Cave Area in Daei-ri, Samcheok

The Cave Area in Daei-ri, Samcheok is located near Dutasan Mountain, about 12 km north of Docye-eup, Samcheok-si, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province. The caves were formed by water dissolving limestone. Ten caves have been found so far, the most notable being Daegeumgul, Gwaneumgul and Hwanseongul. Gwaneumgul, also called Galmaegul, is a mature-stage limestone cave 1.2 km long. Inside are speleothems such as stalactites resembling icicles and stalagmites rising from the floor. Water more than 1 m deep flows continuously through the cave, giving it the character of a submerged passage. Deep inside, four waterfalls of varying size form a spectacular sight. Hwanseongul lies beyond Gwaneumgul, on the 782 m peak of Galmaesan Mountain. It is 3.5 km long, a cave with flowing water made up of a series of hollow chambers. Inside are a valley formed by the collapse of the cave roof and three waterfalls over 10 m high. Because of its large scale and favourable conditions, the Cave Area in Daei-ri, Samcheok is home to numerous rare cave-dwelling creatures, including the Hwanseon cave beetle. To protect the cave formations, all areas except the sections of Daegeumgul and Hwanseongul open to the public are designated as restricted-access zones; entry for management or academic purposes requires permission from the Administrator of the Korea Heritage Service.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Samcheok, Gangwon

Designation

Natural Monument · 천연기념물