코로나로 막힌 여행길, 화산섬 제주도 문화유산에서 힐링<br /><br />With many borders around the world still closed due to the covid-19 pandemic, but the outbreak in South Korea relatively under control compared to several weeks ago... many in this country are choosing the southern resort island of Jeju as their travel spot.<br />Just off the southern coast of the Korean peninsula, the exotic island offers unique geological features not only amazing to look at but with scientific value as well.<br />Lee Kyung-eun reports.<br />The island of Jeju, just off the coast of the Korean peninsula, was formed by volcanic eruptions.<br />Its unique geological features and natural beauty,... make it a popular destination for domestic tourism, even more so with the halt in overseas travel.<br />The tuff cone of Seongsan Ilchulbong or Seongsan Sunrise Peak is one of the island's most iconic spots.<br />Rising out from the ocean, the sea cliffs offer a view that cannot been seen in other volcanic cones around the island.<br />It's also known for its scientific value given its well-preserved bowl-shaped crater and the inner structures of a hydrovolcano, which is why it is designated a UNESCO World Heritage site.<br />It takes roughly 20 minutes to reach the peak, where you can enjoy one of the most spectacular sunrises in the country.<br />"I was really impressed when I came here for a school trip. I wanted to come here with my kid as the hiking course is not that tough either."<br />The volcanic activities have also created this estuary, where fresh water meets with the ocean.<br />The tide's ebb and flow can even be seen in this lake.<br />And in the afternoon, the water level goes down by up to 2 meters.<br />"Tourists can also take a ride on one of Jeju's traditional fishing boats, known as Taewoo. The wooden boats were once used by haenyo, or the island's iconic female divers."<br />And people can use kayaks to get up close to the volcanic cliffs.<br />But Manjanggul cave may offer a truly exceptional experience, taking you into the actual passageways that lava once flowed through.<br />Meaning "very deep" in local dialogue,... the tunnel shows the delicate footprints of the lava flow, from which its direction and thickness can be estimated.<br />"I’ve been to other caves before but I’ve never seen one this big."<br />Some 170 volcanic caves have been discovered so far, of which four are open to the public.<br />Lee Kyung-eun, Arirang News, Jeju.<br />
