The cave was originally discovered during the exploration for gold veins in the 1920s.
The temperature inside the cave remains consistently cool, typically hovering around 10 to 13 degrees Celsius regardless of the season.
The 'Gold Mine' portion of the cave is over 300 meters deep and reflects the actual working conditions of miners from the early 20th century.
The cave contains a specific area called 'Fairyland' which features large-scale cave pearls and curtain-type formations.
The total length of the cave passages exceeds 2,000 meters, though only a portion is accessible to the public.
The steep descent from the upper entrance to the lower section is facilitated by a long spiral staircase rather than a flat path.
Hwaam Cave is a unique dual-purpose site in Jeongseon that combines a natural limestone karst cave with the historical remnants of a former gold mine. The site features the 'Gold Rush' section, which depicts the history of the Geum-po mining period, and the 'Nature's Great Hall' section, which contains large stalactites and cave formations. A monorail provides access from the parking area to the cave entrance located higher up the mountain. The interior includes a dramatic 28-meter tall golden stalactite and various light installations highlighting the geological features. It is officially designated as a provincial monument of Gangwon-do due to its geological and historical significance.
The illuminated 'Nature's Great Hall' chamber, which provides the widest view of the diverse cave formations.
Wear a light jacket as the underground temperature is significantly colder than the surface.
Opt for comfortable, non-slip walking shoes to navigate the metal stairs and uneven cavern floors.
Purchase your monorail ticket upon arrival as it is the most efficient way to ascend to the cave portal.
Do not attempt the walk to the entrance if you have mobility issues; the monorail is the recommended method of transit.
Closed on specific local maintenance days; check local alerts for potential winter closures during extreme weather.
Refrain from touching the stalactites or cave formations to prevent damage to the delicate ecosystem.
