Hwanseon Cave, Limestone cave in Samcheok, South Korea.
Hwanseon Cave is a limestone cave system in Gangwon Province that extends for more than 6 kilometers with chambers reaching heights of 100 meters. The passages include deep chasms crossed by constructed bridges that allow visitors to walk safely through the cave.
The cave was first documented in 1662 in the historical text Chokjuji by Master Heo Mok. It received National Monument status in 1966, marking its official recognition by the Korean government.
The cave's name comes from a local legend about a fairy who disappeared here after being seen. Visitors often hear these stories told at the entrance, making the ancient tale feel like part of the place today.
The cave stays cool year-round at temperatures between 10-14°C (50-57°F), so bringing a light jacket is a good idea. Guided tours last about 60 minutes and cover 1.6 kilometers of walkable passages.
The cave is home to 47 different animal species, including four organisms found nowhere else in the world. The Hwanseon Blind Beetle and other specialized cave-dwelling creatures represent a rare glimpse into life adapted to complete darkness.
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