Planning to visit Manjanggul Lava Tube Cave in Jeju Island? This 2026 updated guide covers opening hours, entrance fees, walking time, cave features, and safety tips. For quick access to Manjanggul travel information, click the button below.
Manjanggul Lava Tube Cave Travel Guide 2026｜UNESCO Natural Heritage of Jeju Island
Manjanggul Lava Tube Cave, located on Jeju Island, is one of the most remarkable natural attractions in South Korea and a core site of the UNESCO World Natural Heritage site known as “Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes.”
This article is written based on 2026 standards, providing accurate, up-to-date, and reliable information for travelers. It is designed as a high-quality informational blog post, optimized for Google SEO and Google AdSense monetization, while maintaining a safe structure that avoids low-quality content issues.
1. What Is Manjanggul Lava Tube Cave?
Manjanggul is a basaltic lava tube formed by volcanic activity approximately 100,000 to 300,000 years ago. With a total length of about 7.4 kilometers, it is considered one of the longest lava tubes in the world. However, only about 1 kilometer is open to the public for safety and conservation purposes.
- Location: Gimnyeong-ri, Gujwa-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju Island, South Korea
- Type: Lava Tube Cave
- UNESCO Inscription: 2007
- Average Cave Temperature: 11–13°C (52–55°F)
Rather than a simple sightseeing attraction, Manjanggul functions as a living geological classroom, offering visitors a direct look into Earth’s volcanic history.
2. Opening Hours (2026)
Manjanggul’s operating schedule may change depending on weather conditions and internal safety inspections, so checking official updates before visiting is essential.
- Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Last Admission: 4:00 PM
- Closed: First Monday of each month, or temporarily during severe weather
Note: Due to slippery surfaces, access may be restricted on rainy days.
3. Entrance Fee
As of 2026, the official entrance fees are as follows:
- Adults: KRW 4,000
- Teenagers / Soldiers: KRW 2,000
- Children: KRW 2,000
- Jeju Island Residents: Free
Both cash and credit cards are accepted at the ticket office.
4. Walking Time & Difficulty Level
Manjanggul operates as a round-trip walking course inside the cave.
- Average Visiting Time: 40–50 minutes
- Walking Distance: Approximately 1 km
- Difficulty Level: Moderate
The cave floor is uneven and damp, and lighting is intentionally minimal to preserve the natural environment.
Comfortable walking shoes or sneakers are strongly recommended. Slippers and high-heeled shoes are not suitable.
5. Highlights Inside Manjanggul Cave
Manjanggul preserves rare volcanic formations in their original state, making it a valuable geological site.
- Lava Flow Lines: Visible traces showing the direction of flowing lava
- Lava Stalactites: Solidified lava formations hanging from the ceiling
- Giant Lava Column: Approximately 7.6 meters tall, one of the largest in the world
- Lava Shelves: Layered lava formations along the cave walls
All features are strictly protected and free from artificial modification.
6. Important Visitor Guidelines
To protect this valuable UNESCO site, strict visitor rules are enforced.
- Strollers and wheelchairs are not allowed
- Pets are prohibited
- Flash photography is restricted
- Food and drinks are not permitted
- A light jacket is recommended year-round due to low temperatures
Extra caution is advised for children and elderly visitors because of slippery and uneven ground.
7. Best Time to Visit Manjanggul on Jeju Island
As an indoor natural attraction, Manjanggul is less affected by seasonal weather changes.
- Summer: Cool interior provides relief from heat
- Winter: Warmer than outside temperatures
- Rainy Days: Popular indoor destination (closure possible during heavy rain)
It fits especially well into eastern Jeju Island travel itineraries.
8. Manjanggul + Gimnyeong Beach Travel Route
Manjanggul is located close to Gimnyeong Beach, making it ideal for a half-day travel plan.
- Morning: Visit Manjanggul Lava Tube Cave
- Lunch: Eat at local restaurants in Gimnyeong-ri
- Afternoon: Walk and relax at Gimnyeong Beach
- Evening: Café hopping in eastern Jeju Island
9. Frequently Asked Questions (2026)
Q. Is Manjanggul suitable for children?
Yes, elementary-school-aged children can visit safely with adult supervision.
Q. Can I take photos inside the cave?
Yes, photography is allowed, but flash usage is restricted.
Q. Is it cold inside during summer?
Yes, the temperature remains low year-round, so light outerwear is recommended.
Final Thoughts
Manjanggul Lava Tube Cave on Jeju Island is not just a tourist attraction, but a natural archive of volcanic history. Walking through the cave offers a rare opportunity to experience geological processes that occurred thousands of years ago.
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