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Held every May in scenic Hwagae Valley, this signature event celebrates Korea’s oldest tea-growing region with tea-making, tastings, and traditional performances.
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.