Photos by ChiHon Kim ()
Amethyst Cavern Park (자수정동굴나라), in Ulju-gun, Ulsan, is a great place to visit regardless of the weather outside because inside the temperature constantly hovers between 12 and 16 degrees Celsius year-round. For those who live in Daegu and Gyeongsang-do, this place is about a 90-minute drive from Camp Henry, Camp Walker and Camp Carroll.
The amethyst in this cave is said to be among some of the highest-grade quality in the world, according to the cave website. Ulju-gun has been producing this precious stone since the Silla Dynasty (B.C. 57-935). The cave was also used during the Japanese colonial period from 1910 to 1945 and a large amount of amethyst was illegally exported to Japan since the color purple is valued as a symbol of the Japanese Emperor. The mine produced nearly 500 to 5,000 kilograms of jewelry every single year after the liberation but was closed years ago due to poor productivity and turned into a great cavern park.
You may not see the stalactites or stalagmites you’ve probably seen at other caverns, but on the boat tour attraction offered at the park, you’ll still have fun exploring the cave. During the tour, the guide stops the engine and points to the wall and ceiling with a flashlight for a close look at something you may not have noticed or seen before: a beautiful amethyst vein!
ADDRESS울산 울주군 상북면 자수정로 212 자수정동굴나라 (KOR), 212, Jasujeong-ro, Sangbuk-myeon, Ulju-gun, Ulsan, (ENG), NAVER MAP NAVER MAP
HOURS 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (Last admission 5:30, Open year-round)
PHONE 053-254-1515
