Water-absorbing hydrogel, and production method therefor

[Problem] To provide: a hydrogel which exhibits excellent water-absorbing properties, even if dried, and which exhibits flexibility, shape stability, and shape retention properties; and a production method therefor. [Solution] This hydrogel includes: a water-soluble organic polymer (A); a silicate (B); a dispersant (C) for the silicate; and a water-absorbing polymer (D). This method for producing the hydrogel includes: a formation step (a1) for forming a hydrogel including the water-soluble organic polymer (A), the silicate (B), the dispersant (C) for the silicate, the water-absorbing polymer (D), and at least one type of solvent selected from the group consisting of water and a water-soluble organic solvent (F); and a solvent removal step (b1) in which a portion of the solvent in the hydrogel is removed as desired.