Hadong green tea region

Hadong Green Tea Region in Korea: Worth a Visit?

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The Hadong green tea region is considered to be one of Korea’s last refreshing rural areas that didn’t experience too much of an explosion of industrial development like other parts of the country. That’s why Hadong is a popular destination for those who wish to escape the bustle of city living.

The Hadong green tea region is also the host of the World Tea Expo 2023.

If you want to learn more about Korean tea culture, check out my ultimate guide to tea in Korea.

When is the best time to visit Hadong?

The Hadong green tea region is a beautiful area to visit year-round. However similar to the Boseong green tea fields, most people visit either in spring (between late March and late April) to see the first new leaves on tea bushes, or in summer (from May to August) when the tea bushes are in their prime.

But even if you visit in late autumn or winter, you’ll get to see a unique sight with tea fields covered in pure white snow.

World Tea Expo 2023 in Hadong

This global tea expo is the first of its kind in Korea and will be held with the theme “The Scent of Nature, Healthy Future, Tea!” at Hadong Sports Park and Hadong Wild Tea Cultural Festival Hall. In addition to a variety of tea-related programs, there will be a special event called “Tea Road,” which will take you on a journey to discover teas from Gyeongsangnam-do Province. Don’t miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of tea and explore the history and culture of Korea’s tea cultivation at World Tea Expo 2023 in Hadong, Korea.

For detailed information, visit the official website.

How to get to the Hadong Green Tea Area

Hadong refers to an entire county located on the western end of Gyeongsangnam-do Province. It also borders Jeollanam-do.

Getting to Hadong by Bus

The easiest option to get to Hadong, in my opinion, is to take the express bus. Express buses are super comfortable and so convenient for traveling around South Korea. A ticket also won’t break your bank!

Board the bus at Seoul Nambu Terminal and you’ll arrive at Hadong Bus Terminal after only 3 hours – no need to transfer!

Getting to Hadong by Train

From Seoul, you can take a KTX from Yongsan Station to Suncheon Station, which takes around two hours.

Once you’re in Suncheon, transfer to a local train called “mugunghwa” (무궁화) and head to Hadong Station. This train ride takes around 30 minutes.

Getting to Hadong by Car

I chose to drive down to Hadong and it was a really comfortable drive. The Inter-city highway is quite well maintained and you can get some pretty views of green scenery along the way. There are several rest stops along the route allowing you to stop whenever necessary. A drive from Seoul to Hadong can take anywhere from 4 to 6 hours depending on traffic.

Hadong Korea Green Tea Region:
What not to miss

The whole county of Hadong has a lot to offer! From green tea plantations and quaint teahouses to museums and temples – there’s something for everyone in Hadong.

The Most Beautiful Tea Fields in Hadong

In Hadong, it’s all about tea! Below are the tea fields you definitely do not want to miss in Hadong.

Jeonggeum Tea Field

정금차밭

This is one of the largest tea fields in the Hadon area – and it’s incredible picturesque. What started off as a wild tea field has turned into a part of Korea’s Agricultural Heritage.

Bring good walking shoes for this one – you’re going to need them!

Address: 1136, Jeonggeum-ri, Hwagae-myeon, Hadong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do

First Tea Plant Cultivation Site

차시배지

Beophyangdawon is known to be the first tea plant cultivation site in South Korea. In front of the tea plantation stands the “차시배지”, a monument erected to mark this unique place. Every year on May 25th, the Korean Tea Lovers Association comes to this spot to hold a ceremony to bless the tea plantation.

Tip: Head up to the pavilion overlooking the whole tea field for gorgeous views and a scenic place to relax.

Address: 112, Hwagae-ro, Hwagae-myeon, Hadong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do

Dosim Dawon

도심다원

This tea field is home to a one-thousand-year-old tea tree, one of the oldest in South Korea. The local community at Dosim Village here has been preserving tea culture by reproducing tea plants and creating a whole tea habitat around Korea’s oldest tea tree.

There’s an engraved stone for the oldest tea tree in Korea located at the top of the tea fields. You can easily reach this viewpoint after a short 15-minute hike.

Address: 51-2 Sinchondosim-gil, Hwagae-myeon, Hadong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do

Maeam Jedawon

매암제다원

If you search for some cool places to visit in Hadong on Instagram, pictures of this quaint tea house will quickly pop up. It’s not only an Instagrammable place but also totally beautiful and relaxing when you actually visit.

Here, I definitely recommend trying some local green tea instead of opting for the random lemonade on the menu.

Sit down, enjoy your tea and watch cute couples taking photos in the green tea fields around the teahouse. This is one of my favorite places in the whole of Korea.

Address: 346-1 Agyangseo-ro, Agyang-myeon, Hadong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do

Hadong Teahouse
Hadong Teahouse

More Pretty Tea Fields

There are also a lot of pretty tea fields along Hwagae-ro (화개로). 

One of my favorites is near the Ssangye Myeongcha Café (mentioned below), as well as near a café called Bridge 130.

Address: Samsin-ri, Hwagae-myeon, Hadong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do

tea fields and me
hadong tea fields

More Things to Do in Hadong

Hadong has a lot more to offer than simply tea fields – check out the attractions below.

Ssanggyesa Temple

쌍계사

The history of green tea in South Korea dates back around 1,200 years – and it starts in Hadong. A Buddhist monk brought the very first green tea plants to South Korea from China and planted them right here at Ssanggyesa Temple in Hadong.

However, the temple itself is even older as it was founded in the year 722. It is one of the oldest and culturally significant temples in Korea and even home to a National Treasure.

Address: 59 Ssanggyesa-gil, Hwagae-myeon, Hadong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do

ssangyesa in hadong

Ssanggye Myeongcha

쌍계명차 박물관

One of Korea’s largest tea brands is named after the birthplace of green tea in Korea: Ssanggye. Not too far from the temple, you should stop by Ssanggye Myeongcha, a lovely teahouse/tea shop in a beautiful modern contemporary building overlooking lush green tea fields.

Here, you can not only sit down and sample some local teas, but you can also learn about local tea culture in the gallery/museum on the second floor and then purchase your favorite teas and teaware to take home.

Address: 30 Hwagae-ro, Hwagae-myeon, Hadong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do

Hours: Open daily from 9 AM to 9 PM

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The Home of Choi Cham-Pan

최참판댁

If you are familiar with Korean literature, you are going to love this place! The “Home of Choi Cham-Pan” was built in honor of prominent South Korean novelist Pak Kyongni, who is most well known for her 16-volume story Toji (토지, The Land). The novel is an epic saga set around the turbulent history of Korea during 19th and 20th century. The novel gained such popularity that it was also made into a drama.

After Park died in 2008, a house based on the one in her novel was built to serve as a museum in honor of the author displaying some of her most notable works. During the fall season, The Home of Choi Cham-Pan also hosts the Toji Literature Festival.

Address: 66-7 Pyeongsari-gil, Agyang-myeon, Hadong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do

Sipri Cherry Blossom Road

십리벚꽃길

If you visit Hadong during the cherry blossom season, a visit to this lovely road is a must. More than 1,200 cherry blossom trees grow in a straight line along the street for around 6 kilometers from Hwagae Marketplace to Ssanggyesa Temple. Most of the trees are between 50 and 100 years old.

It is said that a couple who walks along the Hadong Sipri Cherry Blossom Road will get married and grow to be 100 years old together.

Address: Samsin-ri, Hwagae-myeon, Hadong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do

Hadong Sipri Cherry Blossom Road

Samseong Gung

삼성궁

Literally translating to “Palace of the Three Sages”, Samseong Gung is a shrine at the slopes of Jiri Mountain, paying homage to the three mythical founders of Korea: Hwanin (환인), Hwanung (환웅) and Dangun Wanggeom (단군왕검).

The shrine grounds is relatively large with different halls and pathways leading around totems and approximately 1,500 stone pyramids. The main Shrine Hall of the Three Sages, displays paintings and altars for the three mythical founders of Korea.

Address: 2 Samseonggung-gil, Cheongam-myeon, Hadong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do

Jirisan National Park

지리산국립공원

Hiking enthusiasts should also check out the bordering Jirisan National Park. This was the first park to be designated as a national park in South Korea in 1967.
Jirisan is also the largest national park in the country and puts great emphasis on biodiversity conservation, especially for the Asiatic black bear.
There are a lot of different hiking courses so I highly recommend checking out their official website to choose the course that best fits your hiking preferences.

Address: Daeseong-ri, Hwagae-myeon, Hadong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do

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Where to stay in Hadong?

There are a couple of good options for staying overnight in Hadong. Many of them are guesthouses and homestays since it’s a rather rural area, which is great for those looking for a relaxed experience. However, I’ve also included a more “resorty” kind of option for luxury travelers!

Tea Field Guest House

If you’re looking for a remote but utterly gorgeous place to stay; this is your choice! Tea Field Guest House is situated in the middle of a beautiful mountain surrounded by green tea fields. You also get to try out what it’s like to stay in a traditional Korean house sleeping on the floor with traditional ondol floor heating. Highly recommend!

Mokkoji Pension

This is one of the most booked places in Hadong. Mokkoji Pension is situated around 1.4 km from Ssanggyesa Temple and also offers free bike rentals, free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and a shared kitchen. The rooms are very big and come with a comfortable hot tub. With a central location, this is a solid choice for staying in Hadong.

Kensington Resort Hadong

Located only 1 km from Ssanggyesa Temple, Kensington Resort Hadong is a great choice when staying in Hadong. Guests can enjoy the on-site restaurant and parking is available for free.

All in all, the location is perfect, staff are nice, and rooms are clean.

Hadong Korea Green Tea Region:
Worth a Visit?

Absolutely! As you can see, there is so much to see and do in the Hadong area – especially if you are a tea enthusiast!

Recommended Travel Guides for Korea

If you want to learn more about South Korea and have a handy travel guide in your pocket, check out these three options below:

DK Eyewitness Top 10 Seoul

This Top 10 Seoul guide is a great pocket guide that breaks down the best of Seoul into helpful lists of ten – from selected highlights to the best museums and galleries, and the most authentic restaurants, tearooms, bars, shops, and markets. I personally helped update the most recent version of this guide. Buy this book.

Lonely Planet Korea

You really can’t go wrong with a lonely planet guide in your hand luggage! I’m a huge fan of Lonely Planet and own this guide myself. What I love is the brand-new pull-out, passport-size ‘Just Landed’ card with wi-fi, ATM and transport info – all you need for a smooth journey from airport to hotel! Buy this book.

South Korea: The Solo Girl’s Travel Guide

Calling all my solo female travel ladies out there – this guide is amazing! Part of the #1 Travel Guidebook Series for Women (and couples), this take on South Korea will help you avoid the scams, creeps, and tourist traps and skip ahead to the cities and adventures that are worth your time (and money)! Buy this book.

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Linda

Linda has been living in Asia since 2012 and loves sharing her travel and life experiences on her website. She currently works remotely in Online Marketing and also teaches various English classes in South Korea.

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