Chungcheong

Danyang단양

A small lake town surrounded by three national parks and Korea's most striking limestone caves.

Population

About 28,000.

Fun fact

Danyang's Gosu Cave is a limestone cave system that has been forming for roughly 500 million years.

Danyang on the map

Danyang sits on the Namhangang River, ringed by national parks, and is known above all for its cave country.

Highlights

Gosu Cave, a limestone cave system that's been forming for around 500 million years — one of Korea's best-known caves.
Dodam Sambong, three rock peaks rising from the middle of the river, one of Danyang's classically photographed "8 Scenic Spots."
The Cheongpung Lake cruise between Janghoe and Cheongpung, and easy access to Woraksan and Sobaeksan national parks for hiking.

Hourly express buses run from Seoul's Express Bus Terminal, taking about 2.5 hours.

A day trip covers the main sights, but Danyang rewards an overnight stay if you're also hiking one of the surrounding national parks.