Chungju Hwalokdonggul: An Eastern Largest Mine Transformed into a Luminous Healing Summer Escape!
Are you looking for a unique summer getaway to escape the heat? Chungju Hwalokdonggul (Hwalok Cave) is a mysterious underground world, developed in 1922 as Korea’s only talc mine and boasting the largest scale in the Orient.
Maintaining a cool 11-15 degrees Celsius year-round, the cave offers a refreshing summer retreat, blending traces of its mining past with modern media art to create a unique atmosphere.
Notably, the experience of gliding through the underground lake in a transparent kayak feels like a scene from a fairy tale, creating special memories. Here, forget the passage of time and fully immerse yourself in the tranquility offered by nature and art.
Chungju Hwalokdonggul is more than just a cave. With a century of history, this place is an industrial heritage imbued with the sweat and effort of past miners, now reborn as a cultural and artistic space showcasing a beautiful light spectacle. Its vast scale, recorded at 57km (unofficially 87km), and a vertical depth of 711m, offer an overwhelming experience to visitors.
LED neon lights and the natural white bedrock throughout the cave create an ethereal and mysterious ambiance, complemented by diverse attractions and experiential content such as a Health Therapy Zone, Cave Performance Hall, and Wine Cellar. Especially, the transparent kayak experience on the clear underground lake formed by spring water is considered the highlight of Hwalokdonggul. Gliding across the clear, transparent water, admiring the strangely shaped rocks on the cave ceiling and the mysterious lights, will provide an unparalleled special emotion. Escape your busy daily life here and rediscover true healing and vitality.
Hwalokdonggul Detailed Visitor Guide (Location, Prices, Tips)
Q. What are the admission fees and boat experience costs for Hwalokdonggul?
Admission is 10,000 KRW for adults, and the boat experience costs an additional 5,000 KRW.
- Admission Fees:
- Adults: 10,000 KRW
- Youth (middle/high school): 9,000 KRW
- Children (elementary school and below): 8,000 KRW
- Boat Ride: 5,000 KRW (Boat experience is limited to 1,500 people per day.)
- Parking: Ample parking available (Free)
Q. What are the operating hours and holidays for Hwalokdonggul?
It operates daily from 9 AM to 6 PM, closed every Monday.
- Operating Hours: Daily 09:00 ~ 18:00 (Last entry 17:00)
- Closed: Every Monday (If Monday is a public holiday, it operates normally and closes on Tuesday instead.)
Q. Are there any special precautions to take when visiting the cave?
The cave interior maintains a cool 11-15 degrees Celsius year-round, so be sure to bring a thick jacket.
- Bring Outerwear: The cave is cool, so it’s recommended to bring a long-sleeved jacket.
- What to bring: Comfortable shoes are recommended.
- Inquiries: 0507-1447-0517 (Inquiry hours: within operating hours)
- Address: 충북 충주시 목벌안길 26
For more details, we recommend contacting the venue or checking their website before your visit.
※ This post is an informational article based on broadcast information and clarifies that there is no financial relationship with the mentioned establishment.