PCS is in full swing in the Whitten household. Our HHG and UAB are both packed and shipped, we’ve got cars scheduled to sell (or junk, in the case of the husband’s car), we’ve had our move-out pre-inspection (goodbye, security deposit), and our house in Missouri is waiting for us. Things are moving along and there are still 2.4 million things to get done (slight exaggeration), but I wanted to take a break from all the craziness to post about our visit to Gwangmyeong Cave a couple weeks ago when Brandon’s siblings were in town.
Exploring Gwangmyeong Cave
Gwangmyeong Cave was built in 1912 as a coal mine during the Japanese occupation of Korea. Its workers were largely forced Korean workers. During World War II and the Korean War, locals used the mines as bunkers to escape the danger. There are even stories of a woman giving birth while camping out in the mines. The cave then remained unused for decades until it opened up as a tourist attraction in 2011. And, while there are exhibits about the history of the cave, the main purpose is for entertainment. This is evident in the glowing decor, light shows, aquariums, and pop-culture references throughout the cave.
One thing to know about the cave is that it DOES get chilly. We were fine in jeans and light sweaters (and our kids who opted to bring their heavier coats were warm after a while), but I definitely recommend also bringing hats and gloves. In the summer, the cave is known to be chilly too – so come prepared, regardless of how hot it is outside.
There are also MANY stairs. So if you have any major knee problems, I’d recommend going on a different adventure. We visited the cave on a very slow day, so we weren’t battling any crowds and the entire cave trip was finished in about an hour. Still, be prepared for long waits if you visit on the weekend!
We loved our time at Gwangmyeong Cave (and our kids thought it was the COOLEST place). They loved the references to Avatar and The Hobbit and the whole environment was just really cool. It’s definitely comparable to the Jade Cave in Chungju, although it feels much more “cave-like” – which we didn’t hate! If you find yourself with some free time (and you don’t mind driving an hour). Gwangmyeong Cave is definitely worth a visit.
’til next time…
Ash
How to visit Gwangmyeong Cave
Directions & Parking: Gwangmyeong Cave is located about an hour from Camp Humphreys (drive time may vary depending on traffic) with a toll of ₩4,800 (toll charge may vary based on route taken). There is ample parking at multiple lots located on the cave grounds. Flat parking rate of ₩1,000 for compact vehicles, ₩2,000 for small vehicles, and ₩3,000 for large vehicles is paid before entering the parking grounds. (For references, our Hyundai Santa Fe was considered a small vehicle and our Kia Grand Carnival was considered a large vehicle.) From the parking lot, there are signs directing you to the entrance to the cave – which is about a 5-10 minute walk (depending on how many toddlers you have in tow… ha!).
Naver pin: Gwangmyeong Cave
Naver pin: Gwangmyeong Cave Parking Lot 1
*Cost:
Adults – ₩6,000
Soldier – ₩4,000
Teens – ₩3,500
Children – ₩2,000
*Group rates apply for groups of 10 or more.
Hours of Operation:
CLOSED MONDAYS
Open 9:00am – 6:00pm every day Tuesday through Sunday.
Accessibility: The cave is not accessible to strollers or wheelchairs, due to the many stairs. The grounds surrounding the cave are accessible, but very hilly. Leave the strollers behind and opt for baby carriers and hiking backpacks instead.
Amenities: There is a restaurant, cafe, and giftshop just outside the cave entrance. There are also bathrooms located in Parking Lot 1, as well as outside the cave entrance.
