Discovering Ulsan's Hidden Gem: Taehwa River Cavepia
Welcome to the secret base of Ulsan!
A special cave experience in the heart of the city.
It's a hot summer, making even a step onto the scorching asphalt feel challenging. This season fills our minds with the sounds of cool valley waters, refreshing iced coffee, green mountains, and the open sea.
You don't have to travel far to enjoy a pleasant and cool time at a place with a magical temperature of 18°C! Let me introduce you to Taehwa River Cavepia.
Located just a 10-minute drive from Nam-gu, where I live, reaching Taehwa River Cavepia is easy. Following the navigation, I found it tricky to enter directly from the left, so I made a U-turn at Jeonggwangsa Temple to get to the parking lot.
If you're using public transportation, take bus 407 and get off at the Clover Apartment stop, then walk about 280 meters for around 4 minutes. From the parking lot next to Namsan Temple, it's about a 5-minute walk (550 meters) to Taehwa River Cavepia.
After parking at the Cavepia parking lot, I took a moment to review the entire route on the signage and planned my visit accordingly.
Starting from the parking lot, I walked towards the Cavepia, listening to the rustling bamboo sounds from the Taehwa River National Garden on my left. The friendly signs along the way made it easy to navigate.
As I approached the Cavepia square, I encountered a refreshing artificial waterfall that captivates anyone passing by. It offers a brief escape from the summer heat.
Inside the waterfall, there is a hiking trail leading to Namsan. The 4th cave, which is 16 meters long, features a whale lantern exhibition and lighting art, serving as an event space open for anyone to enjoy for free.
Although it's a small space, it beautifully combines whale and sardine shapes with marine life themes. Be sure to capture your own lovely photos!
Walking a little further from the 4th cave leads to the square, which has a fountain, resting area, traditional garden, and restrooms. The ticket office is about 30 meters away, and the underground space connects to the Taehwa River walking path, leading to the Taehwa River Observatory.
Taehwa River Cavepia consists of four caves, with the first three connected and the 4th in a separate area. Admission fees are 2,000 won for adults, 1,500 won for youth and military, and 1,000 won for children. There are also free admission options for certain groups.
Taehwa River Cavepia was established by renovating four caves built by the Japanese military during the colonial era for military supplies and air raid shelters. Once a site of war, it has now transformed into a cultural space where citizens can engage with history and enjoy a cool retreat during hot summers.
The total area of the caves is 19,800 square meters, with a total length of 180 meters. Taehwa River Cavepia began construction on December 26, 2013, and opened on July 28, 2017.
As I entered the cave, staff kindly provided safety helmets. The cool temperature inside might feel chilly, so wearing a light cardigan is advisable, along with comfortable shoes due to the potentially slippery ground.
The first cave features a history museum showcasing Ulsan's history during the Japanese occupation, including dioramas of forced labor and historical artifacts. It provides a poignant reminder of the past.
After exploring the first cave, I moved on to the second cave, passing through a sparkling 'Milky Way Tunnel' that symbolizes Ulsan's bright future. The second cave offers various attractions, including animal sculptures made from hanji paper and a legendary whale exhibit.
Finally, I made my way to the third cave, which features a digital aquarium and sketch experience for children. After enjoying my time in the cool caves, I exited towards the Taehwa River walking path, ready to enjoy the natural beauty surrounding me.
For a refreshing summer escape without traveling far, head to Taehwa River Cavepia!
Source :https://blog.naver.com/ulsan_nuri/224352935503
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