As many people know, South Korea has a painful history. Due to its geopolitical location and the small size of the country, our ancestors have endured numerous hardships and fought to build the South Korea we know today. Recently, I’ve developed an interest in history and have been reading Korean history books. Each time, I feel deep gratitude for the sacrifices of our forebears. Apologies for going off-topic; reflecting on today’s recommended destination sparked these thoughts. Let me now introduce Gwangmyeong Cave.
Gwangmyeong Cave was originally developed in 1912 by Japan to exploit Korea’s resources. It was previously called Siheung Mine. Experts claim that a significant amount of gold is still buried in the cave. It makes one wonder how much Japan extracted during the colonial era.
This site is a poignant reminder of forced labor and resource exploitation during the Japanese occupation. After Korea’s liberation in 1945, the cave played a role in the country’s modernization and industrialization. The mine was shut down in 1972 and later used as a storage space for salted shrimp. Recognizing its historical significance, Gwangmyeong City purchased the site and transformed it into the Cave Theme Park we see today. It now attracts over one million visitors annually. However, beneath its glamorous exterior lies a tragic history that I didn’t fully realize during my visit.
I visited Gwangmyeong Cave on a quiet winter weekday, which allowed for a leisurely exploration. During the hot summer months, it becomes a popular escape due to its cool interior, so consider this when planning your visit. The entrance is on a hill, and the cave includes stairs and uneven pathways, so comfortable footwear is a must.
The total length of the mine tunnels is 7.8 kilometers, but only 2 kilometers are open to the public. I often wonder if the remaining tunnels still contain precious metals like gold and silver. Please, refrain from any reckless attempts to explore the closed areas. It’s joking.
Inside the cave, you’ll find Arts Center exhibitions featuring collaborations with various artists, a dazzling array of lights illuminating the tunnels, and even a Wine Cave. This beautifully repurposed site truly represents the “miracle of a closed mine.” Personally, I found the Dragon Cave exhibition most intriguing, featuring life-sized dragons and fantasy props. This may have been due to my love for Harry Potter and The Lord of the Rings at the time. Interestingly, the props were created by New Zealand’s Weta Workshop, the same studio behind these iconic films.
If you’re visiting Seoul, I highly recommend making time for this destination. It is often cited as a successful case study of mine redevelopment worldwide. Experiencing it firsthand will undoubtedly be worth it. While I can’t include photos here, the cave’s vibrant displays are stunning. I’ll make sure to feature them in a future post. For now, you can check out the cave’s official website, which supports English, Chinese, and Japanese.
How to Get There:
While traveling by KTX train or car may be convenient, here’s how to get there using public transport:
1. Take Seoul Metro Line 7 and get off at Cheolsan Station.
2. Exit through Gate 2 and take Bus No. 17 to the Gwangmyeong Cave stop.
Key Information:
• Address: 142, Gahak-ro 85beon-gil, Gwangmyeong-si, Gyeonggi-do (Gahak-dong 27)
• Website: Visit Gwangmyeong Cave (opens in a new tab)
Fun Fact:
Gwangmyeong Cave has served as a filming location for Korean dramas, including Goblin: The Lonely and Great God. Its mysterious and visually striking interior makes it a popular choice for fantasy-themed productions and photo shoots.