Hadong Ssanggyesa Temple (쌍계사(하동)) - Area information - Korea travel information

Hadong Ssanggyesa Temple (쌍계사(하동))

Hadong Ssanggyesa Temple (쌍계사(하동))

10.6Km    2024-03-08

59 Ssanggyesa-gil, Hadong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do

Ssanggyesa Temple was founded on the southern foothills of Jirisan Mountain in 722 during the reign of Silla King Seongdeok. The temple is famous for the 6-kilometer stretch of cherry blossom trees that bloom each spring. The temple was originally called Okcheonsa Temple, but was changed to the current Ssanggyesa Temple in 887. The current temple buildings were all built in 1632, after having been burned down during the Imjin War (1592-1598). The temple grounds and nearby area feature many historic and beautiful attractions, including Burilpokpo Falls and a large tea plantation.

Hadong Wild Tea Cultural Festival (하동 야생차문화축제)

Hadong Wild Tea Cultural Festival (하동 야생차문화축제)

11.0Km    2025-01-06

571-25 Ssanggye-ro, Hadong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do
+82-55-880-2052

The Hadong Wild Tea Cultural Festival is a fragrant celebration in Hadong, a region renowned for its green tea, historically known as the “king’s tea” due to its royal offerings. The Hadong 1000-Year Dahyang Trail is perfect for leisurely walks, connecting hills and tea fields with decked paths and narrow village roads. Following the successful “World Tea Expo 2023 Hadong, Korea,” the festival solidified Hadong’s reputation as a “tea-refreshing cultural city.” The diverse program includes tea cup busking, moving art galleries, music and art spaces, tea classes, book discussions, meditation and refreshing programs, and trekking on the 1000-Year Dahyang Trail, providing ample opportunity to fully experience Hadong and its tea culture. 

◎ 1000-Year Dahyang Trail
Hadong’s proximity to the Seomjingang River results in frequent fog and high humidity, coupled with significant temperature variations, creating an ideal environment for tea cultivation. Historical records indicate that tea has been grown here for a thousand years, marking Hadong as the birthplace of Korean tea cultivation.

Seoamjeongsa Temple (서암정사(함양))

11.0Km    2024-02-21

27-79 Gwangjeom-gil, Macheon-myeon, Hamyang-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do

Seoamjeongsa Temple belongs to Byeoksongsa Temple, which is at the entrance of the Chilseongyegok Valley of Jirisan Mountain. Monk Woneung rebuilt Byeoksongsa Temple, which had been damaged during the Korean War in 1950. This hermitage features the Buddha statues Woneung carved into the natural bedrock, a grotto sanctuary with statues of the Pure Land, Daebanggwangmun Gate, and Sajagul Cave.

Jirisan National Park (Hamyang Section) (지리산국립공원(함양))

Jirisan National Park (Hamyang Section) (지리산국립공원(함양))

11.2Km    2021-02-05

Baengmudong-ro, Hamyang-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do
+82-55-970-1000

Designated as the first national park in Korea on December 29, 1967, Jirisan National Park stretches out over 483.022 square kilometers, making it the largest national park among all 22 national parks. It covers Korea’s three southernmost provinces; Gyeongsangnam-do, Jeollanam-do, and Jeollabuk-do, one city, four counties, and 15 districts of eup and myeon. The area in Gyeongsangnam-do has Ssanggyesa Temple, Daewonsa Temple, Beopgyesa Temple, Chilbulsa Temple, and Chilsangsa Temple as well as valleys, falls, and other tourism resources. In particular, famous tourist spots in Hamyang area are Chilseongyegok Valley and Hansingyegok Valley.

Burilpokpo Falls (불일폭포)

11.5Km    2024-02-08

103 Mogap-gil, Hwagae-myeon, Hadong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do

Situated 720 meters above sea level, Burilpokpo Falls stands as the tallest waterfall on Jirisan Mountain, boasting a x_height of 60 meters and a x_width of 3 meters. It features a distinctive two-tier structure, with the enchanting Yongchumot and Hangmot Ponds nestled below, adding to its profound natural allure. Conveniently located just 3 kilometers from Ssanggyesa Temple, it's an ideal spot to visit following a trip to the temple.

Jirisan Recreational Forest (국립 지리산자연휴양림)

Jirisan Recreational Forest (국립 지리산자연휴양림)

12.0Km    2024-02-23

152 Eumjeong-gil, Macheon-myeon, Hamyang-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do

Jirisan Recreational Forest safeguards the splendid natural beauty of Jirisan Mountain. Positioned 600 to 700 meters above sea level, the region surpassing 700 meters is designated as a national park. The forest features a range of amenities including accommodations, a forest student camp, various trails, a forest park, and a suspension bridge. The significant temperature variation in the area contributes to the breathtaking display of autumn foliage.

Baegundonggyegok Valley, Sancheong (백운동계곡(산청))

Baegundonggyegok Valley, Sancheong (백운동계곡(산청))

12.0Km    2019-12-19

Baegun-ro 51beon-gil, Danseong-myeon, Sancheong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do
+82-55-970-6421~3

If you go 5 km up along the valley at Baegam-ri, under the thick woods, you will find a 180 square meter long stone named ‘Jeomjeong Rock’ and a small waterfall. This valley is Baegundonggyegok Valley. For almost 6 km, the water of the valley flows over only rocks, with over twenty large and small falls and lakes. Large stones in the valley are gorgeous because the stones are washed with sunbeams and the strong current of water. The most famous falls are Baeunpokpo Waterfall and Odampokpo Waterfall. Strong current of water flows in Deungcheondae, where the letters ‘Yeongnamjeilcheonsok’ are carved. Baegundonggyegok Valley is a clean area due to maintenance of the clean natural environment. Many tourists visit here because the valley is decorated with azaleas in the spring and it is cool in the summer.

Hadong Tea Museum (하동야생차박물관)

12.7Km    2022-08-05

571-25, Ssanggye-ro, Hadong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do
+82-55-880-2956

The Hadong Tea Museum is located at the foot of Jirisan Mountain in Hadong, Gyeongsangnam-do. It aims to promote the tea culture of the area, the first tea producer in the nation, while advertising the quality and superiority of Hadong green tea. The center is located adjacent to the tea farming area and Ssanggyesa Temple, one of the most famous tourist attractions in Korea.

The museum features an exhibition hall explaining the history and culture associated with Korean tea, and an experience hall where visitors can enjoy hands-on programs like making tea and learning traditional tea etiquette, as well as a shop selling high-quality tea produced in the region. Every year, the museum also hosts the Hadong Wild Tea & Culture Festival every year.

Dosimdawon (도심다원)

13.0Km    2024-11-01

51-2 Sinchondosim-gil, Hadong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do

Hadong's tea fields, which are known as the thousand-year-old tea fields, are characterized by being wild rather than cultivated. Among the many tea gardens in Hadong, the one with the most beautiful and peaceful scenery is Dosimdawon. In “House on Wheels,” actor and singer Yim Si-wan and Girls' Generation Yoona sat in a pavilion and sipped green tea while looking out at the green tea fields stretched out below. Tea utensils and tea leaves in a picnic basket are available for rent so that you can brew your own tea.

Baemsagolgyegok Valley (뱀사골 계곡)

Baemsagolgyegok Valley (뱀사골 계곡)

14.2Km    2024-04-07

Buun-gil, Namwon-si, Jeonbuk-do
+82-63-630-8900

Located in Namwon, Jeollabuk-do, Baemsagolgyegok is a 9-km grand valley, situated at the northern foot of Jirisan Mountain. Stretching from Banyabong Peak and Tokkibong Peak toward Sannae-myeon of Namwon-si, the valley is renowned for its beautiful autumn foliage.

Baemsagolgyegok Valley is popular as a summer vacation destination because there’s always an abundance of water and trees. In the fall, the hills become ablaze with autumn tints, small streams flow over rock beds, and small pools of clear water from under the rocks create a beautiful sight. Other notable places nearby include Seonindae, Seoksil, Yoryongdae, Tagyongso, Byeongso, Byeongpungso, Jeseungdae and Ganjangso.