What Is Manjanggul Cave?
Manjanggul Cave (만장굴) is one of the longest lava tubes in the world, stretching 7.4 kilometers beneath the northeastern coast of Jeju Island. Formed around 200,000-300,000 years ago by flowing basaltic lava from Hallasan's volcanic eruptions, the cave is part of the Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes UNESCO World Heritage Site, inscribed in 2007.
Only about 1 kilometer of the cave is open to visitors, but that section contains some of the most impressive lava formations on the planet, including the world's tallest known lava column at 7.6 meters. The rest of the cave is closed to protect the fragile ecosystem, which includes rare cave-dwelling insects and bat colonies.
Manjanggul is one of three lava tubes on Jeju open to the public. The others are Gimnyeonggul (smaller, nearby) and Hyeopjaegul (inside Hallim Park). Manjanggul is the largest and most impressive.
What You'll See Inside
The visitor route is a straight out-and-back walk of about 1 kilometer each way along a paved and lit pathway. The cave ceiling soars up to 23 meters in places, and the width reaches 18 meters, giving it a cathedral-like atmosphere.
Key Formations
- Lava column (7.6 meters): the turnaround point of the trail and the cave's star attraction. This pillar formed when lava from the ceiling dripped onto a stalagmite-like mound and fused together.
- Lava stalactites and stalagmites: formed by dripping molten rock, they look similar to limestone formations but are created by a completely different process.
- Lava shelves: horizontal ledges marking the level of previous lava flows, like high-water marks on a riverbank.
- Lava flow lines: rippled textures on the walls showing the direction and speed of ancient lava movement.
- Lava raft: a flat section of ceiling crust that broke off and floated on the flowing lava below.
The lighting is deliberately dim to preserve the cave environment and enhance the atmosphere. Your eyes will adjust after a few minutes.
Walk all the way to the lava column at the end — many visitors turn back early, but the most impressive formations are in the final 200 meters.
Hours, Tickets & Getting There
| Detail | Information |
|---|
| Opening hours | 09:00-18:00 (last entry 17:10) |
| Closed | First Wednesday of each month (maintenance) |
| Adult ticket | ₩4,000 |
| Youth / military | ₩2,000 |
| Child (under 12) | ₩2,000 |
| Jeju residents | Free |
| Visit duration | 60-90 minutes (including walk in and out) |
Getting There
- By car: approximately 30 minutes from Jeju City, 50 minutes from Seogwipo. Free parking lot at the entrance.
- By bus: take bus 701 from Jeju Intercity Bus Terminal to the Manjanggul stop (about 40 minutes). The cave entrance is a 15-minute walk from the bus stop.
- By tour: many Jeju eastern-route day tours include Manjanggul alongside Seongsan Ilchulbong and Seopjikoji.
Manjanggul pairs well with nearby Gimnyeong Maze Park (a fun 10-minute hedge maze, ₩3,300) and the Gimnyeong Beach area. All are within a 5-minute drive.
What to Wear & Bring
The cave maintains a constant temperature of 11-21°C year-round regardless of outside weather. In summer, it feels refreshingly cool; in winter, it is warmer than outside. The key factor is moisture — the cave is damp and the walkway can be slippery.
- Warm layer: even in summer, bring a light jacket or hoodie. The temperature inside hovers around 11-15°C in the deeper sections.
- Closed-toe shoes with grip: the path is paved but wet in places. Sandals and heels are a bad idea.
- Skip the umbrella: there is no rain inside, but condensation drips from the ceiling in some sections.
- Camera: photography is allowed but flash is discouraged as it disturbs bat colonies. Low-light phone cameras work well.
- Small flashlight (optional): useful for examining formations up close in dimly lit areas.
The walkway is uneven in places and can be slippery from moisture. Watch your step, especially near the lava column where the path narrows.
| Item | Cost |
|---|
| Adult admission | ₩4,000 |
| Youth / child admission | ₩2,000 |
| Parking | Free |
| Bus from Jeju City (701) | ₩2,000-3,000 |
| Taxi from Jeju City | ₩20,000-25,000 |
| Gimnyeong Maze Park (nearby) | ₩3,300 |
| Guided tour (via GetYourGuide / Klook) | ₩40,000-70,000 (includes transport) |
Manjanggul is excellent value for money. At ₩4,000 for one of the world's most impressive lava tubes, it is one of Jeju's best-priced attractions.
Visit on a rainy day. Manjanggul is entirely underground, making it the perfect Jeju activity when the weather does not cooperate for outdoor sightseeing.
Emergencies anywhere in Korea: 112 police, 119 fire/medical, 1330 for the 24/7 KTO tourist helpline (free, English/JP/CN/ES).
What Is Manjanggul Cave?
Manjanggul Cave (만장굴) is one of the longest lava tubes in the world, stretching 7.4 kilometers beneath the northeastern coast of Jeju Island. Formed around 200,000-300,000 years ago by flowing basaltic lava from Hallasan's volcanic eruptions, the cave is part of the Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes UNESCO World Heritage Site, inscribed in 2007.
Only about 1 kilometer of the cave is open to visitors, but that section contains some of the most impressive lava formations on the planet, including the world's tallest known lava column at 7.6 meters. The rest of the cave is closed to protect the fragile ecosystem, which includes rare cave-dwelling insects and bat colonies.
Manjanggul is one of three lava tubes on Jeju open to the public. The others are Gimnyeonggul (smaller, nearby) and Hyeopjaegul (inside Hallim Park). Manjanggul is the largest and most impressive.
What You'll See Inside
The visitor route is a straight out-and-back walk of about 1 kilometer each way along a paved and lit pathway. The cave ceiling soars up to 23 meters in places, and the width reaches 18 meters, giving it a cathedral-like atmosphere.
Key Formations
- Lava column (7.6 meters): the turnaround point of the trail and the cave's star attraction. This pillar formed when lava from the ceiling dripped onto a stalagmite-like mound and fused together.
- Lava stalactites and stalagmites: formed by dripping molten rock, they look similar to limestone formations but are created by a completely different process.
- Lava shelves: horizontal ledges marking the level of previous lava flows, like high-water marks on a riverbank.
- Lava flow lines: rippled textures on the walls showing the direction and speed of ancient lava movement.
- Lava raft: a flat section of ceiling crust that broke off and floated on the flowing lava below.
The lighting is deliberately dim to preserve the cave environment and enhance the atmosphere. Your eyes will adjust after a few minutes.
Walk all the way to the lava column at the end — many visitors turn back early, but the most impressive formations are in the final 200 meters.
Hours, Tickets & Getting There
| Detail | Information |
|---|
| Opening hours | 09:00-18:00 (last entry 17:10) |
| Closed | First Wednesday of each month (maintenance) |
| Adult ticket | ₩4,000 |
| Youth / military | ₩2,000 |
| Child (under 12) | ₩2,000 |
| Jeju residents | Free |
| Visit duration | 60-90 minutes (including walk in and out) |
Getting There
- By car: approximately 30 minutes from Jeju City, 50 minutes from Seogwipo. Free parking lot at the entrance.
- By bus: take bus 701 from Jeju Intercity Bus Terminal to the Manjanggul stop (about 40 minutes). The cave entrance is a 15-minute walk from the bus stop.
- By tour: many Jeju eastern-route day tours include Manjanggul alongside Seongsan Ilchulbong and Seopjikoji.
Manjanggul pairs well with nearby Gimnyeong Maze Park (a fun 10-minute hedge maze, ₩3,300) and the Gimnyeong Beach area. All are within a 5-minute drive.
What to Wear & Bring
The cave maintains a constant temperature of 11-21°C year-round regardless of outside weather. In summer, it feels refreshingly cool; in winter, it is warmer than outside. The key factor is moisture — the cave is damp and the walkway can be slippery.
- Warm layer: even in summer, bring a light jacket or hoodie. The temperature inside hovers around 11-15°C in the deeper sections.
- Closed-toe shoes with grip: the path is paved but wet in places. Sandals and heels are a bad idea.
- Skip the umbrella: there is no rain inside, but condensation drips from the ceiling in some sections.
- Camera: photography is allowed but flash is discouraged as it disturbs bat colonies. Low-light phone cameras work well.
- Small flashlight (optional): useful for examining formations up close in dimly lit areas.
The walkway is uneven in places and can be slippery from moisture. Watch your step, especially near the lava column where the path narrows.
| Item | Cost |
|---|
| Adult admission | ₩4,000 |
| Youth / child admission | ₩2,000 |
| Parking | Free |
| Bus from Jeju City (701) | ₩2,000-3,000 |
| Taxi from Jeju City | ₩20,000-25,000 |
| Gimnyeong Maze Park (nearby) | ₩3,300 |
| Guided tour (via GetYourGuide / Klook) | ₩40,000-70,000 (includes transport) |
Manjanggul is excellent value for money. At ₩4,000 for one of the world's most impressive lava tubes, it is one of Jeju's best-priced attractions.
Visit on a rainy day. Manjanggul is entirely underground, making it the perfect Jeju activity when the weather does not cooperate for outdoor sightseeing.
Emergencies anywhere in Korea: 112 police, 119 fire/medical, 1330 for the 24/7 KTO tourist helpline (free, English/JP/CN/ES).