A Day in Dangyang

Recently a few of the teachers from my town took a trip to Dangyang. It is a small town about half an hour outside of Yeongju. Out of the many places I have visited in Korea, I will say that Dangyang is the most picturesque. The town is built on the side of a mountain, running along the Namhan river.  As it was the middle of spring, vibrant purple and yellow flowers lined the sidewalks while new greens leaves blanketed the previously bare mountains.

Our original intention was to take a trip for the day to see a temple in the area for its lanterns. However, on arrival we were told that it would potentially require a further 2 hour wait, as the connecting bus was delayed from Seoul. We decided instead to make the most of our trip out there and go and see the the Cosu caves about 3km away from the bus station. 

The Cosu caves can be found about 3km over the bridge from the bus station and is relatively easy to access. About half a Kilometer away from the bus station (over the bridge) is a tourist information centre that can help with directions.

I had originally thought that the caves would be a quick, 10 minute affair but was surprised to find myself climbing up into different chambers of the caves about an hour and half later. The Cosu caves were discovered as late as the 1970’s, along with a number of stone work tools in the entrance of the cave that suggested it was an early human shelter. 

A bridge over Han-nam river. Far in the distance is the tourist information centre.

The walk along to Cosu cave.

Anita and the Wisteria flowers.. We both remembered the name.. purely because it was in Desperate Housewives.

Considering we visited the caves at the last minute, it really was quite impressive for 5000 won (R50/ $5). The caves, which are estimated to be about 450 million years old, weave in and out of the mountain side in between pools of water and limestone rock formations.

Much of the cave has been excavated to allow tourists to visit it. As the cave becomes deeper, there are more and more spiraling stair cases that allow visitors to reach the cave ceiling and move between the different chambers. Of course no attraction would be complete in Korea without an official photo booth, with a fake backdrop and a hiking stick props. One does wonder why you would need a fake backdrop, as the photo is taken already inside the cave. But hey, I suppose getting a good, photoshoped picture is important. 

Entrance to the Cosu Cave

Inside the caves.

The stair cases up and down the cave.

We ended off the day, drinking beer and eating Donkas (a type of pork schnitzel/ cutlet) at a restaurant along the river side. I would definitely recommend Dangyang to any visitors to the area looking to visit temples, para-glide or even go paint balling. 

For more information please visit  http://wikitravel.org/en/Danyang 

Dangyang train station

Heather and Anita waiting for the train.