Hadong County

The county of Hadong was called 'Dasachon' (county of much sand) when it was a part of the Jin state; later becoming a part of 'Nangnoguk', one of 12 statelets of the Byeonhan confederacy. According to the History of the Three Kingdoms, it was called Handasa-gun and was changed into 'Hadong-gun' in 757 during the reign of King Gyeongdeok. In the Goryeo Dynasty, it was known as Hadong-hyeon. In 1414, during the reign of the Joseon Dynasty King Taejong, it became 'Hanamhyeon' with 'Namhaehyeon'. It was raised to the status of 'Hadongdohobu' in 1740, in the 30th year of King Sukjong's reign.[1] During the Korean War the region was the site of a North Korean attack on US Army forces, the Hadong Ambush.

Nestled between the Seomjin river and Jiri mountain, Hadong is known for its stunning scenery. It also boasts a reputation for its peaceful, friendly, and rural atmosphere. Hadong is famous for its green tea, and holds a yearly green tea festival during May and June. Hadong's popularity as a tourist destination continues to rise each year, and the local government plays an active role in attracting visitors. The county even sponsored a tourism advertisement that aired on CNN in 2007.[2]

Hadong has long been considered a beautiful and refreshing rural area. While much of Korea has experienced an unprecedented explosion of industrial development, Hadong remains a popular destination for those who wish to escape the bustle of city living. Unfortunately, a lack of activity in the industrial sector has left the government with little incentive to expanding the sometimes inadequate existing road infrastructure. Recently, a petition for the allocation of funds for new road construction has been signed by a large number of Hadong residents.[3]

South Korean president Lee Myeong bak has recently announced plans for the construction of a Gyeongsangnam-do leisure resort palace in Hadong.[4]

Hadong is the place where the pure Seomjin River is flowing with the elegant natural scenery of Mt. Jiri National Park and Hanryeo sea area.[5]

It has taken place within county area with the green tea scent of thousand years alive is a culture tour festival.

Hadong is twinned with:

• Anyang, South Korea
• Gwangyang, South Korea
• Geoje, South Korea
• Seongdong-gu, South Korea
• Haeundae-gu, South Korea
• Zhangqiu, China
• Ya'an, China
• Zhangjiajie, China

• List of Korea-related topics

• County government website

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Hadong.