New Lava Tube Found in Jeju

Another lava tube of significant academic value has been found in the Geomunoreum Lava Tube System, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Jeju. The cave was discovered near Dangcheomul cave comprising the Geomunoreum system in Woljeong-ri, Gujwa-eup in Jeju, World Natural Heritage Jeju said Friday.

Some 40 m away from Dangcheomul cave, the newly found cave is over 100 m long, 5 m wide and 1.8 m high. While lava cave products including the lave flow traces on the wall are well preserved, it also features picturesque characteristics of lime caves such as stalactites and stalagmites. The new lava tube is very similar to nearby Dangcheomul, a WNHJ spokesman said.

Dr. Jeon Yong-mun of the heritage authority said, "The new cave is assumed to extend toward the sea. Considering the direction it is highly likely an extension of Dangcheomul cave." The lava cave started forming some 100,000 years ago and the carbonate cave 4,000 years ago, he added.