Baengnyongdonggul Cave, Pyeongchang

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Baengnyongdonggul Cave is a limestone cave located in a cliff at the foot of Baegunsan Mountain in Pyeongchang. Extending into both Pyeongchang-gun and Jeongseon-gun, it lies along the Donggang River. River water flowing in from the upper reaches of the Donggang enters the cave’s internal waterways, and parts of the cave may flood during heavy summer rains. Baengnyongdonggul Cave was designated as a Natural Monument in 1979. Its name is said to combine the syllable baek from Baegunsan Mountain with ryong, taken from the names of the brothers who once managed the cave. Another story says that the name refers to a white dragon that ascended from the cave after it was opened to the public. Of the cave’s total length of about 1.7 kilometers, a 400-meter section was opened in 2010 as Korea’s first and only adventure cave. Unlike ordinary tourist cave experiences, visitors may enter only with a professional guide after putting on exploration gear, including protective suits, safety helmets, headlamps, boots, and gloves. The tour allows visitors to experience the cave’s pristine natural terrain in a hands-on fashion. Crossing the Donggang River on a boat named the Baegnyongho to reach the cave is a distinctive part of the experience. Inside the cave are a wide variety of exceptionally well-developed cave formations, and the cave is regarded as one of the best-preserved among those open to the public. In the large chamber at the end of the visitor route stands a massive column reminiscent of a pillar from European architecture, creating a striking scene. A stalagmite known as the “fried egg” formation for its distinctive shape is one of the cave’s signature sights. Baengnyongdonggul Cave also has high ecological value. Otter footprints have been found near the waterways, and visitors can observe Korean cave amphipods within the public section.