Lava Tube Area in Hallim (Socheongul, Hwanggeumgul and Hyeopjaegul Lava Tubes), Jeju

The Lava Tube Area in Hallim, Jeju lies across Gujwa-eup, Hallim-eup and Aewol-eup in what was formerly Bukjeju-gun (North Jeju County), Jeju Island, and comprises Socheongul, Hwanggeumgul, Hyeopjaegul, and Ssangnyonggul, which connects to Hyeopjaegul. Socheongul lies at an elevation of about 130m on the northwestern slope of Hallasan Mountain and, at 2,980m long, is the fourth-longest volcanic cave in Korea. Its entrance appears to have formed by the collapse of the vent through which gas once escaped as the cave was created, and because the interior temperature is high, a variety of mosses grow at the entrance. Within the cave is a cave within the cave, 240m long, along with a landform known as a 'coffin', a feature rarely seen anywhere in the world. The cave also contains a variety of speleothems, including lava stalactites shaped like sharks' teeth, making it a valuable site for research into the process of cave formation. Hwanggeumgul is a 180m-long cave discovered in 1969 but not yet open to the public. On its ceiling, icicle-like lava stalactites of dark brown colour and lava stalagmites rising from the floor gleam with a golden colour, earning the cave the name 'the golden underground palace'. Hyeopjaegul is 99m long and 6m high; inside, a variety of speleothems continue to grow, including icicle-like stalactites, stalagmites rising from the floor, and columns formed where stalactites and stalagmites have met, giving the cave very great value. Ssangnyonggul, connected to Hyeopjaegul, is a horizontally formed cave 393m long, its name reflecting the resemblance of its interior to the shape of two dragons emerging. The Lava Tube Area in Hallim, Jeju is of very great value as a system of volcanic caves, and, since dissolved limestone within the caves is forming secondary deposits, it is also of very great value for geological research. Socheongul and Hwanggeumgul within the area are currently designated as restricted-access zones to protect their cave formations, and entry for management or academic purposes requires the permission of the Administrator of the Korea Heritage Service.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Jeju City, Jeju

Designation

Natural Monument · 천연기념물