Nodong Cave


Useful Information

Location: Nodong-ri Danyang-up. 4 km from Danyang town. Take a Shindanyangbound bus at Tong Seoul Bus Terminal (2 hours and 40 minutes), then take a city bus to Nodong Cave (a 15-minute ride).
Open:
Fee: Adults 3,000 won, Students 2,400 won, Children (3-18) 1,400 won. [2004]
Classification: SpeleologyKarst Cave
Light:
Dimension: L=600 m. T=15 °C.
Guided tours:
Photography:
Accessibility:
Bibliography:
Address: Nodong Cave, Danyang-up Danyang-gun Chungbuk-do, Tel: +82-43-422-1146. Information Tel: +82-444-422-2251.
As far as we know this information was accurate when it was published (see years in brackets), but may have changed since then.
Please check rates and details directly with the companies in question if you need more recent info.

History

14th century used as a weapon factory during the Korean-Japan war.
22-JUN-1979 designated natural monument No. 262.

Description

Nodong Cave is only about 600 m long, but it is the deepest cave of South Korea. A legend tells it was used as a weapon factory during the Korean-Japan war in the 14th century.

Nodong Cave is one of the largest potholes in Asia. It features one of the largest stalagmites in the world. When it rains a huge waterfall forms inside the cave.

Nodong Cave has a narrow entrance leading to a very steep decent (40-50 degrees) into the first section of the main cave. Its scientific value is confirmed by fossils of Ursus arctos (brown bear) which are found there, and rare species of animals and plants unique to vertical caves.

The cave is noted for its many fine speleothems. In one part of the cave there is a cluster of straw stalactites which ar still growing. They are a brilliant white colour, a contrast to the rest of the cave which is covered by green lampenflora. Wooden models of fake stalagmiteS have been placed on the top of some broken stalagmites which rather lowers the tone of the place.


Text by Tony Oldham (2006). With kind permission.