Cheondong Cave | |
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Much smaller than the more famous Gosu Cave, this
300-meter cave is more vertical than horizontal. Discovered in 1977 by local villagers
chasing bats, it was designated Provincial Treasure #19. The cave is a short hike up a
steep path from the tourist village adjacent to the road. 
Some of the tubes are quite tight, and some larger people may have trouble
navigating. (If you weigh over 220 kg or are taller than 190 cm, you may want to reconsider entering.)
Although the suggested time is 30 minutes, you can easily go through in under 20 minutes, if no other
visitors are in the way. If there is a big crowd, expect to take at least 30 minutes, as there are
very few places to squeeze past any slow pokes.
A railing splits
the tunnel leading to the cave- take the right side (the left side is returning). The entrance itself
seems rather artificial, and the first 15 meters makes you wonder if this is just a tourist trap. However,
after that, you start winding your way through the labyrinth of steel stairs and platforms. Like most
caves, inside is very damp and humid. Many visitors passing through will cause the stairs to become
very slippery from mud and water, so watch your step!
The cave has several chambers with an impressive collection of stalagmites and stalactites resulting
from over 500,000 years of water filtering through the limestone. In general, lighting is good enough
to see the path to take, but too poor for pictures. Flash photography is permitted, but the results
are not very rewarding. Several sections have guides who will take your picture (for a hefty fee) with
professional lighting. If visitors are few, them may concede to turning on their lights to allow you to
take your own pictures. However, since they sit around all day inside the cramped cave waiting for
people to come through so they can take their pictures, do not always expect to get a warm response
from them.Admission: Adults: 4,000 won (Group: 3,500 won) Youths: 2,500 won (Group: 2,000 won) Children: 1,500 won (Group: 1,200 won) Directions: From Danyang, pass Gosudaegyo (Bridge) and make a right, Cheondong Cave is located about 6 km. away | |
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