Gwangmyeong Cave is a former gold mine turned underground theme space just southwest of Seoul. Closed in 1972, the mine now holds light-art tunnels, an underground lake, a performance hall and a wine cave—kept at about 12°C all year.
Trip type: Day Trip from Seoul · Best for: families, hot or rainy days · Travel time from central Seoul: about 1 hour
Why Visit Gwangmyeong Cave
It is one of the best rainy-day or summer escapes near Seoul. Media-art shows, a dragon sculpture from a Korean film studio and Korean wine tasting make it more than a cave walk.
How to Get to Gwangmyeong Cave by Public Transport
- Bus: from Gwangmyeong Station (KTX/Line 1 connection) or Cheolsan Station (Line 7) take a local bus to the cave (20–30 minutes; check the route on Naver Map).
- Fare: about 3,000–4,000 won each way from central Seoul.
- Taxi: about 10,000–15,000 won from Cheolsan Station.
Gwangmyeong Cave Trip Costs per Person
| Item | Estimated cost |
|---|---|
| Transit round trip | about 6,000–8,000 won |
| Admission | 10,000 won (adult) |
| Wine tasting (optional) | from about 5,000 won |
| Lunch | 10,000–15,000 won |
| Estimated total | about 26,000–40,000 won |
Fares assume a T-money or other transit card (Seoul-area subway base fare 1,550 won). Costs are estimates in Korean won.
Suggested Day Itinerary
- 10:00 Bus to the cave.
- 10:30 Walk the light tunnels, underground lake and gold mine path (about 90 minutes).
- 12:30 Wine cave tasting.
- 13:30 Lunch nearby, then return to Seoul or shop at Gwangmyeong IKEA/outlets.
What to Eat
Restaurants near the cave serve dakgalbi, kalguksu and Korean set meals for 10,000–15,000 won.
Tips Before You Go
- Bring a light jacket—it is cool inside.
- Closed on Mondays; open 09:00–18:00 (to 19:00 in peak summer).
- Paths can be slippery; wear sneakers.
FAQ
How much is Gwangmyeong Cave?
Adult admission is 10,000 won.
Is it good for kids?
Yes, but some stairs make strollers difficult.
Planning more trips? See our Korea travel guides.
Source: K-Trip Tips – Gwangmyeong Cave
Featured image: Illuminated tunnel inside Gwangmyeong Cave. Photo: *Youngjin / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0). Prices, fares and hours were checked in October 2026 and can change; confirm on official sites before you go.
Related Guides
- Dumulmeori & Semiwon Trip
- Namhansanseong Fortress Day Trip: Hiking, Transit & Costs
- Ganghwa Island 1-Night 2-Day Trip
