- Address: 800 Hwanseon-ro, Singi-myeon, Samcheog, Gangwon-do, South Korea
- Length: 6.2 km studied, estimated at 8 km
- Opening hours: from November to February: 09: 00-16: 00, from March to October: 08: 30-17: 00, day off: 18 day of each month
- Year of foundation: 1997
Across the territory of South Korea is the Taebaek mountain range, in the center of which is the largest in Asia limestone cave Hwangsongul (Hwanseon Cavе). It is a popular attraction , attracting by its beauty and immense size more than a million tourists a year.
general information
The cave was formed about 530 million years ago and is located in the province of Gangwon-do. The government of the country in 1966 brought Hwangsongul to the list of national attractions under number 178. The official opening of the site took place in 1997.
Local residents call it "the palace of the mountain king." The total length of the cave passages studied to date is 6.5 km, but scientists suggest that the size of the grotto can exceed 8 km.
Description of the mainsail
In Hwangsongul, a huge amount of water that splashes from the walls, drips from above and splashes down. It produces loud noises and has a high speed, which prevents the formation of rocks. The air temperature here never exceeds + 15 ° C. In summer, the mercury column varies from +12 to 14 ° C, and in winter the temperature is kept at + 9 ° C.
Inside Hwangsongul are:
- various stalagmites and stalactites, reminiscent of their forms of fantastic creatures;
- 6 waterfalls formed by groundwater;
- Bridge Chiokge - it is installed in a room whose height is 100 m;
- 10 small and large caves (for example, Devil's Cudgel, Dream Palace, Great Wall of China, etc).
In the cave Hwangsongul researchers found 47 species of flora, 4 of which are endemic. The most unique specimens, according to scientists, are:
- Onychodactylus fischeri - alkali-free clawed Korean salamander;
- Allomengea coreana - spider;
- Diestrammena asynamora - cave cricket;
- Antrokoreana gracilipes and Epanerchodus kimi - centipedes;
- Apopestes indica is a mole.
Features of visit
Hwangsongul is located at an altitude of 820 m above sea level, so not everyone can get to the entrance. Only part of the cave is accessible to tourists (1.6 km). Its territory is equipped with ramps and sturdy stairs made of stainless steel.
Also, for the convenience of visitors, there are special signs and lighting. On average, the tour takes up to 2 hours. Going to Hwangsongul cave, take warm clothes and waterproof shoes.
You can visit the grotto all year round. From November to February, tourists are allowed from 09:00 in the morning until 4:00 pm, and from March to October - from 08:30 until 17:00. By the way, the cave is closed on the 18th of every month. The cost of admission is about $ 4 for adults, and for teenagers and pensioners - 2 times cheaper.
How to get there?
From Seoul to the foot of the mountain, you can take the bus number 61. From the stop to the entrance to the cave you can walk (within 40-60 minutes) or drive on a monorail. It is a modern trailer, which in 15 minutes will lift tourists up or down. Your path will pass through the picturesque countryside. The ticket price is about $ 1.