South Korea
Jeju Island
Welcome to South Korea! Jeju Island rose out of the sea from volcanic eruptions, and today it's covered in lava tubes, waterfalls, and a giant volcanic cone poking straight out of the ocean.
Why is it famous?
Jeju is South Korea's largest island, built entirely from volcanic eruptions over the last two million years.
It's famous for its dramatic coastline, black lava rock, and Hallasan — South Korea's tallest mountain, a volcano right in the island's center.
How was it formed?
Underwater volcanic eruptions built the island up layer by layer until it rose above the ocean's surface.
One dramatic eruption underwater created Seongsan Ilchulbong, a giant tuff cone that looks like a crown rising from the sea.
Amazing facts
Hallasan, the island's central volcano, holds a crater lake at its summit called Baengnokdam.
Jeju is home to Manjanggul, one of the longest lava tube caves in the world.
Quick facts
- Hallasan, the island's central volcano, holds a crater lake at its summit called Baengnokdam.
- Jeju is home to Manjanggul, one of the longest lava tube caves in the world.
- The island is dotted with over 360 smaller volcanic cones called 'oreum.'
- Jeju's coastlines are famous for haenyeo, women divers who free-dive for seafood without oxygen tanks, a tradition passed down for generations.