WALKING
Jejudo Geotrail / 4 hours
Tour Features
Geopark and Trail Hiking
Yongmeori Tuff Ring - Sagye - Sanbangsan
(- - -) 13km
Today, you are treated to a geotrail which opened in 2014. It is not intended as merely walking routes, they are conduits for the preservation of local cultures enriched by geological heritage. Learn about the natural and geological wonders of Jeju as you leisurely make your way to Sanbang Lava Dome formed 800,000 years ago.
Stretched into the ocean from this mountain is Yongmeori Coast, a tuff ring outcropping into the sea showing the sedimentary structure of volcanic ash that was formed from hydrovolcanic eruptions. Following a steep natural staircase down is the rippled cliffs of brown and gray stone appeared to undulate towards and away from you. The contours of the high cliffs are unique, and their appearance is also interesting. This rare cliff formation along the coastal line, taking a shape of a dragon with its head up plunging into the ocean, offers a fascinating view with its seaside promenade of soaring, weather-blown cliffs along with the sea caves, vertical joints, bluffs and hollows.
The Dutch ship was wrecked nearby coastal waters on August 16, 1653 and of the 64 crewmembers only 36 survived. A duplicate of Dutch East India Company VOC-ship, The Sperwer with its rare exhibits, is on display on the dry land, and you will learn about the tradeship of the days gone by. You cannot possibly miss the Hendrick Hamel Monument that was erected where he came ashore. He was the first Western to write about Korea "The Journal of Hendrick Hamel" the improbable adventures of the surviving crewmembers of The Sperwer, giving the first detailed description of Korea that was unknown land to Europe.
You will enjoy a tiny beach, farms and villages, all while taking in the beauty of the geological attractions, ocean vistas, off shore islands, and unpolluted rural landscape and listening to the legends, local history and fascinating culture, and stories that give meaning to the landscape. While in Sagye, you will get to know the life of women divers or Haenyeo, and you may want to experience Haenyeo. You will see Songaksan in the distance, a low hill jutting out to the ocean. It is a monogenetic double volcano which comprises outer tuff ring, inner cinder cone and lava pond.
Following the sand dunes, explore numerous hominid footprints presumed to be 50,000 years old, some of which are 21 to 25 centimeters long, along with diverse animal footprints and plants. Footprints of hominid trace fossils of invertebrates, bird, artiodactyla, proboscidea, carnivores, unclassified footprints, and body fossils (arthropoda, gastropoda, mollusca, and plants). The formation has been outcropped and eroded out with innumerous fossils by the strong wave action of storm and typhoon. They are known as the first of their kind found in Asia and the seventh set found anywhere in the world. Museum is yet established, but it may be the best way to protect the fossil locality from all the natural activities and to do the research, exhibition, education, and sightseeing together.
Later the trail heads into 2 different directions, allowing you to take an easy walk or a challenging climb of Dansan. After that, you reach the point where two trails diverge, one is a shortcut making it 10.5km of trail and the other is a complete tour.
Although Jeju offers scenic Olle trails mostly all along the coastlines for anyone to enjoy in addition to multiple Oreum trekking trails, overall 4 hours geotrail hiking is a scenic escape and truly worth a trip.
