok buildings set above the vast rice fields of Pyeongsari Village. It recreates the lifestyle of a Joseon-era gentry family and also served as the filming location for the Toji TV drama. The site overlooks the Seomjin River, offering visitors a blend of literature, history, and pastoral beauty.
하동야생차박물관
Located near the famous Hadong tea fields, this museum showcases Korea’s 1,200-year-old wild tea tradition. It offers exhibits on tea history and culture, along with hands-on experiences like roasting tea leaves and participating in a traditional tea ceremony. A relaxing and educational stop for tea enthusiasts exploring Hadong.
십리벚꽃
A picturesque 4-km road lined with over 1,200 cherry trees, connecting Hwagae Market to Ssanggyesa Temple. Known as “Wedding Road,” it is one of Korea’s most romantic springtime destinations. During early April, the Hwagae Cherry Blossom Festival fills the area with food stalls, music, and photo spots under pink flower tunnels.
해뜰목
Haetteul Ranch is a family-friendly dairy farm in the foothills of Jirisan. Visitors can try feeding cows, bottle-feeding calves, milking, or making ice cream. Fresh milk and homemade dairy snacks are available on site, making it a hit with children and families.
화개장터
A traditional market bridging Gyeongsang and Jeolla provinces, famous for green tea, persimmons, and folk culture. Immortalized in Korean songs and stories, Hwagae Market remains a living piece of regional heritage where visitors can still feel the charm of old Korea.
하동 레일 바이크
Pedal along a scenic rail track through Bukcheon-myeon, known for canola blossoms in spring and cosmos in autumn. The route offers calm countryside views and a fun activity for couples, friends, or families alike.
짚와이어
Soar above the Seomjin River on one of Korea’s longest ziplines, offering stunning views and an adrenaline rush. Safety gear and staff guidance are provided, making it suitable even for beginners.
하동야생차문화축제
Held every May in scenic Hwagae Valley, this signature event celebrates Korea’s oldest tea-growing region with tea-making, tastings, and traditional performances.
하동섬진강문화재첩축제
Held in June, this summer festival highlights the Seomjin River’s famous freshwater clams with fishing events, live music, and water games.
하동북천 코스모스·메밀꽃 축제
In October, the fields of Bukcheon turn into a sea of pink and white as cosmos and buckwheat flowers bloom, drawing crowds of photographers and visitors from across Korea.
하동을먹다, 하동별맛축제
An autumn food festival featuring Hadong’s local specialties, markets, live performances, and creative dishes by regional chefs.
혜성식당
A long-standing restaurant near Hwagae Market, well known for Seomjin River dishes like jaecheop-guk (clam soup) and chamge-tang (crab stew). Loved by travelers visiting Hwagae’s cherry blossom road and Ssanggyesa Temple.
지리산이시마표고버섯밥
Famous for rice cooked with locally grown shiitake mushrooms from Mt. Jiri. This restaurant emphasizes healthy, additive-free dishes and offers mushroom tea to guests. A peaceful place to enjoy traditional mountain food.
새부산횟
Located right by the water in Hadong’s Noryang area, Saebusan Hoetjip offers premium sashimi prepared from locally sourced seafood. It’s a popular stop for both travelers and residents, known for its friendly service, generous portions, and true taste of Korea’s southern coast.
섬진강횟집
A riverside restaurant specializing in freshwater fish and crab dishes from the Seomjin River. Popular for raw fish platters, chamge-tang (crab stew), and spicy stews enjoyed with scenic views of the river.
장터국밥
A countryside restaurant inside Pyeongsari Village known for sanchae-baekban (mountain-vegetable set meal) and grilled fish. Guests can dine overlooking rice fields and Jirisan’s foothills, making it perfect for those exploring Hadong’s literary and rural heritage.
켄싱턴리조트 리조트하동
Kensington Resort Jirisan Hadong is a four-star resort located in Hwagae-myeon, Hadong, at the foot of Mt. Jirisan. Surrounded by scenic mountains and valleys, it offers travelers a comfortable base for exploring the famous Hwagae Market, Ssanggyesa Temple, and the Seomjin River area. The resort provides spacious rooms, on-site dining, free parking, and spa facilities. Guests can also enjoy the natural surroundings and views of Jirisan National Park. It is a convenient accommodation option for families, groups, and independent travelers looking to experience both the cultural heritage and natural beauty of Hadong.
알지 펜션
RG Pension is a quiet and scenic guesthouse in Hwagae-myeon, featuring garden views, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and beautiful vistas of the surrounding mountains and river. It is a peaceful base for travelers exploring Ssanggyesa Temple, Hwagae Market, and the cherry blossom road.
하동 캐슬펜션
Hadong Castle Pension offers spacious, modern rooms and a scenic mountain backdrop. Located along Hwagae’s famous cherry blossom road, it provides convenient access to Ssanggyesa Temple and the Seomjin River. Facilities include BBQ areas, terraces, and parking.
하늘빛 황토방 펜션
Haneulbit Hwangtobang Pension is a cozy accommodation in Hadong-eup built with natural red clay. It features clean rooms, traditional ondol heating, BBQ facilities, and a quiet garden atmosphere. Suitable for couples and families seeking a local-style stay close to town.
밤톨
Hadong Bamtoli refers to premium-quality chestnuts grown in Hadong County, known for their large size, sweet flavor, and easy-to-peel shells. Cultivated in the clean natural environment near Jirisan Mountain and the Seomjin River, these chestnuts are widely appreciated across Korea. Visitors can buy fresh chestnuts directly from local markets or agricultural cooperatives, especially during the autumn harvest season. A charming mascot named "Bamtoli" is also used to promote local agricultural products.
하동 꿀배주
Hadong Honey Pear Liquor is a traditional alcoholic beverage produced in Hadong. It is made from locally grown pears combined with natural honey, resulting in a mildly sweet flavor with a refreshing finish. The drink reflects the agricultural heritage of the region and is enjoyed both as a local specialty and as a souvenir for visitors.
하동 녹차
Hadong Green Tea is one of Korea’s most famous local specialties and a registered Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System by the FAO. The region’s tea fields along the Seomjin River have been cultivated for over 1,200 years using traditional hand-picking and pan-firing (deokkeum) methods. Visitors can buy premium loose-leaf teas ranging from high-end Ujeon to aromatic Sejak and enjoy tea products, gift sets, and ceramics at local shops, markets, and the Hadong Wild Tea Museum. Freshly processed tea is best purchased during the spring harvest season from April to May.
Hadong is a rural county in South Gyeongsang Province and is most easily reached by intercity bus or by car.
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