Hwanseon Cave, Limestone cave in Samcheok, South Korea.
Hwanseon Cave extends for 6.2 kilometers through limestone formations, featuring chambers that reach heights of 100 meters with constructed bridges over deep chasms.
The cave was first documented in the historical text 'Chokjuji' by Master Heo Mok in 1662 and received National Monument status from the Korean government in 1966.
The name derives from tales of a fairy who vanished into the cave upon being seen, while another story tells of a monk ascending to heaven after meditation.
The cave maintains temperatures between 10-14°C throughout the year, with guided tours covering 1.6 kilometers of passages over approximately 60 minutes.
The cave environment sustains 47 distinct species, including four organisms found nowhere else, such as the Hwanseon Blind Beetle and specific cave-dwelling insects.
Location: Gangwon Province
GPS coordinates: 37.32778,129.02500
Latest update: March 13, 2025 20:07
From the Upo Wetland ecosystem to the ancient Haeinsa Temple, South Korea offers numerous cultural and natural sites. The country features limestone caves, coastal paths, traditional gardens, and Buddhist temples. Notable locations include the Daehan Dawon tea fields, the volcanic formations of Jeju Island, and historical structures like the Haemieupseong Fortress. These sites present Korean heritage through architecture, nature, and religious monuments.
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