Gossigul Cave

Cross the bridge over the Namhangang River and a narrow opening appears at the foot of a limestone cliff. Gossigul Cave in Yeongwol takes its name from the Go family, who are said to have hidden here during the Japanese invasions of 1592–1598. It is an adventurous cave: you put on a helmet and duck between stalactites and stalagmites. It was designated a Natural Monument in 1969 and is a site of the Gangwon Paleozoic National Geopark.

History: from hiding place to show cave

The cave formed in Paleozoic limestone laid down roughly 400 to 500 million years ago, as groundwater flowing along joints slowly dissolved the rock. Its overall plan is often compared to a stretched-out letter W. The Go family who gave it its name reportedly sheltered here during the war, and the tour points out a spot described as the place where they made fire. The cave became known to scientists after a 1966 survey and opened to the public in 1974. Sources differ on its total length: about 3 km, 3.4 km or 6 km.

What to see

• The visitor route: About 600 m is open to the public, only a fraction of the system. The path climbs and drops, and some ceilings are low enough that you have to crouch.
• Formations: Stalactites hang like icicles and stalagmites rise from the floor. The cave is described as having four ponds, three waterfalls and several large chambers.
• Underground water: A stream runs along the lowest level, and the sound of the falls echoes through the passages.
• Cave life: Many rare cave-dwelling species live here, including the ice-crawler insect (Galloisiana), once thought to survive only as a fossil.

Good to know

The air stays around 15°C all year and the water about 5.3°C, so the cave is a popular escape from summer heat. Metal walkways, handrails and lighting guide the way, but some sections are wet and slippery.

The cliff by the entrance exposes limestone of the early Paleozoic Makgol Formation of the Joseon Supergroup. The surrounding geology consists of this formation and the Goseong Shale, and it is this limestone that groundwater dissolved to create the cave. Around two dozen cave-dwelling species are reported here, and in 2020 a crustacean collected in the cave was described by scientists as a new species.

Nearby

• Gimsatgat-myeon: The district around the cave is named after the wandering poet Kim Satgat and fits easily into a trip through eastern Yeongwol.
• Yeongwol town: Many visitors combine the cave with Jangneung and Cheongnyeongpo, sites linked to the boy king Danjong.

Tripto tips

• Hours and tickets: 09:00–18:00, last tickets one hour before closing. Individual tickets are listed at KRW 4,000 for adults and KRW 3,000 for students.
• Closed: Since 2025 the cave closes on Mondays and on Seollal and Chuseok days; if a Monday is a public holiday, it stays open.
• What to wear: Helmets are provided, but bring non-slip shoes that can get wet and a light layer. Leave large bags in the car, as you will need to bend down in places.
• Time needed: Allow about an hour for the cave.
• Getting there: There is free parking. Most people drive from Yeongwol town; buses run infrequently, so check times in advance.