Gimnyeonggul and Manjanggul Lava Tube Caves, Jeju photo

Gimnyeonggul and Manjanggul Lava Tube Caves, Jeju

濟州 金寧窟과 萬丈窟

제주특별자치도 제주시

Basic information

Designation
Natural Monument No.98
Category
자연지형
Era
신생대
Designated year
1962
Location
제주시, 제주특별자치도제주특별자치도 제주시 구좌읍 김녕리 산 7-1 외
Coordinates
33.528330, 126.770894

AI Docent

✨ AI-generated

Welcome to Gimnyeonggul and Manjanggul—two of the world's most extraordinary lava tube caves! Picture this: these massive underground tunnels were carved by flowing lava, not water like ordinary caves. Originally one connected system, they split apart long ago when part of the cave collapsed. Manjanggul is truly massive—over 7 kilometers long, making it one of the largest lava tubes on Earth. Inside, you'll discover a wonderland of formations: lava stalactites hanging from the ceiling, stalagmites rising from the floor, and stone pillars that seem to hold up the ancient rock above. Look down at the floor, and you'll see the actual tracks left by flowing lava—real evidence of how these caves formed millions of years ago. The smaller Gimnyeonggul, about 700 meters long, features its own magic: lava formations that look like a frozen waterfall at its end. These caves are protected treasures that teach scientists worldwide about volcanic processes. Come explore where fire once flowed underground.

⚠ This is an AI-generated retelling of the official description. For accuracy, refer to the official description below.

Description

As typical lava tubes in Northeastern Jeju-do, Gimnyeonggul and Manjanggul Lava Tubes had originally been connected but were divided into two tubes due to the cave-in. Manjanggul Lava Tube which is one of the largest lava tubes in the world is about 7.4 kilometers long. There are many lava tubes formations such as lava stalactites, lava stalagmites, and lava stone pillars. The tracks of lava flow on the floor serve as valuable data for researching the process of lava tubes formation. On the other hand, Gimnyeonggul Lava Tube is about 700 meters long. The tracks of lava flow remain on its floor, with hardened lava shaped like a waterfall found at the end of the tube. Unlike lime caves, Gimnyeonggul and Manjanggul Lava Tubes in Jeju-do were formed by lava. As these two lave tubes are world-renowned in scale and are valuable data for research, they are designated and protected as a natural monument.

Location

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Images: KOGL (khs.go.kr) · Data source: Korea Heritage Service Open API (khs.go.kr)

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