Hwalok Cave, with 470,000 visitors, needs safe operations restored

Hwalok Cave in Chungju is a former mine used as a tourist facility, and reports described disputes over permits, occupation of national forest land, and safety. The city considered legal action and restoration measures, while local proposals called for normalization through professional safety assessments and improvements.

Visitor numbers or local revenue alone cannot establish safety. The issue requires first verifying risks objectively and confirming lawful operating conditions, while also considering the effects of a prolonged shutdown on the local economy.