A natural valley formed by the collapse of limestone caves hundreds of thousands of years ago
Gangara Valley in Nanseong City is a nature-rich valley formed by the collapse of limestone caves hundreds of thousands of years ago. Excavations are underway to investigate the possibility that the valley may have been inhabited by “Minatogawa people,” humans who lived there approximately 20,000 years ago. So far, the world’s oldest fish hook, which is about 23,000 years old, has been discovered. Let’s take a trip to the Valley of Gangara to trace the mysteries of life through a guided tour.
It takes about 30 minutes by car from Naha Airport. The admission fee is 2,500 yen per person. Since admission to the Valley of Gangara is not allowed except for guided tours, it is necessary to apply for a tour.
Point 1: Gangara Valley and Minato River People
The Gangara Valley is a prehistoric valley formed by the collapse of limestone caves several decades ago. 20,000-year-old human bones were discovered in 1970 at a limestone quarry about 1.5 km from the Gangara Valley. These are now known as “Minatogawa people. It is possible that the Gangara valley was inhabited by the Kangaroos, and excavations have been underway since 2007. So far, the world’s oldest fish hook, which is about 23,000 years old, has been discovered.
Point 2: 1.5-hour tour with a full-time guide
The Valley of Gangara is only accessible by signing up for a guided tour. For about 1.5 hours, you will walk with a full-time guide through a lush natural forest in a valley formed by collapsed limestone caves.
We will meet at the Cave Café on the property and visit subtropical forests, caves, and handmade tree terraces. The walking distance is about 1 km, and since the tour goes slowly while listening to the guide, families can join the tour and get around the Valley of Gangara with ease.
Point 3: Feel nature at Cave Cafe, the starting point of the tour.
The Cave Café, open only to participants of the Valley of Gangara Guided Tour, is the meeting place for the tour. It is a café space where visitors can order drinks before joining the tour.
Spend a meaningful time in this space, which is reserved only for tour participants, and feel the mystery of nature with the stalactites hanging from the ceiling. Check the website of the Valley of Gangara before you visit, as various events are held there.
