We are always enjoying various benefits nature gives us. The greatest thing is to discover the pleasures of life by seeing a natural landscape. As global awareness of Jeju has increased, the number of visitors who come to enjoy its natural beauty has grown exponentially. This year, we expect more than 6 million visitors come to Jeju island.

 Many come here to see some of the famous places registered as World Natural Heritage Sites. These unique attractions have delighted visitors with their outstanding beauty over countless generations. Among them are Mt. Halla, Geomun Oreum Lava Tube System, and Seongsan Ilchulbong. Their unique geological and biological features make them very special.

 On June 27, 2007, all of the above were recognized as World Natural Heritage Sites by UNESCO at the 31st Convention of the Natural Heritage Committee. Also the committee created a new global brand called “World Natural Heritage, Jeju”.

 

The Islander went on a one-day trip to Manjang Cave (Manjanggul) and Sunrise Peak (Seongsan Ilchulbong) to celebrate the third anniversary of their inclusion on the prestigious list of World Natural Heritage Sites.

 

 


 Manjanggul


 Manjanggul Lava Tube is situated at Gimnyeong-ri, Gujwa-eup, 30 kilometers east of Jeju City. It is the largest tube among the island’s Geomunoreum Lava Tubes and it is the only one open to the public. It was formed about 200,000 to 300,000 years ago. Stretching as far as 7,400m, its length ranks among the top 15 lava caves in the world. The tube has a width of up to 5m in width and a height of 30m.

 Inside the tube, there are diverse structures and so many lava features: lava stalagmites, lava columns, lava flowstone, lava blisters, cave corals, benches, lava rafts, lava bridges, lava shelves, grooved lava striations, and ropy lava. Among them, a lava column is known to be highest in the world, 7.6m in height. It is a magnificent spectacle.

  Let's find out the hidden lava structures! If you study the tube in detail, you can find interesting forms in the lava. One especially beautiful structure is in the shape of a stone turtle. It is so subtle that it almost looks like a sculpture elaborated by an artist. Some say its shape resembles the geographical shape of Jeju Island. It is very popular among the tourists.

We met the couple in front of Manjanggul Lava Tube. What do they think about Manjanggul?


 

Interviewees - French couple,( Guillaume & Amanda, 23, students in Seoul.)

  “We are studying in Seoul and making a whole tour of Jeju to enjoy our vacation,” they said.

 “Before we came here, we saw some pictures on the Internet and we decided to come to this island. We learned about this cave through Tourist Map. The cave was the same as we expected. It was very quiet and nice, very very wonderful and impressive.”

 “There were no inconveniences while visiting. The only problem for us is we don't speak good Korean! We knew there were guides who introduce some information about World Natural Heritage Sites. Well, the guide speaks very good English. Better English than us, but we didn't ask them for help. We just wanted to enjoy ourselves here.”

 


Seongsan Ilchulbong


Seongsan Ilchulbong, also known as 'Seongsan Sunrise Peak', is a massive rock crater that stand majestically by itself on the easternmost part of Jeju Island. As the name stands for, the word "Ilchulbong", Ilchulbong boasts its most impressive view when the sun rises above the peak. You can enjoy not only the scenic beauty of the bowl-like crater covered with refreshing grassland, but also the seascape all around the cliffs when you climb up to the 182m high summit.

 Looking like an ancient castle floating on the sea, Seongsan Ilchulbong is one of a handful of the world's models showing the erupting process of a hydromagmatic volcano.  Walking through the path made of steps near the seaside, past the ticket office, you will see the bedding plane formed of volcanic ash and fragments piled up successively. This bedding surface provides geologists with a great opportunity to measure the crater's past volcanic activities—the locations, strengths and methods of volcanic eruptions.

 While walking on the right side of the parking lot next to the peak, you can see a coastal cave which the Japanese army dug out during World War II. This reminds us of how sorrowful our history was.

 Exploring Manjang Cave and Seongsan Ilchulbong is a great opportunity for us to enjoy the natural beauty of Jeju. We hope you experience the endless excitement, fantasy, and wonder of these great natural structures.

 

For more information

Seongsan Ilchulbong : 064-783-0959

Manjang Cave : 064-783-4818


Tip!

At Manjang Cave

- prepare outerwear because the cave always keeps a cool temperature of around 18℃!

- After raining, you may have many water drops on your head in the cave, so be sure to take a hat! ^ㅡ^

-The floor of the cave may be rough and slippery. Put on comfortable shoes! (It is the same for Seongsan Ilchulbong!)

- If you ask for guide service at the ticket office, a culture heritage guide will be with you and you can get details about the World Natural Heritage Site. The Korean, English, Japanese or Chinese guide is available for both individuals and group visitors. Best of all, the service is free!


 

The 41st Cub_reporter  Hyun Da-sol,

Kim Eun-kyung,

Yang E-seul





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