Gwangmyeong Cave from Seoul: How to Get There and What to See

Gwangmyeong Cave (광명동굴, Gwangmyeong Donggul) is a former mine turned underground theme park in Gwangmyeong, just southwest of Seoul. The easiest way to get there is to reach Gwangmyeong Station (the KTX station, also on a Seoul Subway Line 1 branch) and take a local bus – commonly bus 17 – to the cave, or grab a short taxi ride. Plan on two to three hours inside, bring a light jacket because the tunnels stay cool all year, and check the official Gwangmyeong Cave website for current hours, closing days and ticket prices before you go.

What is Gwangmyeong Cave?

The site began as a mine in the early 20th century (1912 is the most widely cited start date) and produced gold, silver, copper and other minerals until it closed in 1972. For decades it sat mostly unused, then the city of Gwangmyeong bought it and redeveloped it into a cultural and tourist space that opened to the public in the 2010s.

Today the tunnels hold light installations, art and performance spaces, a cave aquarium, a wine cellar and a few photo-friendly themed zones. It is a very different day out from palaces and markets, and because it is underground, it works well on rainy, very hot or freezing days. If you are collecting weather-proof ideas, see our list of indoor things to do in Seoul in winter.

How to get to Gwangmyeong Cave from Seoul

Option 1: Subway or KTX + bus 17 (most common)

1. Go to Gwangmyeong Station. From central Seoul you can ride a Line 1 train bound for Gwangmyeong (only some Line 1 trains run on this short branch, so check the destination on the platform), or take a KTX train from Seoul Station or Yongsan Station – it is a very short hop.
2. Follow signs to the bus stops outside the station and take bus 17 toward Gwangmyeong Cave. Visitor guides also mention other local routes, but bus numbers and stop exits can change.
3. Get off at the Gwangmyeong Cave stop and walk uphill a few minutes to the entrance.

Type "Gwangmyeong Cave" or "광명동굴" into Naver Map or Kakao Map for the live route – both apps show current buses and transfer times. Not sure which app to use? Read our Naver Map vs Kakao Map comparison.

Option 2: Subway Line 7 + bus or taxi

If you are staying near Line 7 (for example in Gangnam or Konkuk University areas), you can ride toward the Gwangmyeong side of the line and continue by local bus or taxi. Use a map app to choose the closest station for that day, since bus connections differ.

Option 3: Taxi

From Gwangmyeong Station a taxi is a short ride and saves waiting for the bus, especially in a group of three or four. From central Seoul a taxi is possible but traffic can make it slow; check the estimate in Kakao T before you commit.

Paying for transport

Local buses and the subway accept a T-money card or a contactless transit card. If you do not have one yet, our T-money card guide explains how to buy and top it up.

What to see inside

Light and art zones

Near the entrance, tunnels are lit with colorful light displays that change the feel of the old mine. There is also a hall used for light shows, concerts and exhibitions; what is on depends on the season.

Cave aquarium

One of the more surprising sections is a small aquarium built into the cave. It is popular with families and fairly quick to walk through.

Golden Road and the mine history area

A section often called the Golden Road plays on the site's gold-mining past, with glittering decorations and spots where visitors can buy small wish plaques. Other areas display old mining tools and explain how workers lived and worked here, which gives the visit some real history behind the photos.

Wine cave

Because the tunnels stay cool at a steady temperature, part of the cave is used as a wine cellar focused on Korean-made wines, with a shop and tasting area. You must be of legal drinking age (19 in Korea) to taste, and tastings may cost extra – check on the day.

Deeper sections and stairs

The lower parts of the route involve stairs and some steep, damp sections. Wear shoes with grip, and know that not every area is easy for strollers or wheelchairs; ask at the ticket office which parts are accessible.

Practical tips for your visit

• Bring a layer. The cave feels chilly in summer and relatively mild in winter because the temperature stays fairly constant.
• Check closing days. Many Korean attractions close one weekday each week; confirm the current schedule on the official site before traveling.
• Go early on weekends. It is a popular family outing, so weekend afternoons can be crowded and noisy in the tunnels.
• Allow time for the walk. The entrance is up a slope from the bus stop and the route inside is a one-way loop with lots of steps.
• Combine with shopping. The Gwangmyeong Station area has large stores and malls, which makes it easy to turn the trip into a half day.

LUMI from POPORO CITY's two-word review of a mine full of lights: "Bring sweater."

How long to spend and when to go

Most visitors spend about two to three hours inside, plus travel time. Budget roughly half a day from central Seoul. Weekday mornings are calmest. Because the cave is underground, it is one of the best backup plans when rain, heat waves, fine dust or a cold snap wreck an outdoor itinerary.

Quick tips

• Search "광명동굴" in Naver Map or Kakao Map for live bus times.
• Gwangmyeong Station + bus 17 is the classic route.
• Pack a light jacket and non-slip shoes.
• Check hours, closing days and ticket prices on the official site before you leave.
• Pair it with a rainy-day or winter itinerary.

FAQ

Is Gwangmyeong Cave worth visiting for first-time visitors to Korea?

If you have a few days in Seoul and want something different from palaces and shopping streets, yes. It is especially useful on bad-weather days. On a very short first trip, central Seoul sights may be a higher priority.

How cold is it inside?

It stays cool all year round. A light jacket or sweater is enough for most people in any season.

Can I visit with kids?

Yes, it is a popular family spot, and the aquarium and light zones appeal to children. Note that there are many stairs and some slippery sections.

Do I need to book tickets in advance?

Usually tickets can be bought on site, but group tours, holidays and special exhibitions may differ. Check the official site for the latest information.

Can I do Gwangmyeong Cave as a half-day trip?

Yes. From central Seoul, travel plus the visit fits comfortably into about half a day.