Hadong County Registers Agyang Dongjeong Lake as South Gyeongsang's Third Local Garden

Hadong County in South Gyeongsang Province has achieved yet another meaningful milestone. 'Dongjeong Lake,' located in the Pyeongsari area of Agyang-myeon, where the unique atmosphere of a slow city and the tranquil beauty of traditional hanok homes are preserved, was officially registered as South Gyeongsang Province's third local garden on April 28, 2026.

This registration is considered a comprehensive recognition of Dongjeong Lake's outstanding ecological value, its potential as a space where regional history and culture are interwoven, and Hadong County's systematic efforts in developing gardens.

Previously, in 2021, 'Geochang Changpowon' was registered as the first local garden in South Gyeongsang Province, followed by 'Wolasan Forest's Treasure of Jinju' as the second on April 16, 2026. Dongjeong Lake has now become the third example to be added to the list.

[Photo by Hadong-gun] View of Akyang Dongjeong Lake

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Local gardens are public gardens created and managed directly by local governments, serving as comprehensive spaces that showcase the region's ecological and cultural assets beyond simply being green areas. To be registered, the site must meet strict requirements, including an area of more than 100,000 square meters and a green space ratio of over 40%, as well as visitor amenities such as parking lots, restrooms, and rest areas, a dedicated garden management organization, and the enactment of relevant ordinances.

Dongjeong Lake is a semicircular back-marsh wetland lake formed by the flooding of Agyangcheon, a tributary of the Seomjin River. It is located adjacent to the setting of the epic novel "Toji," thus further enhancing its literary and cultural value. As a result, it is recognized as a unique garden where nature and culture coexist.

Hadong County has developed various themed gardens to highlight the value of Dongjeong Lake while providing visitors with a richer experience. These include traditional and cultural gardens, the Toji and Flower Garden, the Salix koreensis Forest Garden, the Green Tea Garden, the Wetland Garden, the Welcoming Garden, and the Lake Garden, each offering its own distinctive charm in harmony with the surroundings.

In particular, the county has improved walking paths and rest areas with a focus on preserving the existing wetland environment as much as possible, and plans to operate programs that allow visitors to experience nature firsthand.

An official from the county stated, "The registration of Dongjeong Lake as a local garden is a meaningful achievement that recognizes the value of Hadong's natural and cultural assets on a broader scale," adding that, "We will continue systematic management and conservation efforts to foster it as a representative ecological garden of South Gyeongsang Province."

Meanwhile, Hadong County plans to continue promoting the Dongjeong Lake Premium Garden Project, accelerating its vision of realizing 'Garden City Hadong,' where nature and people exist in harmony. The recent registration as a local garden is expected to serve as an important milestone in making that vision a reality.

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