World · East Asia & Pacific · 9 hrs ago
Samcheok’s Daeri Cave District named Gangwon’s November geology and ecology site
Gangwon Province named Samcheok’s Daeri Cave District its November geology and ecology site on October 29.
The district in South Korea is known for limestone caves and karst landforms, including Hwanseon Cave and Daegeum Cave.
Visitors can walk 1.6 kilometres through Hwanseon Cave with a guide, while Daegeum Cave offers guided tours by monorail and requires advance reservations.
The area has been a natural monument since 1966 and a county park since 1996, and it is preparing for national geopark certification.
Autumn leaves and traditional mountain village homes add to the visit, with nearby Daeri thatched-roof houses and the Gomeureung-Hwanseon village offering a glimpse of local rural life.
From November through March, visitors may see native salamanders and their egg sacs in Hwanseon Cave.
Gangwon Province named Samcheok’s Daeri Cave District its geology and ecology site for November.
The district includes limestone caves and karst landforms, with Hwanseon Cave and Daegeum Cave among its main attractions.
Visitors can walk a 1.6-kilometre section of Hwanseon Cave with a geopark guide or tour Daegeum Cave by monorail.
The area was designated a Natural Monument in 1966 and a county park in 1996, and is preparing for national geopark certification.
Nearby attractions include autumn foliage, traditional mountain village houses and opportunities to observe cave wildlife.
- Who
- Gangwon Province selected the Daeri Cave District in Samcheok.
- What
- It was named the province’s geology and ecology site for November.
- When
- The selection was announced on October 29, 2026.
- Where
- The Daeri Cave District, Samcheok, Gangwon Province, South Korea.
- Why
- The district has significant limestone cave geology, karst landforms and cave ecology, alongside traditional mountain village culture.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The Daeri Cave District was designated Natural Monument No. 178.
The district was designated a county park.
The district applied to become a national geopark candidate site.
Gangwon Province announced the district as its geology and ecology site for November.
- Selection
- Gangwon Province’s November 2026 geology and ecology site
- Location
- Samcheok, Gangwon Province
- Main caves
- Hwanseon Cave and Daegeum Cave
- Hwanseon Cave route
- 1.6 kilometres of open section
- Natural Monument
- No. 178, designated in 1966
- Visitor total
- About 190,000 visitors to the two caves by October 25, 2026
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What people are saying
Samcheok’s Daeri Cave District is a place where the geological value of limestone caves, unique cave ecology and traditional mountain village culture come together.