Hwalok Cave in Chungju has become the center of controversy due to the absence of a responsible safety management agency and issues of unauthorized occupation. This cave, visited by 500,000 tourists annually, is exposed to safety risks amidst a dispute between Chungju City and the Central Mine Safety Office over responsibility. Additionally, the Korea Forest Service has ordered the restoration of the cave due to unauthorized occupation of national forest land, but no action has been taken yet.
Hwalok Cave has established itself as a major tourist attraction in Chungju, but it operates without permission to use underground facilities. Chungju City claims that the Central Mine Safety Office of the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy should be responsible for safety management, as the cave is a mining facility. On the other hand, the Central Mine Safety Office argues that the safety management of the cave, as a multi-use facility, is the responsibility of Chungju City. This has left the cave in a blind spot for safety management. Additionally, it was revealed that part of Hwalok Cave is occupying national forest land under the jurisdiction of the Korea Forest Service without permission. The Korea Forest Service became aware of this in July 2023 and issued the first restoration order in May 2024. Despite four subsequent restoration orders and administrative execution plans, no substantial action has been taken. Chungju City and the cave’s operators argue that the administrative execution by the Korea Forest Service is excessive.
Since 2019, there have been ongoing issues regarding the irregular operation of Hwalok Cave, but the problem of the absence of a responsible safety management agency has not been resolved. This issue was eventually raised in this year’s National Assembly audit, leading the National Assembly to urge the Korea Forest Service to carry out the administrative execution for restoration. Looking at other cave tourist attractions nationwide that operate legally, it is unconvincing to evade responsibility by citing laws. For instance, the safety management of Gwangmyeong Cave in Gyeonggi Province is the responsibility of the Mayor of Gwangmyeong, Taehwagang Cavepia is managed by the Mayor of Nam-gu, Ulsan, Hwaam Cave by the Governor of Jeongseon, and Muju Merlot Wine Cave by the Governor of Muju. So, who is responsible for the safety management of Hwalok Cave in Chungju?
The Hwalok Cave situation may be the last opportunity to resolve the issues of safety management absence and unauthorized occupation. It is urgent to clarify safety management responsibilities through legal institutionalization and ensure the safety of tourists.