Hadong sits along the Seomjin River in South Gyeongsang Province, at the foothills of Jirisan National Park, and is best known as Korea’s historic heart of green tea. The rolling Hwagae Tea Fields and the Dahyangeui-gil (Thousand-Year Tea Road) are the area’s signature sights, offering gentle walks through misty plantations and village lanes. Nearby Ssanggyesa Temple, set deep in forested valleys, adds a calm cultural counterpoint, while the Hadong Tea Museum and Cultural Centre explains how tea has shaped local life for centuries, with tastings and hands-on experiences.
For active travellers, Hadong offers riverside cycling along the Seomjin, easy hiking trails in Jirisan, and scenic countryside walks. Food lovers can browse Hwagae Market for local snacks and tea, while families can enjoy farm visits and dairy-making at nearby ranches. Spring brings cherry blossoms and tea harvests; autumn delivers colour across hills and riverbanks. Quiet, scenic and deeply rooted in tradition, Hadong suits travellers looking for nature, culture and a slower, more authentic side of South Korea.