In Gwangmyeong, industrial heritage, landscapes and culture come together with a range of ways to spend time outdoors. Gwangmyeong Cave tells the story of the city’s mining history; wetlands, parks and hiking trails offer a different perspective. During your stay, you can choose from cave attractions, nature experiences and cultural sites.
Cave History and Experiences
Gwangmyeong Cave was opened in 1912 to extract mineral resources, including gold, during the Japanese colonial period. After liberation, it continued to be used for industrial purposes. Operations ceased in 1972; the City of Gwangmyeong acquired the cave in 2011 and reopened it to the public after around 40 years. Today, it represents the connection between the city’s industrial and cultural heritage.
The visitor route runs from the ticket office through the cave entrance and several underground areas to Gwangmyeong Wine Cave and a second cave entrance. Colorful lighting and sculptures shape the cave interior. At the Lascaux Exhibition Hall, an interactive experience zone brings Impressionist paintings together with features of Gwangmyeong Cave. There, visitors can discover and excavate five hidden treasures for an additional fee.
The VR Experience Center also offers several activities for an additional fee: a virtual journey through time with a mine train ride through tunnels, as well as simulators for rock-face climbing and hang gliding. As individual programs may change, it is recommended that you check what is currently available before your visit. At Gwangmyeong Wine Cave, visitors can taste and buy Korean wine.
Wetlands, Parks and the Seasons
Anter Ecological Park is a restored urban inland wetland covering an area of 20,294 m². A small stream and a garden of native wild herbs complement the landscape. The wetland provides a habitat for numerous species, including the endangered golden-spotted pond frog and 27 bird species. The animals are part of the habitat; individual sightings are not guaranteed. Ecological education programs give participants the opportunity to experience the importance of biodiversity. If you would like to attend a program, check the current schedule in advance.
Saebit Park covers 180,000 m² and features flower gardens, tree-lined paths, a waterside boardwalk, benches, shaded areas and lighting. Cherry trees, Chinese trees and metasequoias add character to other paths and areas; the park also has a plaza. The fountains operate seasonally. Anter Ecological Park focuses on wetlands and biodiversity, while Saebit Park is laid out with garden areas and paths.
Along Anyangcheon, there are walking paths and boardwalks. Twelve signs featuring poems by poet Gihyeongdo add a cultural touch. The character of the riverside area changes with the seasons: cherry blossoms can be enjoyed in spring, the Anyangcheon Children’s Water Playground in summer, autumn leaves in fall and snowy landscapes in winter. These seasonal highlights offer an indication of what takes center stage at different times of year.
Hiking Trails and Viewpoints
At Georeumsan, the listed routes range from a 184-meter clay trail, where visitors can walk barefoot, to an 8.8-kilometer hiking trail to the summit. The different lengths help you gauge the planned distance without specifying a walking time. Georeumsan is 237 meters high. From the Unsanjeong Pavilion, the view extends to Siheung, Anyang and Gwanaksan.
A hiking trail to the Y-shaped Dodoksan Suspension Bridge leads from the trail entrance at Gwangmyeong Health Center over the peaks of Georeumsan and Dodoksan. The bridge is 82 meters long, 20 meters high and 1.5 meters wide; above an artificial waterfall, it connects two hiking trails. At the 183-meter-high summit of Dodoksan, Dodokjeong Pavilion also offers views over Gwangmyeong. Gahaksan adds another option: it is 220 meters high, and Oridong Valley lies on its eastern side.
Cultural Sites and Getting Your Bearings
Gwangmyeong Traditional Market began to develop independently in the early 1970s. It was selected as a culture and tourism market in 2013 and runs cultural programs. It is also described as the country’s seventh-largest comprehensive market. Ganggamdang was built in 1630 on the orders of King Injo for Yi Won-ik. Chunghyeon Museum preserves historical records and artifacts of Yi Won-ik and his direct descendants; it is considered the country’s first ancestral home museum. Gihyeongdo Literature Museum presents a permanent exhibition based on more than 100 personal belongings of the poet. A special exhibition room features around 20 photographs of him; there are also programs accompanying the exhibitions.
Gwangmyeong KTX Station is also architecturally striking: the approximately 48,184 m² symmetrical steel building is inspired by Korean roof eaves and the curve of traditional Korean shoes. At night, it is considered a popular subject for night photography. IKEA, Lotte Mall, Costco, AK Plaza and Gwangmyeong International Design Cluster are within a 15-minute walk of the station. As individual commercial destinations may change, it is recommended that you check the latest information before visiting.
Discover more destinations: Seongnam, Yongin, Hanam-Si, Gimpo-Si, Ansan, Siheung, Incheon, Anseong-Si.
Back to the main travel overview: Gyeonggi-Do.
