A Detailed Guide To Manjanggul Cave Jeju Island, South Korea

Manjanggul Cave is the 12th longest lava tunnel in the world. This lava tube was formed hundreds of thousands of years ago and is a must-visit destination on Jeju island, South Korea.

In this travel guide, I’ll share useful information and tips for Manjanggul Cave, including the following sections:

  • Cave formation
  • How to visit Manjanggul Cave
  • Things to see at Manjanggul lava tunnel
  • How to get from Jeju
  • Entrance fee and opening hours
  • Sightseeing time
  • What to pack

About Manjanggul lava tube

Unlike most normal caves formed from natural erosion, Manjanggul Cave (만장굴) was formed between 200,000 and 300,000 years ago when the 456m volcano Geomunoreum erupted.

Accordingly, magma flows with extremely high temperatures deep underground were formed from the materials that make up the Earth’s crust. Eventually, this magma rose to the surface and erupted in the form of lava.

The lava then flowed down the coast, and the path extended for more than 13km, from which many lava tubes were created. The Manjanggul lava system is currently the largest cave in this system.

The total length is more than 7400m long, with sections up to 25m high and 18m wide. However, the cave also has small parts, barely large enough for one person to pass through.

Manjanggul cave Jeju island Korea.
Manjanggul is one of the largest cave systems in the world. The cave takes visitors to discover an underground world full of mystery and charm.

There are three entrances to the Manjanggul lava tube, but visitors can only use the second entry. Most of the cave is closed off, and you can only explore around 1 km from the cave entrance.

Travel tips

How to get from Jeju to Manjanggul Cave

Manjanggul Cave is 30km east of Jeju City, and a bus ride takes about 30 minutes. You can also book a private car transfer to Manjanggul cave.

I recommend taking the Eastern Jeju tour to visit Manjanggul and attractions in the Eastern part of Jeju island. The tour is hassle-free as you don’t have to wait for the bus or get lost during transit.

How to visit Manjanggul Cave

From the cave entrance, follow the wooden path to explore the majestic beauty of the lava tunnel.

There are light systems along the way, but you still should bring a torch as the light is relatively poor in some areas.

The floor is wet and uneven so hold on to the railings as you may easily slip. 

Manjanggul cave Jeju Korea.

Things to see and do at Manjanggul lava tunnel

Lava stalactites and stalagmites

Thanks to the formation of volcanic eruptions, Manjanggul Cave has different characteristics from other limestone caves around the world.

The tunnel is impressive, with multiple lava stalactites, stalagmites, and flowstones.

Manjanggul cave Jeju island Korea.
Most rocks with the most distinctive shapes are illuminated by multi-colored lights, creating a mysterious atmosphere for the cave.

Turtle Rock

Countless rock samples with different animal shapes are formed from molten lava, both eye-catching and exciting.

The most prominent ones are Turtle Rock and the giant lava column. This rock gains its name thanks to the shape of a turtle, quite similar to Jeju Island’s shape. 

Giant lava column

A giant lava column formed when volcanic lava spills from above is open to tourists at the end of the tunnel.

With a height of 7.6m, this is the tallest lava column in the world that has been discovered.

Manjanggul cave lava column Jeju Korea.

Splendid and magnificent was what I felt when visiting the Manjanggul lava tube cave on Jeju Island. Manjanggul is like an underground world with rocks of all shapes and sizes.

Manjanggul cave trip Jeju Korea.

The bats

I spotted a few bats in the cave on my visit here.

I was surprised to learn that Manjanggul Cave has the largest bat colony on Jeju Island, which nests in this dense cave system. This cave is also recorded as the largest bat cave in Korea, with more than 30,000 bats.

The cave is also home to other animals, notably the Jeju cave spider.

The museum

There’s a small museum onsite where you can read more about the origin and features of the cave. 

The trees

Not only are the colorful rocks, but this place also offers a feeling of relaxation and refreshment with the green flora. 

tree.

Manjanggul lava tube entrance ticket

The ticket price for Manjanggul Cave is 4000 won for adults and 2000 won for children and teenagers.

If you travel in a group of 10 or more people, the entrance prices will be lower. It is 3000 for adults and 1500 for teenagers and children. 

It’s free for children under 7, seniors over 65, and the disabled and their caretakers.

Manjanggul cave gate Jeju Korea.

Manjanggul cave opening hours

Manjanggul lava tube is open daily from 9 am to 6 pm, with a slightly earlier closing time in winter at 5 pm. The last entrance is at 5 pm (or 4 pm in the winter).

Also, it is closed on the first Wednesday of the month. 

How long does it take to visit Manjanggul Cave?

The cave entrance is a 7-minute walk from the parking, and the whole cave exploration will take about 45 to 50 minutes on foot. 

The best time to visit the Manjanggul lava cave is 9 am to 4 pm.

What to pack

You should bring a jacket when visiting Manjanggul Cave because the temperature in the cave is quite cold. Also, water may drop down from the cave ceiling as well. 

On the day I visited Manjang cave, the temperature outside was 33 degrees Celsius while inside was under 15. I was freezing! Some people even wore raincoats as well.

A torch would be handy for your trip, and a pair of comfortable walking shoes is a must. 

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