South Korea’s Jeju Island Is Permitting Entry to A few of Its Hidden Websites

Jeju Island has lengthy been a spot of attract, some calling it the “Hawaii of Korea,” whereas others have been enchanted by its set-jetting charms by the lengthy record of Okay-pop dramas set there.

Recognized for its dramatic volcanic landscapes (from Hallasan Nationwide Park to Cheonjeyeon Falls), distinctive culinary scene (Jeju Black pork, anybody?), and quirky tradition (like a teddy bear museum!), the South Korean island is a uncommon vacation spot that is a triple menace of UNESCO websites, inscribed as a World Heritage Web site in 2007, in addition to a Biosphere Reserve in 2002 and World Geopark in 2015.

To showcase all of its pure belongings, the Jeju World Pure Heritage Village Preservation Affiliation is bringing again its World Heritage Competition from July 4 to July 22. Whereas the aim of the sixth version of this occasion is to “promote the common worth and significance of Jeju Island’s UNESCO-listed pure heritage websites,” for locals and vacationers alike, it’s additionally an opportunity to see the websites like by no means earlier than, based on Korea JoongAng Each day.

All through the 19-day occasion, the UNESCO-honored Hallasan Pure Reserve, Geomunoreum Lava Tube System, and Seongsan Ilchulbong Tuff Cone will all be thrust into the highlight, whereas the opening ceremony and performances all through the celebration will spotlight the realm’s cultural traditions.

Maybe essentially the most distinctive facet of the competition are particular expeditions that invite guests inside sections of the websites which are normally off limits. This 12 months’s programming consists of excursions of the geological wonders of the Gimnyeonggul and Bengdwigul lava tubes, each a part of the Geomunoreum Lava Tube System, which UNESCO stated is “considered the best lava tube system of caves anyplace, with its multicolored carbonate roofs and flooring and dark-colored lava partitions.”

One other competition spotlight is the strolling tour following the lava path, divided into three sections, beginning with following the street carved by lava, then a cave part earlier than reaching a stone part that represents new life, together with limestone formations and endemic vegetation in forested areas, a real immersive journey by the volcanic circulate.

Different occasions embrace Hallasan hikes, together with the night time dawn hike by the pure reserve, boards with world leaders, and a heritage village to take pleasure in “excursions, experiences, and performances, and listen to the tough, particular, and trustworthy tales of people that had been born and raised on this World Heritage web site,” the competition web site defined.