Exploring South Korea’s Ultimate Natural Air Conditioner
As record-breaking heatwaves sweep across the region, Manjanggul Cave has re-emerged as a premier summer retreat in South Korea, maintaining a cool 15 degrees Celsius inside while temperatures outside soar past 30 degrees. According to the Jeju World Heritage Headquarters, a total of 340,272 people visited the UNESCO World Natural Heritage site between its grand reopening on May 30 and the end of August, averaging 3,739 visitors per day. Daily crowds peaked at 7,750 visitors on August 2, causing packed parking lots and long lines at the ticket booth.
Safety Upgrades and Major Renovations
This summer marks the first reopening season for Manjanggul Cave after it remained completely closed for two years and five months due to a falling rock incident in December 2023. To ensure visitor safety, the local government invested 12.1 billion won (approximately $9 million USD) into comprehensive safety and environmental improvements. Officials conducted 11 rounds of technical consultations and safety inspections with the National Heritage Administration. The roughly 1-kilometer public walkway now features flat wooden observation decks, replacing the previous wet and uneven stone path, alongside advanced monitoring systems for rockfalls and vibrations.
A Historic UNESCO World Heritage Wonder
Enhanced with dimmed LED lighting to preserve the cave’s dark atmosphere and prevent moss growth, the lava tube continues to captivate travelers. Formed by lava from Geomunoreum, the 7.4-kilometer-long cave was famously explored in 1946 by schoolteacher Ko Bu-jong-hyu and his students using straw sandals and torches. As part of the Geomunoreum Lava Tube System designated as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site, a Global Geopark, and a Natural Monument, the trail guides visitors past stunning geological formations like turtle rocks and a magnificent 7.6-meter lava column at the end of the public route.
