Jeju: The Volcanic Island

 

“Jeju Island is Hallasan; and Hallasan is Jeju”

Mt. Hallasan

 

 

Mt. Hallasan, a shield volcano also adds to the landscape of Jeju Island including crater lakes and lava plains. It is the highest mountain in South Korea and the area around it has been labeled a national park. The lavas of this volcano cover the bulk of the island, so much to that it is taken to represent the whole island.  

The basalt volcanic form is the least dangerous of all the volcanoes. The low angle of the volcanic form and multiple lava flows lends to the lava plains.

Multiple Lava Flows

This volcano is still active but hasn’t erupted since 1570 A.D. Mt. Hallasan as well as the lava tubes have become major tourist attractions for the island. The summit has been free from any natural disasters like earthquakes. The peak of Mt. Hallasan a dome that was formed by intrusion and emplacement between 25,000-30,000 years ago.

 Lava Tubes

Lava Tubes

Jeju Island, already being a volcanic island is also comprised of lava tubes. Geomunoreum is looked upon as the finest lava tube system. It is regarded as a United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Site.

Jeju and the lava tubes fall under two criteria for a World Heritage Site: exceptional natural beauty or natural phenomena and it reveals the Earth’s history through landforms, geology or record of life.

The lava tubes are some of the largest in the world. The island itself is important in biodiversity. Almost half of the plants that grow in the region of South Korea flourish the most on Jeju Island; another reason why it is registered as a World Natural Heritage Site.

There are more than 120 lava tubes throughout Jeju Island. They were formed with large amounts of basaltic lava that was given off by the Geomunoreum volcano. Some of the lava tubes contained artifacts from previous man, and have been used as a shelter or scared place.

References and Photos:

"Cultural Heritage, the Source for Koreans' Strength and Dream".Cultural Heritage, the Source for Koreans' Strength and Dream. Web. 14 Feb. 2013.

"Formation of Jeju Island - Jeju Special Self-Governing Province." Formation of Jeju Island - Jeju Special Self-Governing Province. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Feb. 2013.

"Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes." - UNESCO World Heritage Centre. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Feb. 2013.

"UNESCO Kids." The World Natural Heritage/UNESCO Kids. Web. 14 Feb. 2013.

http://www.vulcanospeleology.org/sym05gui/ISV5G07.pdf