Hadong Green Tea Region in Korea: Worth a Visit?
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
Getting to Hadong by Train
From
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
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
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
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
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
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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
Samseong Gung
삼성궁
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
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Jirisan National Park
지리산국립공원
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!
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