Gosu Cave

Cross the bridge over the Namhan River from Danyang town and the cave entrance is right there at the foot of the hill. Gosu Cave is a limestone cave whose narrow passages are packed with stalactites, stalagmites and cave coral. Metal stairways and bridges take you up and down through several levels, so a visit feels less like a walk and more like a small expedition.

History: from prehistoric shelter to show cave

The limestone formed from layers deposited in a Palaeozoic sea. The cave's age is described differently depending on the source; a common explanation is that the parent rock was laid down about 500 million years ago and the cave itself began forming around 2 million years ago. During a survey in 1973, chipped stone tools were found near the entrance, showing that prehistoric people once lived here.

The cave was developed for visitors in 1976, designated a Natural Monument that same year and opened to the public on 1 October. Around 24 million people are reported to have visited since. The name comes from the village of Gosu-ri, said to refer to the tall grass that once covered the hilltop.

What to see

• Stalactites and stalagmites: in many places they have met to form columns. The large chamber has huge stalactites hanging like curtains.
• Named formations: look for Lion Rock, said to guard the cave, the Virgin Mary formation and several others with name boards.
• Rare formations: flower-like aragonite, cave coral, cave pearls and terraced rimstone pools. Almost everything a limestone cave can produce is on show.
• Three levels: the cave is stacked on three levels connected by spiral stairs and metal bridges, and some stretches let you look down into the passages below.

Good to know

• Length: sources differ on the total length, about 1,395 m or 1,700 m, and on the visitor route, which is roughly a kilometre.
• Temperature: the cave stays at about 14–15 °C all year, cool in summer and mild in winter.
• Designation date: sources give either 1 or 24 September 1976.

More outside the cave

Gosu Cave also has an exhibition hall, a hands-on centre and a video room. Seeing how caves form before you go in means you notice much more inside. The cave lies about 160–195 m above sea level on three interlinked levels, and the models in the exhibition help you picture the layout before you enter.

Nearby

• Dodamsambong: three rocky peaks rising from the middle of the Namhan River, Danyang's best-known view, a short drive away.
• Danuri Aquarium: about 1 km away at the end of Gosu Bridge, a freshwater aquarium recreating the habitats of some 220 species. Closed on Mondays.
• Chungju Lake cruise: boats leave from Janghoe Pier, about 20 km from the cave, for a return trip of about 25 km and 1.5 hours between cliff peaks such as Oksunbong and Gudambong.
• Yangbangsan launch site: paraglide from 664 m Yangbangsan with Danyang town and the river below. Flights can be cancelled in poor weather.

Tripto tips

• Hours and tickets: open every day from 09:00. Last entry is listed as 17:30 from April to October and 17:00 from November to March. Adults pay KRW 11,000, teenagers KRW 7,000 and children KRW 5,000. Check the official website before you go.
• Accessibility: there are many steps and some low ceilings, so wheelchairs and strollers cannot manage the route. Wear non-slip shoes, and in winter gloves help on the cold metal railings.
• Time needed: about 1 hour in the cave. On busy days the narrow passages can get congested.
• Getting there: from Danyang bus terminal or Danyang Station, go to the "Danuri Center" stop and take bus 170 to the cave entrance. It is also about 1 km, or 10 minutes, on foot from the Danuri Center.
• Parking: the cave has no car park of its own. Lots 1 and 2 at the entrance are paid car parks run by Danyang's tourism authority.