Hornitos on Biyangdo Island, Jeju

Biyangdo Island is composed of basalt and basaltic volcaniclastic material. The source of the basalt is the crater of Biyangbong Peak, and it was formed either by lateral eruption from the scoria cone or by lava overflow from the main crater. The basalt observed today shows evidence of having erupted in air, indicating that it was less affected by sea level at the time of eruption. The hornitos that developed along the northern coast of Biyangdo are popularly known as "Aegi-eop-eun Dol", or "the rock carrying a baby on its back". They are structures formed as gases escape from within basalt lava, creating a hollow, pipe-like form running through the body. The most notable example in the area reaches about 3m in height, with numerous smaller examples scattered nearby. Also known as blisters, they are structures produced by volcanic rock rich in steam or gas generated by the interaction of lava and groundwater in volcanic areas; chimney-shaped forms exposed like this are uncommon elsewhere on Jeju Island. Biyangdo Island was formed by volcanic activity in 1002 and 1007, and is the only place in Korea where the timing of volcanic activity has been recorded, giving it very high academic value. In addition, the group of hornitos on the northern coast of Biyangdo is unmatched elsewhere in scale and manner of occurrence, giving it high academic value.

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Where it is

Region

Jeju City, Jeju

Designation

Natural Monument · 천연기념물