In today's world, Gwangmyeong Cave has become a topic of general interest to many people. Whether due to its historical, political, scientific or cultural relevance, Gwangmyeong Cave has captured the attention of a wide audience. In order to better understand its importance and implications, it is essential to delve into the detailed analysis of Gwangmyeong Cave. Throughout this article, we will explore the different aspects that make Gwangmyeong Cave a topic of interest, as well as its impact on various areas of society. Through an exhaustive analysis, we will seek to shed light on the most relevant and controversial aspects of Gwangmyeong Cave, allowing the reader to deepen their understanding and reflection on this topic.
Gwangmyeong Cave | |
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![]() Gwangmyeong Cave entrance | |
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Coordinates | 37°25′50″N 126°51′41″E / 37.43056°N 126.86139°E |
Depth | 275 m |
Length | 7.8 km |
Website | https://www.gm.go.kr/cv/en/index.do |
Korean name | |
Hangul | 광명동굴 |
Hanja | 光明洞窟 |
Revised Romanization | Gwangmyeong Donggul |
McCune–Reischauer | Kwangmyŏng Tonggul |
Gwangmyeong Cave (Korean: 광명동굴) is a man-made[1] cave in Gwangmyeong, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea. It is located on the far southwestern outskirts of Seoul. Since 2011, it has been open to the public as a tourist attraction, with amenities like a theme park, aquarium, and winery available inside. It is 7.8 km long.[1]
The cave was created during the Japanese colonial period and was a site of forced labor.[2][1] After the end of that period in 1945, it continued to be used as a mine until 1972. Eventually, due to floods and polluted rice paddies nearby, the mine was made to close.[1]
It was used as a storage facility for salted shrimp (saeu-jeot) from 1978 to 2010. Then, the Gwangmyeong city government purchased the land and made it into a theme park.[1]
The cave complex re-opened in 2011. It now has historical exhibits, but is chiefly entertainment-focused, with aquariums, sculptures, light shows, children's amusements, and other attractions, including an underground winery.[3][1]
The cave complex is popular, especially for its cooler underground temperatures in summer.[1]