The 470-meter public section of Uljin Seongnyugul Cave, with underwater stalactites still intact
Uljin Seongnyugul Cave is a natural limestone cave formed around Seonyusan Mountain and the Wangpicheon Stream, and its total length differs from the section open to visitors. This guide focuses on operating hours, cash admission, stairs, and narrow passages to help first-time foreign visitors get around.
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A 250-Million-Year-Old Underground World Created by Seonyusan Mountain and Wangpicheon Stream
Uljin Seongnyugul Cave is a natural limestone cave formed over approximately 250 million years and located on Seonyusan Mountain. Uljin County explains that Seongnyugul Cave is situated on Seonyusan Mountain, where Wangpicheon Stream flows, and introduces it as a natural limestone cave designated Natural Monument No. 155.
The total length is described in some sources as approximately 915 m, including the underwater cave section, while the route open to visitors is about 470 m. Therefore, purchasing an admission ticket does not allow visitors to freely explore the entire cave; it is a site viewed along a designated visitor route.
From Seonyugul to Seongnyugul: The Name and Records from the Late Goryeo Period
Seongnyugul Cave was originally called Seonyugul, meaning a place where immortals leisurely played. The name Seongnyugul is passed down in connection with Crown Prince Bocheon, the son of King Sinmun, the 31st ruler of Silla, and Seongnyusa Temple. An inscription from the Silla period was discovered above the cave exit.
The late-Goryeo scholar Yi Gok mentioned Seongnyugul Cave in Gwandongyugi. Since this record is introduced as Korea’s first cave exploration account, Seongnyugul Cave is not merely a natural tourist attraction but a place that people have visited and documented since the medieval period. Uljin County also describes its strange limestone scenery as “Underground Geumgang,” comparing it to Geumgangsan Mountain.
09:00–18:00 from March to October, with the Last Cave Entry at 17:30
According to Uljin County information, operating hours are 09:00–18:00 from March through October and 09:00–17:00 from November through February. Entry is permitted until 30 minutes before the viewing period ends, making 17:30 the practical last admission time in summer and 16:30 in winter.
The regular closing day is every Monday; if Monday is a public holiday, the facility is closed the following day. Closure notices also apply to public holidays and the Lunar New Year and Chuseok holiday periods, so travelers visiting during Korean holiday periods should confirm operating days before finalizing their itinerary. This operating information is current as of August 2026.
Adults: 5,000 Won; Admission Does Not Accept Credit Cards
As of August 2026, individual admission fees are 5,000 won for adults, 3,000 won for soldiers and teenagers, 2,500 won for children, and 1,000 won for seniors. For groups of 30 or more, the fees are 4,000 won for adults, 2,500 won for soldiers and teenagers, 2,000 won for children, and 1,000 won for seniors.
Children aged six or younger accompanied by a guardian enter free of charge. Residents of Uljin County and registered residents of Gyeongju City, Pohang City, Yeongdeok County, and Ulleung County receive a 50% discount upon presenting identification. Credit cards are reportedly not accepted, so foreign visitors are advised to prepare Korean won in cash.
About 10 Minutes by Bus to Seongnyugul Cave from Across from Uljin Intercity Bus Terminal
When traveling from Seoul by public transportation, the recommended method is to take a bus to Uljin from Dong Seoul Bus Terminal. A December 2019 source lists 16 daily departures between 07:10 and 20:05, with the journey from Dong Seoul to Uljin taking approximately 3 hours 40 minutes to 4 hours. Since this timetable is outdated, check whether the service is operating before departure.
After arriving at Uljin Intercity Bus Terminal, take a bus toward Seongnyugul Cave or Sugok from the bus stop across from the terminal; the trip to Seongnyugul Cave takes about 10 minutes. The route number, service interval, and exact walking distance from the ticket office to the cave entrance are not provided in the available information. By car, the address is 221 Seongnyugul-ro, Geunnam-myeon, Uljin-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do, and parking is available for 2,000 won per day.
Walking Past Nine Chambers and Pools 4–5 m Deep
Inside the cave are nine chambers and three pools measuring 4–5 m in depth. The limestone ranges from pale pink to grayish white and white, and formations include stalactites, stalagmites, columns, cave pearls, bacon sheets, flowstone, cave coral, and cave shields.
Submerged stalactites are explained as having formed during the Ice Age, when the sea level of the East Sea was lower than it is today. Visitors walk through the approximately 470 m section open to the public rather than the entire underwater cave, and travel articles report that one circuit takes approximately 1 hour 10 minutes to 1 hour 20 minutes. The interior lighting has also been a management priority, with Uljin County’s 2021 budget including maintenance costs for LED lighting.
Can You Handle the Stairs, Narrow Passages, and Final Exit?
A visitor review from December 2025 mentions that there are many stairs and narrow paths inside the cave. The same review says that visitors had to move two or three steps in a crouched, duck-like walk or on all fours at the final exit, which may be difficult for people with knee or back pain or those who find confined spaces challenging.
Stroller rental is not available. A winter review noted that the cave may feel warm or hot inside, so it is better not to wear excessively thick clothing. The available information does not confirm whether photography is prohibited or whether English guidance and audio guides are provided, leaving uncertainty for visitors who consider photography and language support essential.
Call 054-789-5404 and Allow 1 Hour 20 Minutes
The main contact number for Seongnyugul Cave is 054-789-5404. Other travel information also lists 054-782-4006 as the number for the Seongnyugul Cave operations team, so keep the difference between the two numbers in mind when calling about operating days or admission conditions.
Allow approximately 1 hour 10 minutes to 1 hour 20 minutes for the visit itself, and add separate time for waiting for a bus at Uljin Intercity Bus Terminal and preparing cash for admission. Uljin County monitors changes to the cave environment caused by visitors and manages factors including temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide partial pressure, and radon concentration. This is why visitors must not touch cave formations and must use only the designated pathways.
Before You Go
- Address
- 221 Seongnyugul-ro, Geunnam-myeon, Uljin-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do
- Hours
- March–October 09:00–18:00 / November–February 09:00–17:00. Cave entry is permitted until 30 minutes before the viewing period ends.
- Closed
- Every Monday. If Monday is a public holiday, the facility is closed the following day. Closure notices also apply to public holidays and the Lunar New Year and Chuseok holiday periods.
- Admission
- Individuals: adults 5,000 won / soldiers and teenagers 3,000 won / children 2,500 won / seniors 1,000 won. Groups of 30 or more: adults 4,000 won / soldiers and teenagers 2,500 won / children 2,000 won / seniors 1,000 won.
- Phone
- 054-789-5404
- Official site
- https://www.uljin.go.kr/tour/index.uljin?menuCd=DOM_000000206002002000
- Transport
- Take a bus toward Seongnyugul Cave or Sugok from the bus stop across from Uljin Intercity Bus Terminal; the ride takes about 10 minutes.
- Parking
- Available. The parking fee is listed as 2,000 won per day.
- Time needed
- Approximately 1 hour 10 minutes to 1 hour 20 minutes, based on reviews and travel articles.
- Accessibility
- Stroller rental is unavailable. Reviews mention many stairs and narrow paths, as well as moving two or three steps in a crouched, duck-like walk or on all fours at the final exit.
The information above is current as of the time of writing. Check the official information again before visiting.
Places
Nearby Attractions 3
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1
Wangpicheon ParkA park with walking trails along the Wangpicheon Stream and seasonal flower fields. -
2
Wangpicheon Cable CarRide the cable car and enjoy views of Wangpicheon Stream and the East Sea. -
3
Freshwater Fish Ecology Experience CenterExplore freshwater fish exhibits and enjoy an ecology interpretation program.
Food & Dining 2
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4
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5
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