Seopdonggul Cave, Pyeongchang

Basic information

Designation

Natural Monument No.510

Category

자연지형

Designated year

2009

Location

평창군, 강원특별자치도— 강원특별자치도 평창군 평창읍 주진리 산 120 외

Coordinates

37.407779, 128.432351Kakao address conversion

Seopdonggul Cave was accidentally discovered during mine development work. The cave consists of three levels according to the stage in the occurrence and development of underground water. Each of these levels is distinct, allowing the observation of the cave and its cave formations across different stages of development. The top level, corresponding to the last stage of development, is quite dry, as only very small amounts of cave water reach it. There is, therefore, a strong growth of cave flowers and helictites that a dry environment promotes, at this level. Cave water only occasionally flows into the middle level during rainy seasons. Stalactites, stalagmites and columns are widely found at this level. The bottom level has well-developed waterways. A wide variety of speleothems grow here including stalactites, stalagmites, columns, flowstone curtains (stalactite), cave flowers, helictites, cave pearls and rimstones, depending on the extent of water influx in a given area. To protect these cave formations, access to Sanhodonggul Cave is currently restricted. A prior approval by the Korea Heritage Service Administrator is required to visit this cave, whether for its maintenance or for research purposes.

Location