Hampyeong County, located in South Jeolla Province (Jeollanam-do), Republic of Korea, is a renowned ecological and cultural destination known for its integration of environmental sustainability, agriculture, and regional tourism. Spanning an area of 392.77 km² with a population of approximately 30,107 residents as of September 2024, Hampyeong is widely recognized for its butterfly-themed festivals, organic farming practices, and natural attractions.
Administrative Overview
- Region Type: County (Gun)
- Province: Jeollanam-do
- Administrative Divisions: 1 eup (Hampyeong-eup), 8 myeon (townships)
- Population Density: Approximately 77 people per km²
- Official Website: https://www.hampyeong.go.kr/
- Phone (general): +82-61
Hampyeong operates under a county-level administrative body, managing local governance, rural development, eco-tourism planning, and welfare services. The county's strategic emphasis is on fostering sustainable growth through agro-ecological practices and nature-based tourism.
Key Economic Activities
The county’s economy revolves around:
- Agriculture:
- Organic rice, grains, vegetables, and fruits
- Sustainable fisheries and marine farming in coastal regions
- Eco-Tourism:
- Flagship festivals drawing hundreds of thousands of domestic and foreign tourists annually
- Rural experiences and healing tourism including farm stays and ecological learning centers
- Handicrafts and Local Specialties:
- Traditional Korean paper (Hanji)
- Locally-produced flower seedlings and organic herbs
Cultural and Tourism Highlights
Hampyeong is nationally celebrated for its nature-centered festivals and serene landscapes. Notable attractions include:
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Hampyeong Butterfly Festival:
- Held each spring since 1999
- Attracts over 400,000 visitors annually
- Features butterfly breeding zones, floral exhibitions, and environmental education zones
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Grand Chrysanthemum Festival:
- Celebrated in the fall
- Showcases over 30 varieties of chrysanthemum
- Offers floral art displays and horticultural workshops
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Dolmeori Beach:
- A scenic coastal site with shallow waters ideal for family activities and tidal experiences
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Yongcheonsa Temple:
- A historic Buddhist temple surrounded by pine forests
- Hosts annual temple stay programs for spiritual retreat and cultural immersion
Environmental and Urban Planning
Hampyeong County is known for its commitment to environmental preservation and clean energy:
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Ecological Projects:
- Hampyeong Ecological Park featuring wetlands, gardens, and environmental learning facilities
- Use of eco-friendly infrastructure in festival planning and public transport systems
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Urban Greening Initiatives:
- City beautification with floral zones across public areas
- Community participation in horticultural maintenance and green space design
International Partnerships and Recognition
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Sister Cities:
- Seongdong-gu, Seoul (Korea)
- Angeles City (Philippines)
- Additional cultural and municipal cooperation with cities in Japan and China
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Recognized as one of Korea’s Best Ecological Tourism Cities by multiple national tourism and environmental organizations
Infrastructure and Accessibility
- Transportation:
- Accessible via Mokpo-Gwangju highway and Honam rail line
- Close to Muan International Airport (less than 50 km)
- Public Facilities:
- County cultural centers, libraries, health clinics, senior welfare centers, and youth activity hubs
- Smart village initiatives promoting digital services in rural areas
Media and Promotion
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Social Media:
- Official Facebook: facebook.com/hampyeongcounty
- Active content sharing includes festival announcements, nature spotlights, and civic updates
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Cultural Broadcasting:
- Hampyeong’s events and attractions are regularly featured on KBS, MBC, and Jeollanam-do regional networks
Major Achievements
- Hosted the National Butterfly Exhibition and was recognized by Korea’s Ministry of Environment for biodiversity conservation
- Implemented carbon-neutral event planning across festivals
- Launched agro-healing programs for urban-rural exchange and senior well-being
- Awarded for landscape architecture and community floral development at national competitions
Hampyeong County exemplifies the synergy of ecological stewardship, cultural vitality, and rural innovation—offering residents and visitors alike a model for sustainable, nature-integrated living in modern Korea.
