Viral ‘Aurora Cave’ photo draws 70,000 visitors to Okcheon forest cave

The ceiling of the forest cave at Jangryeongsan Recreation Forest in Okcheon County, North Chungcheong Province, is illuminated in blue light, creating an aurora-like effect. Courtesy of Okcheon County

As Korea battles heat waves and heavy rains this summer, travel has become tricky for many. However, Okcheon County in North Chungcheong Province is drawing visitors with destinations that can be enjoyed rain or shine, from a forest cave that stays cool year-round to a hillside garden where hydrangeas bloom in full splendor.

At the foot of Mount Jangryeong, Jangryeongsan Nature Recreation Forest has long been a popular retreat for local residents, offering campsites, lodges and hiking trails. In April, it gained a new attraction: a “forest cave” created from a disused iron mine.

The Dongguk Mine supplied iron ore nationwide until the late 1960s. After operations ended, the tunnels were abandoned for over 50 years until Okcheon County redeveloped the site under a government program.

The converted cave stretches about 100 meters, a walk that takes no more than 10 minutes. Despite its short length, the tunnel features displays recreating miners and their work, weaving the history of the mine into the site.

Colorful lighting enhances the mysterious atmosphere, making the cave a popular attraction. Beautiful pictures have brought social media prominence and even more visitors.

A couple poses in front of the “wishing rock” inside the forest cave. Courtesy of Okcheon County

An Okcheon County official said, “From last month through this month, more than 73,000 people visited, about 20,000 more than the typical number for the recreation forest over the same period.”

Inside the cave, the path splits. At the fork, a photo spot greets visitors with cascading artificial wisteria vines lit by glowing lights. By following the path around, visitors reach the cave’s centerpiece: a room bathed in blue light with a sculpted moon and stars, creating the feeling of looking up at the night sky.

Though compact in size, the space feels expansive, with wave-like lighting along the walls evoking nebulae and the Northern lights. It has become known online as the “Aurora Cave.”

A “wishing rock,” modeled after a boulder where independence activist Cho Heon prayed before a battle during the Imjin War (1592-1598), allows guests to write wishes and leave them behind.

A view of Cheonsang Garden in Gunbuk-myeon, Okcheon. Courtesy of Okcheon County

Cheonsang Garden: A “heavenly” escape

About 25 kilometers away lies Cheonsang Garden, a private aquatic plant garden overlooking Daecheong Lake and known as the “heavenly garden.” Opened in 2009, it was named one of the Korea Forest Service’s 30 most beautiful private gardens last year.

Spanning 60,000 square meters, the garden features more than 500 species of plants, along with striking stone gardens, structures resembling European castles and themed indoor pavilions.

Signs encourage visitors to enjoy their time, reminding them “Do not walk faster than the wind” and “Hear the whispers of flowers and trees” to experience the space more deeply.

The garden was created by environmental activist Ju Seo-taek, who began planting on the site in 2003. Today, it attracts about 200,000 visitors annually.

Visitors enjoy Cheonsang Garden in Okcheon in rainy weather. Courtesy of Okcheon County

In August, hydrangeas come into full bloom, their clusters of petals creating a spectacular scene.

Okcheon is known as one of Korea’s best hydrangea spots, and the nation’s largest seedling production area, supplying about 70 percent of the seedlings distributed nationwide.

Each July and August, the park fills with white hydrangeas that usually last through September. Since 2021, the county has planted Limelight panicle hydrangeas, which have now reached their peak.

Lining the roads of the 20-hectare park are more than 30,000 hydrangeas. Visitors can stroll along the circular trail or take a path leading to the central observatory.

Panicle hydrangeas are in full bloom at Okcheon Arboretum. Courtesy of Okcheon County

Whichever route visitors choose, the view is filled with creamy white blossoms whose cone-shaped clusters resemble cotton candy.

With cool caves, gardens that invite reflection and summer flowers in full bloom, Okcheon offers travelers an escape from the sweltering heat.

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, a sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.