Jeju has plenty of World Heritage sites that tell the story of the island’s tumultuous, volcanic beginnings. Tourists can visit many of these sites throughout the year. The dramatic cliffs of Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak, the mysterious underground stretch of Manjanggul Cave, and Jusangjeolli Cliff’s unique columnar rock formations are highlights of many people’s trips.
The 2021 World Heritage Festival will open the door to Jeju attractions usually closed to the public. But there are plenty of heritage sites that don’t draw as much attention. The World Heritage Festival: Jeju Volcanic Islands and Lava Tubes aims to highlight some of these more unknown sites. The festival, which will take place from October 1 until October 17, will run several programs. Most of them are limited in the number of people who can participate due to the sensitive nature of the heritage sites. But for the chosen few, the tours will be a brilliant chance to explore some of Jeju’s off-limit attractions.
Experience and Appreciate Jeju’s World Heritage
11 Festival Highlights
11 events have been organized during the festival period. Each of these lets participants explore a part of Jeju’s world natural heritage in greater detail. The programs will focus on the areas around the Geomun Oreum Lava Tube System, Manjanggul Lava Tube, Hallasan Mountain, Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak, and heritage villages
1) Walking Tour
The walking tour consists of four paths: the Origin Trail, Lava Trail, Cave Trail, and the Stone and Life Trail. Each walk will take visitors on paths around the Geomun Oreum Lava Tube System, a volcanic hill known for its extensive underground lava tube system and beautiful nature.
2) Pilgrimage to World Natural Heritage Sites
This is a 7-day, 6-night expedition that will see participants travel from Hallasan Mountain, the 1,950-meter tall peak that stands in the center of Jeju, to Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak, a volcanic tuff cone on the island’s eastern coast and one of the island’s most well-known sites.
3) Night Walking at Hallasan Mountain’s Eoseungsaengak Trail
The Night Walking program will allow participants to climb Hallasan Mountain’s Eoseungsaengak Trail at night. This short trail takes hikers to the summit of Eoseungsaengoreum Peak, a volcanic hill situated within Hallasan National Park.
4) Manjanggul Lava Tube
The Special Exploration is a chance to walk along the entire 7.4 kilometers of Manjanggul Lava Tube, not just the one-kilometer section that is usually open to the public. Before commencing the exploration, participants must take a preparatory learning course.
5) Bengdwigul Lava Tube
This tour will see visitors allowed to explore sections of Bengdwigul Lava Tube not typically open to the public. The tour will operate every Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday during the festival.
6) Manjanggul Lava Tube and Gimnyeonggul Lava Tube
This tour takes participants through parts of Manjanggul Lava Tube and Gimnyeonggul Lava Tube—another cave close to Manjanggul. The tour will run every Sunday, Friday, and Saturday during the festival’s operation.
7) World Natural Heritage Tour
The World Natural Heritage Town Programs will see seven of Jeju’s heritage towns that tells their stories. Visitors get to learn about each village’s culture, way of life, and even food specialties.
8) Manjanggul Cave Immersive Art Performance
This is a 360-degree art experience that will see images projected onto the surfaces of Manjanggul Lava Tube. The visuals and stereoscopic sound will complement the cave’s unique characteristics, creating an immersive experience.
9) World Natural Heritage Commemoration Ceremony
The World Natural Heritage Commemoration Ceremony will take place at Umutgaehaean Beach at the foot of Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak. It’s a chance to view performances celebrating Jeju’s natural heritage. The ceremony will take place on October 16
10) Breath of Fire Festival
The Breath of Fire Festival is a wellness tourism area where visitors can try meditation, yoga, and other healing programs. There will also be food, exhibitions, and performances by local artists. The Breath of Fire Festival will operate at weekends during the festival period from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. It will take place at the entrance to Manjanggul Cave.
11) Breath of Fire Art Project
The Breath of Fire Art Project will see artwork displayed along the path of Walking Tour. The exhibit will be open to participants of Walking Tour throughout the duration of the festival.
Festival Dates: October 1 until October 17 (No programs on Tuesdays)
Admission: Dependent on the program
Contact: heritage1231@naver.com
Website: http://worldheritage.kr/
