Travel
Korea Destinations: Hadong’s summer escapes: Forests, valleys, campsites, and high-flying adventures
Haps Magazine Korea
July 15, 2025
(Image: Hadong-gun)
Hadong-gun in Gyeongnam Province offers a wide range of summer destinations that combine forest retreats, river valleys, family camping, and aerial adventure, all nestled in the foothills of Jirisan Mountain.
From ancient pine groves to thrilling zip wires, here’s a look at how the region invites visitors to cool off and reconnect with nature.
Songnim Park and Water Park: A Riverside Refuge Under the Pines
Songnim Park in Hadong, a historic pine forest along the Seomjin River, provides shade under some 900 pine trees—planted during the Joseon Dynasty—that still stand today as a protected natural monument (No. 445). Along with its riverside setting and white sand, the newly improved Songnim Water Park offers a family-friendly way to cool off with upgraded facilities like bean bags, shaded rest areas, and grass lawns. Open daily (except Mondays and Tuesdays) from June 20 to August 24, the park offers three timed sessions per day.
Okjong Cypress Forest: Immersive Healing Among 200,000 Trees
Home to towering cypress trees and thick phytoncide-rich air, Okjong Cypress Natural Recreation Forest provides walking paths for gentle strolls or meditation. Its forest lodgings—each with themed rooms like the “Room of the Heart”—make it a destination for extended stays. Visitors can also access nearby attractions including strawberry farms and scenic valleys.
Gujaebong Forest: Nature and Outdoor Activities in One Place
Set along the base of Jirisan, Gujaebong Natural Recreation Forest features forest trails, sweeping mountain views, and hands-on experiences like monorail rides, zip lines, and eco-adventure facilities. Welcoming about 25,000 visitors annually, it’s a draw for families thanks to its blend of nature and interactive leisure. Lodging is available onsite.
Campgrounds Along the River: Pyeongsa-ri and Okjong Sites
Two key campsites offer contrasting atmospheres. Pyeongsa-ri Park Campground lies by the Seomjin River, famous for its cinematic setting and variety of outdoor activities. It features 58 auto sites and 29 tent sites, as well as proximity to cultural landmarks like Hwagae Market and Ssanggyesa Temple.
Okjong Multipurpose Campground, located in a quieter forest setting along the Deokcheon River, includes mobile homes, trailers, and fully equipped amenities. The environment is suited for families and newcomers looking for peaceful, riverside camping.
(Image: Hadong-gun)
Valleys of Jirisan: Hwagae-dong and Cheonghak-dong
Hadong’s Hwagae-dong Valley stretches 16 kilometers from Hwagae Market into the mountains, lined with thousand-year-old wild tea fields and cherry blossom trees. Historical temples like Ssanggyesa and educational sites like the Bear Village Ecological Learning Center offer additional interest for families.
Cheonghak-dong Valley, longer and more secluded, runs nearly 20 kilometers through dense primeval forest. Its name, “Valley Where Blue Cranes Play,” ties into legends and historical records, and the area includes sacred sites like Samseonggung and Magoseong. The clear waters and cooler microclimate make it a quiet alternative for trekking and contemplation.
Geumosan Cable Car and Zip Wire: Scenic Views and Speed in the Sky
Hadong’s most high-altitude attraction is the Geumosan Cable Car and Zip Wire complex. The 2.5-kilometer cable car line runs from the 849-meter Geumosan peak with views of the sea and surrounding mountains. Eight of the 40 cabins feature transparent floors.
At the summit, the zip wire offers a 3.4-kilometer ride—Asia’s longest—plummeting at speeds up to 120 km/h. With safety systems and equipment designed by Korean experts, it blends thrills with security.
From forest retreats and riverside picnics to immersive nature trails and aerial rides, Hadong presents an array of ways to experience summer—at your pace, and in your way.