Yangyang County () is a county in the state of Gangwon Province, South Korea. The county is located in the center of Gangwon Province with Inje County and Hongcheon County. Its population is about 27,000 as of 2026.
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.
The cultivation acreage is 3,724ha. Major crops are rice, corn, potato and beans. The forest area is 52,480ha. Major forest products are chestnut and songi.
There are 968 fishers as of 2008. Major catches are myeongtae, squid, anchovy and mackerel. Yangyang Inland Fisheries Research Institute releases salmon from hatcheries into Namdae Stream.
Yangyang Iron Mine used to be South Korea's biggest iron mine but closed in 1994 due to the depletion of iron ore and high production costs. The manufacturing industry is weak with only refrigeration facilities in Yangyang-eup.
Yangyang Hyanggyo was established in 1329.
As of 2015, there are 14 elementary schools, 5 middle schools and 2 high schools. Yangyang Campus of Kwandong University opened in 1995 but closed in 2008.
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.
Donghae Expressway and SeoulâÂÂYangyang Expressway pass through the region.
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.