Yangyang County () is a county in Gangwon Province, South Korea. Its population is about 27,000 as of 2026.

History

Prior to the Three Kingdoms period, Yangyang belonged to Eastern Ye. When Goguryeo occupied the region, it was called Ikyeon-hyeon () or Imun-hyeon (). After Silla conquered Goguryeo, it was renamed to Ingnyeong-hyeon ().

In 1221, it was promoted to Yangju () for fighting off Mongolian soldiers. However, it was demoted to Deongnyeong-hyeon () for surrendering to the enemy. In 1260, it was restored to Yangju.

As it was the hometown of Taejo of Joseon's mother, it was promoted to bu () in 1397. In 1416, its name was changed to Yangyang.

Administrative divisions

{| class="wikitable" style="font-size:90%;" align="center"

!Name

!Korean text

!Area (km<sup>2</sup>)

!Population (2026)

!Map

|-

|Yangyang-eup

|양양읍

|32.4

|12,615

| rowspan="10" |300x300px

|-

|Seo-myeon

|서면

|267.8

|2,600

|-

|Sonyang-myeon

|손양면

|47.4

|2,153

|-

|Hyeonbuk-myeon

|현북면

|164.85

|2,597

|-

|Hyeonnam-myeon

|현남면

|64.56

|2,911

|-

|Ganghyeon-myeon

|강현면

|52.76

|4,514

Transport

Airport

Yangyang International Airport began operation in 2002 but became a "ghost airport", probably because of the construction of new motorways. All flights were suspended in 2023 when Fly Gangwon which used the airport as its base went bankrupt.

Roads

Donghae Expressway and Seoul–Yangyang Expressway pass through the region. Uisangdae Pavilion and Hongnyeonam Hermitage in the temple are designated as scenic sites.

  • Three-story Stone Pagoda at Jinjeonsa Temple Site is representative of stone pagodas made in Unified Silla. It is the only national treasure in Yangyang.

Nature

thumb|Panorama of Hajodae Beach

Hajodae is a cliffed coast surrounded by a pine tree forest. It is designated as a scenic site. Ha Ryun and Jo Jun, founding contributors of Joseon, are said to have planned the revolution here. Hajodae Beach is popular among family vacationers. The nearby Surfyy Beach is a popular place to surf.

Seoraksan spans over Yangyang, Sokcho, Goseong, and Inje.

Festivals

  • Hyeonsan Culture Festival is held around Dano for the harmony and prosperity of residents. Started in 1007 (10th year of the reign of King Mokjong), its modern form was established in 1979.
  • Yangyang Songi Festival: Started in 1997, it is held every October. Visitors can pick mushrooms, try songi dishes and enjoy takjangsanori (탁장사놀이, traditional game based on the story of Tak Jangsa who carried geumgangsong during the construction of Gyeongbokgung).
  • Yangyang Salmon Festival: Started in 1997, visitors can catch and eat salmon.

Climate

As Yangyang is located between the steep slope of the Taebaek Mountains and East Sea, its climate is close to oceanic climate.

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File:Jinjeonsaji 01.JPG|Three-story Stone Pagoda at Jinjeonsa Temple Site

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References