An event highlighting Jeju’s trails is underway at Suwolbong (수월봉) Peak in Gosan-ri (고산리). The event offers visitors a chance to learn from experts the value of Jeju’s geoparks. Mike Balfour has more.

Because of the frequent gusty winds felt here, Suwolbong (수월봉) Peak is also known as the Windy Hill (바람의 언덕).

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Suwolbong Peak in Hangyeong-myeon, Jeju City

In 2010, the picturesque Suwolbong Peak became a UNESCO-designated Global Geopark for its unique layers of rock. It shows traces of a volcanic eruption that occurred about 18,000 years ago.

The beautiful backdrop of the sea and rugged cliffs add to the pleasure of walking along its trails.

At this year’s Jeju Geopark Suwolbong Trail event, visitors also get to the learn more about the significance of the oreum.

[INTERVIEW]
Jeon Yong-moon / Geologist
This is the only place in Korea that made it into the Encyclopedia of Volcanoes. It’s significant because you can clearly see remnants of volcanic activity through its layers of volcanic ashes, and learn how Jeju Island was formed.
전용문/지질 전문가 우리나라 유일하게 화산학 백과사전에 소개돼 있는 곳이고 화산재가 어떻게 쌓이는지 그 과정을 단면에서 잘 보여주고 경관뿐만 아니라//
**수퍼체인지**
용암, 제주 형성 과정에 대해 잘 드러나 있는 대표적인 곳입니다.

The 5th Jeju Geopark Suwolbong Trail program is currently taking place along three different courses: the Suwolbong(수월봉) Eongal-gil(엉알길), the Dangsanbong(당산봉) Trail and the Chagwido(차귀도) Trail.

Every weekend, geological and historical experts accompany visitors on the trail to provide information on Suwolbong Peak, from its history to its value and culture.

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Various activities

Throughout the week, visitors can also take part in hands-on activities such as making flowerpots, and purchase regional specialties.

The participation by local residents adds meaning to Suwolbong as a Global Geopark.

[INTERVIEW]
Kang Man-seng / Chair, Jeju Geopark Trail Committee
The residents themselves explain geoparks to visitors. They are helping to inform people about the worth of geoparks.
강만생/제주지질공원트레일위원장
(주민들이) 지질공원 해설가 돼서
마을을 찾아오는 관광객들에게 직접 현장에서 설명해주고 있고
지질공원의 가치를 알리는데 지역주민들이 참여하고 있습니다.

[REPORTER]
Mike Balfour

The Global Geopark Suwolbong program allows people to see firsthand how Jeju Island was formed. The trail event runs for 9 days until September 6th.

Mike Balfour KCTV