Hadong: Embracing Tender Tea Leaves and Seomjingang River Cherry Blossom Oysters

Embark on a gourmet journey to rejuvenate both body and mind while discovering the natural flavors gifted by the Seomjingang River and Jirisan Mountain.

Along the way

1. 1

   Beotgul Sikdang

   벚굴식당

   Located in Gojeon-myeon, Hadong-gun, Beotgul Sikdang operates only from February to late April during the cherry blossom season when beotgul (cherry blossom oysters) taste their best. Therefore, it is recommended to call and check before visiting. Unlike oysters that grow in the salty sea, beotgul grows where freshwater meets seawater, giving it a sweet rather than salty flavor and a size about five times larger than regular oysters. Its signature dishes are grilled beotgul and steamed beotgul, along with beotgul jeon (pancake), spicy freshwater clam salad, and freshwater clam soup. Plum makgeolli, made with unrefined rice wine from a nearby brewery and homemade plum extract, is a great accompaniment. The oysters are shucked right beside the table, making them easy to eat. Grilled in their shells over charcoal in a brazier and paired with vinegared red chili paste or aged kimchi, they offer an exquisite flavor. ※ Pets are not permittedMoreLess

   

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2. 2

   Dongheung Jaecheopguk

   동흥재첩국

   A restaurant specializing in jaecheopguk (freshwater clam soup), located along the main street in the downtown area, about a 3-minute drive toward Hwagae near Hadong Police Station.MoreLess

   

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3. 3

   Hadong Hwagaejangteo Market

   하동 화개장터

   Famous as the backdrop of Kim Dong-ni's novel The Post Horse (Yeongma), Hwagaejangteo Market is located on the border between Yeongnam and Honam. It served as a distribution hub for seafood and salt from the southern coast, grains from the fertile Honam plains, and wild greens and woodenware from the foot of Jirisan Mountain. Transported nationwide via the well-developed waterways of Hadong Port, the market flourished from the mid-Joseon Dynasty until national liberation, becoming one of the most prominent markets in the country. However, with advances in transportation and distribution networks, it declined and lost its former glory. Hwagaejangteo was originally a traditional five-day market held where Hwagaecheon Stream from Jirisan meets the Seomjingang River. Recently, a permanent market was established, so the separate five-day market is no longer held. To satisfy the expectations of visitors drawn by Cho Young-nam's popular song "Hwagaejangteo" and to restore its traditional atmosphere, the site covering approximately 8,400 m² was developed with a 1.6 billion KRW investment to build traditional market stalls, green tea specialty shops, and convenience facilities. It opened on April 5, 2001, in conjunction with the 9th Hwagaejangteo Cherry Blossom Festival, and now operates as a permanent market.MoreLess

   

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4. 4

   Ssanggye Tea

   쌍계명차

   Located near Hwagaejangteo Market in Hwagae-myeon, Hadong-gun, Ssanggye Tea operates directly managed tea gardens and farms spanning approximately 132,200 m², cultivating eco-friendly, pesticide-free green tea and around 150 varieties of wild mountain teas. In addition to various infused and solid teas designated as official certified products of the 2023 Hadong World Tea Expo, signature products include handmade teas (Ujeon, Jakseol, Cheongohyang), alongside simple desserts and rich green tea ice cream. The building, which won the Gold Prize at the Gyeongsangnam-do Architecture Awards, features a modern and sleek interior with tables for tea on the left and a shop on the right selling a wide range of teas and tea accessories. The spacious stepped seating connecting the first and second floors is very popular with visitors. The second floor operates a tea museum displaying various tea-related artifacts. Carrying on a 40-year tradition, Ssanggye Tea strives to popularize Jirisan's wild tea and promote its excellence worldwide.MoreLess

   

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