Though it’s not often talked about, Korea has some interesting caverns that are open to the public. One of those is the Seongnyu Cave (성류굴), also known as the Jangcheon Cave, which is located in the heart of Uljin, a quiet yet beautiful town on the east coast.
After a long roller coasterlike bus ride, we finally arrive in Uljin.
The Seongnyu Cave is said to be the oldest recorded cave in Korea due to the fact that it was called the “Jangcheon Cave” in the “Memorabilia of the Three Kingdoms” (“Samgukyusa,” 삼국유사), the collection of legends and folktales from Silla (57 B.C.-A.D. 935), Baekje (18 B.C.-A.D. 660) and Goguryeo (37 B.C.-A.D. 668). Later on, during Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392), a renowned scholar, Gog Lee, called it the “Seongnyu Cave” in one of his writings.
We opt to take a taxi. As soon as we get off, we find this information board.
Here we find the passage to the entrance to the cave.
The Seongnyu Cave was formed from limestone. It’s believed to be about 250 million years old. It’s growing by 0.4 millimeters every year. Though the Seongnyu Cave has a total length of 870 meters, only 270 meters of it is open to the public.
We purchase our entry tickets and off we go.
Always remember: safety first!
Inside the cave, there are five ponds that were formed due to seepage. While the passages are very narrow, there are 12 wide-open spaces where visitors can stand, take photos and enjoy the beauty of the rock formations inside the cave without disturbing other visitors.
Some of the cave requires passing through a narrow passage.
There are a lot of interesting rock formations inside the Seongnyu Cave. They were named after familiar figures, animals and famous buildings, such as Dragon Rock, Turtle Rock, the Virgin Mary Rock and many more.
It looks like there’s a curtain under the Dragon Rock.
The first pond has a bridge over it.
Some of the rock formations are unidentifiable, but still beautiful.
A wider space in the cave has some beautiful rock formations.
How to get There
By Bus
Take an intercity bus to the Uljin Bus Terminal.
Then, take a local bus bound for Pyeonghae (Mongcheon, Maehwa and Wolsong) from the bus stop across from the Uljin Bus Terminal. Get off at the Seongnyu Cave stop. The bus takes about 18 minutes, with 7 stops. After getting off the bus, walk 627 meters or about 9 minutes to reach the cave.
Note: If you prefer to get there faster, you can take a taxi. That’s what we did. It only took about 6 minutes. On our way back, we walked and explored the beaches and the sunrise peak nearby.
Other things to see in Uljin
1. Stunning sunrise at Yeonjeon Beach
Good morning, from Uljin!
2. Beautiful autumn scenery of Buryeongsa Valley
3. Filming location for the TV show “Uncontrollably Fond,” in Jukbyeong-myeon
By Maria Lilia Pedellume
Korea.net Honorary Reporter
Photos: Maria Lilia Pedellume
