Hanrim Yongamdongguljidae(socheongul, Hwanggeumgul, Hyeopjaegul), Jeju

Basic information

Designation

Natural Monument No.236

Category

자연지형

Era

신생대

Designated year

1971

Location

제주시, 제주특별자치도— 제주특별자치도 제주시 한림읍 협재리 617 등

Coordinates

33.374147, 126.246055

The region of lava tubes in Jeju-do is stretched over the villages of Bukjeju-gun, Gujwa-eup, Hallim-eup, and Aewol-eup. This region is home to Socheongul Cave, Hwanggeumgul Cave, Hyeopjaegul Cave, and Ssangnyonggul Cave connected with Hyeopjaegul Cave. Socheongul Cave is at the northwestern slope of Hallasan Mountain. With total length of 2,980 meters, it is the 4th longest cave in Korea. The entrance of this cave was made by the gas spouted from inside of the cave. The temperature inside this cave is high, and various kinds of moss grow well. In this cave are another cave 240 meters long and a stratum called “coffin.” They are rare in the world. In addition, there are various cave formations such as lava stalactites that look like the teeth of a shark. This cave is highly valuable for researching the process of the cave's formation. Hwanggeumgul Cave is 180 meters long. It was discovered in 1969 but has not been opened to the public yet. In this cave are lava-stalactites looking like icicles and lava-stalagmites shining with a golden color. This is called “the golden underground palace.” Hyeopjaegul Cave is 99 meters long and 6 meters high. This cave is very valuable because many stalactites, stalagmites, and stone pillars keep growing in the cave. Ssangnyonggul Cave connected with Hyeopjaegul Cave is 393 meters long and shaped horizontally. The name Ssangnyonggul, meaning two dragons, originated with the outlook of this cave because the inside of this cave looks as if two dragons came out. The Lava Tube Area in Hallim are very valuable because of the many rare cave formations in these caves. Therefore, it is designated and protected as a Natural Monument.

Location