A Record of a Massive Volcanic Island Sculpted by Time, A Travelog to Jeju Island National Geopark

A Place Where Primeval Breath Remains, Jeju Island National Geopark

I deeply realized that Jeju Island is not just an island with beautiful seas after studying its geology and seeing it in person. My journey, starting at the Jeju World Natural Heritage Center located on Seon-gyo-ro in Jocheon-eup, was a time to glimpse the creation myth of Jeju, a volcanic island that bloomed on the continental shelf. Throughout the ride in a rental car after landing at the airport, the low-lying stone walls seen outside the window and the distant Oreums (volcanic cones) were already a massive geological museum in themselves.

On a quiet morning when the sound of the wind dies down, visiting the Jeju Island National Geopark fills the tip of your nose with a strange scent that mixes the briny sea air and the smell of earth. Every time I looked around at each of the 9 landmarks, I found myself nodding at why UNESCO designated this place as a Global Geopark. In particular, the fact that volcanic ejecta are preserved in their original form is a point that makes a traveler's heart race, regardless of its geological value.

Hallasan Mountain Touching the Sky, Embracing the Red Sunset of Seongsan

As the highest mountain in South Korea, Hallasan (Mt. Halla) is the pinnacle of a trip to Jeju. Standing at Baengnokdam (White Deer Lake) at the 1,950m summit, it is hard to believe that this massive land I am standing on was once hot magma. The form of the shield volcano, which even escaped weathering and erosion, is magnificent in itself. Especially when facing the steep rock cliffs of Yeongsil Giram (Yeongsil Rock), one realizes the insignificance of humans before the sculptures created by nature. The clear air at the summit is enough to prove why it was designated as a Biosphere Reserve in 2002 and a World Natural Heritage site in 2007.

What about Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak) in the east? The tuff cone, which stands tall like an ancient fortress, fully preserves the process of its birth, rising from the sea. At sunset, when you look at Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak) with the sunset settling in deeply, the outline of the massive volcano rising above the sea becomes clear, and that silent landscape makes even the depths of your heart peaceful. As I look down at each layer of the strata here, I even feel solemn at the thought that tens of thousands of years of time have piled up layer by layer to make me who I am today.

Underground Caves and Coastal Strata, A Space Where Time Has Stopped

I cannot forget the moment I faced the cold chill of Manjanggul (Manjang Cave). Walking along the dark paths inside the cave, one gets the illusion of being an explorer entering the heart of the earth, wondering how the hot lava that flowed out from Geomun Oreum (Geomun volcanic cone) created such a massive passage. The breath of the crust felt in the damp floor and cool air gives a deep impression different from the clear weather outside.

Passing the volcanic ash deposits layered in the Seogwipo Formation and the massive lava dome of Sanbangsan (Mt. Sanbang) to head to Yongmeori Coast (Dragon Head Coast) is a path to experience the essence of Jeju's geology. The coastline, where the sound of waves crashes fiercely, is a living witness to hydrovolcanic activity. Touching the stacked sedimentary layers and feeling the weight of that time, isn't this the most valuable gift Jeju gives? Although it would be better to visit on a clear day, looking around the geological landmarks with the rough waves on a slightly cloudy day is also a great way to appreciate the scenery of Jeju in depth.

A Small Tip for Travelers

Comfortable shoes are a must when visiting this place. Since most of Jeju's geological landmarks are trails left in their natural state, it is good to pack sneakers with sturdy soles. I recommend visiting early in the morning or late in the afternoon if possible. This is because the texture of the strata is much better revealed during the hours when sunlight hits at an angle. There are many small cafes around Hamdeok or Seongsan, so I hope you take the time to record the scenery you saw today while warming your body with a cup of warm tea after your geological tour.