24 Mar
South Korea has so many places to explore and so much to see and do. One of those discoveries for me was a tucked-away spot called the Cheongdo Wine Tunnel. At first, I was hesitant. A winery? I’ve been to plenty before. But this one is underground and filled with beautiful lighting and mural art throughout the tunnel. It’s even connected to old railroad tracks and was built in 1898 during the Joseon Dynasty, which instantly made it more interesting.
The Journey There
When I arrived by car with my Korean friend, it was packed! Fair warning: parking can definitely be a challenge. On the walk to the tunnel, though, there were tons of coffee shops, food stands, and small places to grab a bite. I told my friend we’d absolutely need to make pit stops after exploring the tunnel. The walk itself was worth it—surrounded by nature, it was honestly breathtaking and felt especially perfect for spring or fall.
Before You Go Inside
This place is a dream for photos, both inside and out. Right outside the tunnel, there’s a massive wine bottle, and the entryway before you go in is picture-perfect. Once you step inside, it does get dark—but don’t worry, there’s literally light at the end of the tunnel (had to say it). The tunnel is fully lit all the way through, so you’re never actually in the dark. It also stays cool year- round, so bring a jacket if you get cold easily.
Stepping Into the Tunnel
Admission to the tunnel is free, which is a nice bonus. Inside, you can purchase wine, though prices vary depending on what you choose. My friend and I got a glass of wine for 20,000₩ (about $15 USD) and a cheese platter for 6,000₩ (around $4 USD). The platter was small but tasty—cheese, crackers, chocolate, and a bit of meat. Not super filling, though, so I’d recommend eating at one of the nearby food stands before or after your visit.
The Most Magical Part
After our wine, we continued walking through the tunnel, taking in the decorations. Families and couples filled the space, and the whole atmosphere felt magical. It almost felt like a mix between a museum and a theme park—calm, yet full of people enjoying the experience. Toward the end, there was a glow-in-the-dark section, so if you’re wearing white, you’ll glow. Then came an even brighter area with a giant bat holding a wine bottle—and yes, it was HUGE. Nearby were angel-shaped cards covered in people’s wishes. Since I’m learning Korean, it was really sweet reading through some of them. I even spotted wishes written in different languages, which made the moment feel extra special.
Was it Worth it?
Overall, visiting the Cheongdo Wine Tunnel was truly an experience. Afterward, my friend and I grabbed snacks and coffee from nearby stands and soaked in the mountain views. Parking can be tricky, and the wine is a bit pricey, but the atmosphere, scenery, and uniqueness of the tunnel make it well worth the trip.
Kaitlynne Maldonado, Marketing Assistant
I have always been passionate about traveling and experiencing different foods and cultures. So after I graduated with my bachelor's in psychology from Central Christian College of Kansas, I decided it was time for a change of scenery. From working as a Registered Behavioral Technician, I packed my bags (and paperwork!) and leaped to teach as an English teacher in South Korea! When I'm not in the classroom, you can find me exploring hidden cafes to try different types of matcha drinks, trying street food, or attempting to hike the mountains near me. I am thrilled to continue this journey and have an experience of a lifetime!