The cave is named after the rare golden bats found living within its dark, subterranean galleries.
It is the only limestone cave in the country that has been developed for tourism directly within an urban residential area.
Temperatures inside the cave remain constant at approximately 13 degrees Celsius throughout the year.
Geological surveys have identified over 30 types of secondary limestone formations within the cave.
The discovery of the cave occurred unexpectedly during residential development excavations in the early 1990s.
Cheongok Golden Bat Cave is the only limestone cave in South Korea located within a city center. It was formed approximately 400 to 500 million years ago during the Paleozoic era. The cave system spans approximately 1,400 meters, with a public exploration route covering 700 meters. It serves as a natural habitat for the endangered golden bat, a species designated as a Natural Monument of South Korea. The cave features a variety of karst formations, including stalactites, stalagmites, and cave pearls. Specialized lighting is used throughout the path to highlight geological structures while protecting the fragile ecosystem. The cave is maintained by the city of Donghae as a significant educational and scientific site.
The wide, illuminated central chamber featuring the largest stalactite formations.
Wear comfortable, non-slip footwear as the limestone walkways can be damp and slippery.
Bring a light jacket or sweater, as the internal temperature is significantly cooler than the surface, even in summer.
Be prepared to wear a provided safety helmet for protection against low-hanging cave ceilings.
Avoid visiting in standard street shoes with poor grip or high heels, as the path contains steep, moisture-slicked inclines.
Safety helmets must be worn at all times; do not touch the rock formations, as oils from human skin can halt their growth.
