11 Must-Visit Spots in Gwangmyeong: Beyond IKEA and Costco
Gwangmyeong City, a short distance from Seoul, is widely known as the home of the IKEA and Costco headquarters, attracting many visitors for shopping. However, Gwangmyeong offers much more than just retail therapy. This article will introduce you to a variety of fantastic places to visit, perfect for a memorable day trip on a weekend or during school vacations.
Gwangmyeong Cave
Gwangmyeong Cave began as a mine developed by the Japanese in 1912 for resource exploitation and was a site of forced labor and resource plundering during the Japanese colonial era. It was closed in 1972 and used as a storage facility for salted shrimp for about 40 years. In 2011, Gwangmyeong City transformed it into a historical and cultural tourist destination and a cave theme park. The cave's interior maintains an average temperature of 12°C (53.6°F) year-round, making it a refreshing retreat during the summer. Inside, you can enjoy a spectacular media art show with vibrant lighting and music, view various sculptures and art installations, and visit a wine cellar where you can taste and purchase wine at affordable prices.
The outdoor area also offers various programs for children, such as VR experiences and treasure hunts, making it a great place to spend a day with the kids.
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| Gwangmyeong Cave |
Gwangmyeong Cave Visitor Information
- Hours: 09:00 AM ~ 06:00 PM (Last entry: 05:00 PM)
- Closed: Every Monday
- Parking Fees
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Free Parking for Multi-Child Households: Must bring a copy of resident registration and ID.
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Rates
Vehicle Type Fee Large Vehicle 4,000 KRW (approx. 3 USD) Standard Vehicle 3,000 KRW (approx. 2.25 USD) Compact/Low-Emission Car 1,500 KRW (approx. 1.15 USD)
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Admission Fees
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Cave Admission
Category Individual Group Gwangmyeong Resident (Individual) Gwangmyeong Resident (Group) Adult 10,000 KRW (approx. 7.50 USD) 8,000 KRW (approx. 6 USD) 5,000 KRW (approx. 3.75 USD) 4,000 KRW (approx. 3 USD) Youth 5,000 KRW (approx. 3.75 USD) 4,000 KRW (approx. 3 USD) 2,500 KRW (approx. 1.90 USD) 2,000 KRW (approx. 1.50 USD) Child 3,000 KRW (approx. 2.25 USD) 2,500 KRW (approx. 1.90 USD) 1,500 KRW (approx. 1.15 USD) 1,200 KRW (approx. 0.90 USD) Senior 3,000 KRW (approx. 2.25 USD) 3,000 KRW (approx. 2.25 USD) 3,000 KRW (approx. 2.25 USD) 3,000 KRW (approx. 2.25 USD)
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Treasure Hunt & Combo Ticket Rates
Category Individual Youth Child Treasure Hunt Experience 6,000 KRW (approx. 4.50 USD) 6,000 KRW (approx. 4.50 USD) 10,000 KRW (approx. 7.50 USD) Combo Ticket 1 (Gwangmyeong Cave + Treasure Hunt) 10,500 KRW (approx. 7.90 USD) 8,500 KRW (approx. 6.40 USD) 10,500 KRW (approx. 7.90 USD) Combo Ticket 2 (Gwangmyeong Cave + Treasure Hunt + 1 other experience) 15,500 KRW (approx. 11.65 USD) 15,500 KRW (approx. 11.65 USD) 15,500 KRW (approx. 11.65 USD)
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Chunghyeon Museum
Chunghyeon Museum is a place where you can explore the life and relics of Ori Lee Won-ik, a prominent figure from the Joseon Dynasty known as a "cheongbaekri" (an upright and incorruptible government official). It is an excellent destination for a family outing with its historical value and educational experiences. The museum not only showcases relics from Lee Won-ik's life but also hosts various hands-on programs and special exhibitions. In particular, cultural experiences combined with theatrical performances offer visitors a fun and vivid way to learn about his honest and dedicated life. The museum is also conveniently located near his tomb, a Confucian academy (seowon), and the Gi Hyeong-do Literature Museum, making it easy to visit multiple sites.
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| Chunghyeon Museum |
Gwangmyeong Traditional Market
Gwangmyeong Traditional Market, which was naturally formed in the early 1970s, is one of the most renowned markets in Korea. It houses over 500 shops and offers a wide variety of delicious and affordable foods, including Honddukkae Kalguksu (handmade knife-cut noodles), Chlorella Burger (a burger with a green bun made from chlorella), Dakgangjeong (sweet and crispy fried chicken), various Chinese dishes, Bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes), and Naengmyeon (cold noodles). You can also purchase fresh seafood, such as live shrimp and crabs, at reasonable prices from the seafood vendors.
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| Gwangmyeong Traditional Market |
Gwangmyeong Market Visitor Information
- Parking Lot: Gwangmyeong-ro 938, Gwangmyeong-si (Gwangmyeong Traditional Market Public Parking Lot)
- Parking Fees (with discount coupons for purchases at the market)
- First 30 minutes: 800 KRW (approx. 0.60 USD) / Over 30 minutes to 2 hours (per 10 minutes): 300 KRW (approx. 0.25 USD)
- Over 2 hours (per 10 minutes): 500 KRW (approx. 0.40 USD)
Dodeoksan Mountain Suspension Bridge
At the entrance to Dodeoksan Park, you'll find a refreshing floor fountain and a wall fountain. By walking along the forest trail on Dodeoksan Mountain, you'll come across a unique Y-shaped suspension bridge that connects the upper part of an artificial waterfall with the hiking trail. The Y-shape makes it a bit special compared to a straight bridge. The center of the bridge features an artificial waterfall. Walking on the bridge, which has holes in the floor, is thrilling in itself, and you can feel the coolness of the artificial waterfall. On the way down, the Dodeoksan Children's Forest has a slide and a zipline, perfect for a fun time with the kids.
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| Dodeoksan Mountain Suspension Bridge |
Dodeoksan Mountain Suspension Bridge Visitor Information
- Parking: Gwangmyeong-dong 317-80, Gwangmyeong-si (Dodeoksan Park Parking Lot)
- Parking Fee: Free
Dodeoksan Camping Ground Forest Playground
Dodeoksan Camping Ground is a popular campsite due to its easy accessibility from the city, and reservations are very difficult to secure as priority is given to Gwangmyeong residents. Even if you can't get a reservation for the campsite, you can still have a fun day trip at the forest playground, which is well-equipped with various play facilities such as a sandbox, trampolines, a zipline, and slides. Additionally, you can use the snack bar inside the campsite, which is great for enjoying light food and drinks.
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| Dodeoksan Camping Ground Forest Playground |
Dodeoksan Camping Ground Forest Playground Visitor Information
- Parking: Free parking at the Dodeoksan Camping Ground visitor parking lot
- Admission Fee: Free
Gwangmyeong Citizens' Gymnasium
Gwangmyeong Citizens' Gymnasium is a public park located in Haan-dong, equipped with various facilities such as a grass field, sports park, artificial rock climbing wall, Gwangmyeong Open Art Hall, and a children's water playground. The large grounds are perfect for outdoor activities like cycling, kick-scooting, RC car racing, catch, and badminton. When the weather is nice, you can also have a picnic with a sunshade tent or a mat. While cooking is not allowed, you can bring your own food. There are many convenience stores and delivery restaurants nearby, making it easy to spend the whole day there. Nearby, you can also visit the Anteos Ecological Park and the Upcycle Center. The Gwangmyeong Citizens' Gymnasium periodically hosts Gwangmyeong City festivals and events, so it's recommended to check the city's website or blog for event schedules.
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| Gwangmyeong Citizens' Gymnasium |
Gwangmyeong Citizens' Gymnasium Parking Fees
- Parking Fee Information
- First hour: Free
- 2 hours and 30 minutes: 500 KRW (approx. 0.40 USD)
- Additional 30 minutes: 500 KRW (approx. 0.40 USD)
Anteo Ecological Park
Anteo Ecological Park is an inland wetland in the middle of the city, restored through the Ministry of Environment's Ecosystem Conservation Fund to protect the habitat of the Golden Frog. The park is home to a variety of plants and animals, including the Golden Frog, and offers various ecological education programs.
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| Anteo Ecological Park |
Anteo Ecological Park Visitor Information
- Hours: 9:00 AM ~ 06:00 PM
- Admission Fee: Free
- Parking is limited, so it's recommended to park at the Citizens' Gymnasium and walk over.
Gwangmyeong Upcycle Art Center
The Gwangmyeong Upcycle Art Center is a place where discarded items are given new life as artistic works or products by adding artistic value. It offers programs for adults, such as wood upcycling, woodworking, leather crafting, and denim accessory making. For children, there are hands-on activities like creating mini picture frames and bottle lamps. The center also holds various exhibitions and educational events, including making stationery from banners, art lighting, wine bottle accessories, keyrings, and watch designs, making it a great place to admire a variety of artworks. It was formerly located in Gwangmyeong Cave but has since moved to the Gwangmyeong Citizens' Gymnasium. The third floor of the Upcycle Center also operates a free shared office space that you can use after a simple consent to personal information.
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| Gwangmyeong Upcycle Art Center |
Upcycle Art Center Visitor Information
- Location: 703 Ori-ro, Gwangmyeong-si
- Hours: Tue-Sun 10:00 AM~06:00 PM
- Closed: Every Monday
Gureumsan Mountain Forest Park
Gureumsan Mountain Forest Park is filled with a dense forest of 20-meter-tall trees. Visitors can use various facilities, including a comprehensive playground, benches, and flat areas. Notably, it has the highest concentration of phytoncides among the 13 forest parks in Gyeonggi Province, making it an excellent place to relax and heal in the city. The park features 356 fir trees and a 184-meter-long red clay trail for a barefoot experience. The paths in the forest park are mostly covered with comfortable wood chips, allowing for a pleasant walk. The comprehensive playground inside the park has various play facilities, such as a jungle gym, a swaying bridge, a climbing wall, and a log wave ride, perfect for a fun time with children. There are also many great restaurants nearby, making it a good place to have a meal after your visit.
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| Gureumsan Mountain Forest Park |
Master Park's Bakery (Myeongjangsidai)
Myeongjangsidai is a spacious bakery cafe operated by Park Joon-seo, Korea’s 11th officially designated “Master Baker” (Myeongjang). The name means “The Era of Master Bakers,” and refers to the prestigious government-awarded title given to outstanding artisans in Korea.
One of its greatest charms is the spacious garden, a separate annex building, and outdoor tables. The garden is pleasant for children, while the annex offers a quiet space for adults to enjoy a chat over tea and drinks. Since the cafe attracts many families on weekends, it's recommended to visit early in the morning or on weekdays if you prefer a more relaxed atmosphere.
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| Master Park's Bakery (Myeongjangsidai) |
Myeongjangsidai Visitor Information
- Hours: 8:30 AM~10:00 PM
- Open all year round
Game Creation Studio (Haan Library)
The Gwangmyeong Game Creation Studio is located on the 3rd floor of the Haan Library and is equipped with professional game content creation experience and educational facilities. The studio is free to use for everyone, including non-residents, by making a reservation on Naver. You can experience over 100 types of content, including movies and games, using PlayStation and the latest VR technology.
On the first floor, the children's library has a space where you can take off your shoes and read books on the floor, which is a great activity to do with children after your experience. In the basement, there is a snack bar and an affordable food court, making it a convenient place to grab a light meal or snacks for the kids.
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| Game Creation Studio |
Game Creation Studio Visitor Information
- Location: Game Creation Studio, 3rd Floor, Haan Library, 46 Cheolmangsan-ro, Gwangmyeong-si
- Session Time: 50 minutes
- Closed: Fridays
- Parking: Free parking available at Haan Library parking lot
- Admission Fee: Free
Gwangmyeong City has many great places for a casual visit with family, including Gwangmyeong Cave, the only cave in the Seoul metropolitan area, and the other places we've introduced. We hope this information is useful for your next outing plan.
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