Hwagae and Hadong Tea Fields: A Green Tea Trip in South Korea

Short answer: Hwagae-myeon in Hadong County, South Gyeongsang Province, is one of the oldest tea-growing areas in Korea. Small, steep tea fields climb the hillsides of Jirisan along the Hwagae Stream, and the area's traditional tea farming is listed by the UN's FAO as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (since 2017). The easiest way to visit without a car is an intercity bus from Seoul or Busan to Hwagae or Hadong, then a short local bus or taxi. Go in late April to May for fresh green leaves and the tea harvest, or in early April for the famous cherry blossom road. Plan at least one night, because the area rewards a slow pace.

This guide covers what makes Hadong tea different, what to see in Hwagae, how to get there and how to plan a calm one- or two-day trip. Bus times and festival dates change every year, so check the official Hadong County tourism site and the bus booking apps before you go.

Why Hadong tea is special

Many visitors know Boseong, with its neat, rounded rows of tea bushes. Hadong feels very different. Here, tea grows in small patches on rocky slopes, often between stones and trees, and many plots are still tended and picked by hand. Local tradition says tea seeds brought from Tang China were first planted near Ssanggyesa Temple in the 9th century, which is why Hwagae is often called the birthplace of Korean tea.

Hadong is best known for yaseoncha, often translated as "wild tea". It is hand-picked and pan-roasted in the traditional way, from plants that grow with little artificial help. The taste is usually soft and nutty rather than grassy. You will see the tea graded by when it was picked: the earliest spring leaves are the most prized and the most expensive.

What to see in Hwagae and Hadong

Hwagae Market

Hwagae Market (Hwagae Jangteo) sits where the Hwagae Stream meets the Seomjingang River. It is a small, touristy but friendly market with stalls selling local tea, dried herbs, wild greens, honey and snacks. It is a good first stop to taste tea and pick up gifts. The intercity bus stop is right across the road.

The tea fields along Hwagae-ro

The road from Hwagae Market up the valley toward Ssanggyesa is lined with tea fields, tea houses and small tea farms. Several fields sit close to the road, so you can walk or take a short taxi ride between them. Some farms offer tastings or simple tea-making experiences; these usually need a booking, so ask your guesthouse or check the county tourism site.

Ssanggyesa Temple and the first tea field

Ssanggyesa is a large, old Buddhist temple at the top of the valley, set in forest at the foot of Jirisan. Near the temple you will find a monument marking the traditional site of Korea's first tea planting. The temple is peaceful, especially early in the morning. If you want to stay overnight in a temple, read our guide to a first Korean temple stay first.

Tea museums and tea houses

Hadong has a tea museum area in Hwagae and several private tea museums and tea houses. A tea house with a view over the fields is the best way to understand Hadong tea: sit down, ask for the local green tea and take your time. Staff will often show you how to brew it at the right temperature.

The Simni cherry blossom road

In early April, the road between Hwagae Market and Ssanggyesa becomes a long tunnel of cherry blossoms, often called the "Simni Cherry Blossom Road". It is beautiful but very busy on weekends, with heavy traffic. If you visit in blossom season, go on a weekday and arrive early.

Pyeongsari and Akyang

Down the river, the Akyang area has wide farm fields and a reconstructed traditional village linked to a famous Korean novel. It makes a pleasant half-day add-on if you have a car or a taxi, and gives you a view of the Seomjingang River plains after the narrow tea valley.

When to go

• Early April: cherry blossoms along the valley road. Very crowded.
• Late April to May: the main tea harvest. The fields are bright green, and the Hadong Wild Tea Culture Festival is usually held around this time with tea ceremonies, roasting demonstrations and tastings. In 2026 it ran in early May; check the official dates for the next year.
• Summer: green and quiet, but hot and humid, with rainy spells.
• Autumn: clear weather and colourful leaves around Ssanggyesa and Jirisan. A good, calm time to visit.
• Winter: very quiet. Tea houses and the market stay open, but the fields are less green and some small farms close.

How to get to Hwagae from Seoul or Busan

By bus (best without a car)

Intercity and express buses run from Seoul's Nambu Bus Terminal to Hwagae and to Hadong. Travellers usually report a ride of about three and a half hours to the Hwagae terminal, which is right by Hwagae Market. Not every bus goes all the way to Hwagae, and schedules change, so check the route on the official bus booking site or app before you travel. From Busan, buses leave from Seobu (Sasang) Bus Terminal toward Hadong, and some continue into the Hwagae valley.

Book ahead for weekends, cherry blossom season and the tea festival, because seats sell out. For how Korean bus terminals and booking work, see our guide to express buses in Korea.

Local buses and taxis

From Hwagae Market, local buses run up the valley toward Ssanggyesa, but they are not frequent. Taxis are the practical choice for short hops between tea fields, tea houses and your guesthouse. Have your destination written in Korean, or show it on Naver Map or Kakao Map.

By car

A car gives you the most freedom here, especially if you want to combine Hwagae with Akyang, the Seomjingang River or nearby Gurye. Expect slow traffic in blossom season.

A simple one- or two-day plan

Day 1

1. Arrive at Hwagae by bus around midday.
2. Lunch near Hwagae Market. River fish dishes and wild-green bibimbap are common here.
3. Walk or taxi up Hwagae-ro, stopping at one or two tea fields.
4. Late afternoon at a tea house with a field view.
5. Stay in a guesthouse, a hanok stay or a small hotel in the valley.

Day 2

1. Early morning visit to Ssanggyesa before the crowds.
2. Find the first-tea-field monument and walk a little of the forest trail.
3. Back to Hwagae Market to buy tea, then take an afternoon bus out.

LUMI from POPORO CITY says: "Order one pot and refill it slowly. In Hadong, the second and third cup are part of the trip."

Buying Hadong tea

• Tea is often sold by picking time. Earlier spring picks cost more and taste lighter and sweeter.
• Ask to taste before you buy. Most shops in tea areas are happy to pour a cup.
• Hadong is also known for fermented (yellow-brown) tea, which is darker and smoother. Try both.
• If you are flying home, sealed packs travel well. Check your home country's rules for bringing in plant products.

Quick tips

• Stay at least one night; day trips from Seoul mean seven hours on the bus.
• Avoid cherry blossom weekends unless you love crowds.
• Wear shoes with grip. Tea field paths are steep and can be muddy.
• Don't walk into private tea plots or pick leaves. Stay on paths unless a farm invites you in.
• Carry some cash for small market stalls, though cards work in most places.
• Check bus times, festival dates and tea house hours on official sites before you go.

FAQ

Is Hadong or Boseong better for a green tea trip?

Boseong has the famous wide, sculpted tea terraces and is easier for a quick photo stop. Hadong is smaller and wilder, with more history, tea houses and a slower village feel. If you like tea itself more than photos, Hadong is a great choice.

Can I visit Hwagae as a day trip from Seoul?

It is possible but tiring, with roughly seven hours of bus travel in total. One night in the valley makes the trip much more relaxed.

When is the Hadong Wild Tea Culture Festival?

It is usually held in spring, during the tea harvest. The 2026 festival ran in early May. Check the Hadong County website for next year's dates.

Do I need to speak Korean?

Not much English is spoken in Hwagae, but people are used to visitors. A translation app, a map app and a few basic Korean phrases will be enough.

Can I try picking or making tea?

Some tea farms and the festival offer experiences such as hand-roasting tea. These usually need booking in advance, so check the county tourism site or ask your accommodation.