Jasujeong Amethyst Mines (자수정 동굴)

Okay, that’s it: today I died and went to cheesy tourist kitsch heaven (or hell depending on your sense of taste).   Today we took a rainy  afternoon to check out the Jasujeong Amethyst Caves (자수정 동굴), just 30km south of here in Eonyang (언양).  I’d read online that they’re one of the schlockiest tourist sites in Korea (yeah, there are more than a few contenders for that title) and believe me, they didn’t disappoint.

Jasujeong Amethyst Mines (자수정 동굴)

Eonyang amethysts are recognized as being some of the finest in the world and were mined from these caves as far back as the Shilla Dynasty.  During the Japanese occupation the mining process was industrialized and greatly expanded, leaving the caves a veritable ants’ nest over 15,000 square meters.  When the mining operations finally came to a halt back in the 80’s some genius has the bright idea of turning this place into a tourist attraction.

Egypt Room, Jasujeong Amethyst Mines (자수정 동굴)

But don’t come here just expecting to see some stodgy history exhibition or boring demonstration of jewelry mining, no sireee.   The multitudinous cambers of the Jasujeong Caves extend from the educational, to the strange and the just plain silly.  Starting from the waterfalls at the entrance, the first room is the Egypt Hall, complete with fake hieroglyphs, statues and a plastic mummy.  From there it’s off to the Human Evolution hall with statues of the various stages of human evolution (the last one holding a cell phone, of course).   

Hall of Evolution, Jasujeong Amethyst Mines (자수정 동굴)

The actual amethyst displays and mining dioramas (ancient and modern) are interesting enough, not to mention the replicas of the Seokguram Buddha and the nearby Bangudae Prehistoric Petroglyphs (반구대 암각화).  But the display on  “Tribal Living” just seemed random, along with the large scale model of Dokdo Island.  If you still don’t feel like you’ve gotten your money’s worth, you could always stick around for the acrobatics show in the performance hall (we didn’t). 

Acrobatics Show, Jasujeong Amethyst Mines (자수정 동굴)

I don’t mean to make Jasujeong caves sound completely awful.  I actually got a big kick out of it (don’t know about my wife and friends though).  It’s actually a refreshing change if you’re burnt out on Buddhist Temples and historical relics. Plus it looks like a great place to bring kids.  This of course should’ve been obvious by the fair grounds swarming with school groups as we pulled into the parking lot.  

Ice World, Jasujeong Amethyst Mines (자수정 동굴)

Thanks to the rain, we gave the petting zoo a miss.  I did however to get dragged into the “Ice World,” built into the second tier of the caves above the main attraction.  Although not nearly as extensive as the mines below (probably a good thing due to refrigeration costs), this attraction is kept in sub-zero temperatures year round.  Inside are several chambers decorated with wacky ice sculptures of everything from wolves, pagodas, snowmen and eagles to the Buddha and the Statue of Liberty (apparently her torch has melted off).  

Ice World, Jasujeong Amethyst Mines (자수정 동굴)

 If that’s not enough to sell ya, there’s a sledding tack in the back and a small ice skating (sleds and seat-skates are provided).  Entrance to the “Ice World” is about 4,000 per person and comes complete with a parka, set of gloves and a hot cup of coffee when you finish. 

Ice World, Jasujeong Amethyst Mines (자수정 동굴)

Directions:  The Jasujeong Amethyst Mines are just 30 km south of Gyeongju.  You can take Highway 1 (or NR 35 if you prefer) south and get off at the Eonyang (언양) I.C., just past the junction with HW 16 to Ulsan (울산).  Follow NR 35 south a km or 2, until the high splits into a “Y.”  Follow the right fork and than take your first right.  From here you can follow the signs up behind the hill.  If you’re coming by bus, the caves should only be about a 5,000 won ride from the Eonyang Bus Terminal.

 The Jasujeong Amethyst Mines are about 5,000 won per adult to get in and they make a good day trip combined the neighboring Tongdosa Temple (통도사) and the Bangudae (반구대 암각화) and Cheonjeonri (천전리 각석) Prehistoric Petroglyphs.

View Eonyang Tourist Attractions in a larger map

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