Hadong Pine Forest grows along the Seomjingang River near Seomjingang Iron Bridge. It was planted in 1745, during the 21st year of Joseon King Yeongjo’s reign, to block wind and sand. Now, it is one of the best pine groves in Korea.
In a total area of 26,000 ㎡ are approximately 750 old-growth pine trees. Along with the white sand on the riverside, the forest provides picturesque scenery when seen from Hasangjeong Pavilion within the forest. The forest park is used as a venue for folk games and major events hosted by the local government. There are sports facilities and recreational facilities teenagers, children, and families can enjoy, attracting many locals and tourists.
Hadong Songnim Park was created in 1745 (the 21st year of King Yeongjo of Joseon) by Jeon Cheonsang, the provincial governor, to protect Hadong-eup (then called Cheongha-eup) from the sea breeze of Gwangyang Bay and the sandy wind of the Seomjin River. At its establishment, about 1,500 pine trees were planted, but currently, including successor trees, around 900 remain. The old pines that have endured for about 260 years, the clear waters of the Seomjin River, and the expansive white sandy beach create a picturesque scene that captivates poets and guests. For this reason, Hadong is called the land of white sand and green pines and bamboo. Hadong Songnim has historically been a site for women's flower play gatherings, and the white sandy beach in front of the pine forest serves as an inland beach where seawater comes in, used by locals and tourists as a place for nature study and leisure. On the first full moon of the lunar year, a large bonfire reflecting the wishes of the people of Hadong is lit on the white sand, serving as a place of harmony with neighbors from Jeollado.
Hadong Park, located along the Seomjin River in Gwangpyeong-ri, Hadong-eup, attracts many visitors with its cool riverside breeze during the day and beautiful landscape lighting at night. From the Hadong Park observatory, you can overlook not only Hadong-eup but also Daap-myeon in Gwangyang-si at a glance. Seomhojeong is a beautiful pavilion in Hadong Park, originally used as a welcoming gate when the local magistrate was appointed in 1870, later moved by Confucian scholars to the hill behind the Hyanggyo and named Seomhojeong. Additionally, there are five small pavilions, a pine forest plaza for family picnics, a fountain, various exercise equipment, and other facilities.
Hadong Hyanggyo's exact founding date is unknown, but it was relocated from Hoengcheon in the 12th year of King Yeongjo of Joseon (1736) by magistrate Min Jin-gi. It was renovated in the 13th year of King Heonjong (1847) and in 1920, with recent repairs as well. Upon entering Pungwharu, which served as both the entrance and a rest area, there is Myeongnyundang where Confucian students studied. In front of it, the east and west dormitories are asymmetrically positioned for the students' residence. Behind Myeongnyundang is the inner gate, inside of which are Daeseongjeon shrine and east and west offices where Confucius and other sages are enshrined. The entire structure follows the Jeonhak-humyo layout, with study areas in front and ritual spaces in the rear. Hadong Hyanggyo preserves many more historical texts compared to other Hyanggyo and provides valuable materials for the study of Hadong regional history.
Jirisan Dullegil is a walking trail connecting over 110 villages across three metropolitan entities, five cities and counties, and twenty townships. There are seven information centers and offices managed by the Korea Forest Service, and the Jirisan Dullegil Hadong Center is one of them where you can purchase pamphlets for each trail section. The Hadong Center is located from the old Hadong bus terminal towards the Hadong-eup office. The forest trail office is also located here, providing various information related to Jirisan Dullegil. They verify completed exploration stamp books and issue pilgrimage certificates and badges to those who finish the trail.
