Jeju’s wetlands are home to a wide array of plant and animal life. Among them, the Muljangori wetland is one of the most ecologically valuable. It is a designated as both a Ramsar wetland and one of Korea’s natural monuments. Joseph Kim has more.

At 930 meters above sea level on Hallasan Mountain, walking far off the beaten track takes you to a picturesque crater lake reflecting the sky.

[slug] Muljangori Oreum wetland

With a circumference of 400 meters, the Muljangori Oreum wetland is surrounded by untouched natural beauty. It was known as Sanjeong lake until the 1990s, but later became a wetland. It is considered a rich repository of wild plants.

Various plants and animals, like Baemtop(뱀톱), which looks like a snake, Bakseggot(박새꽃), with leaves that resemble a saw, and Goraengi(고랭이), a pretty and mysterious but poisonous rare water plant, can be found.

Interview
Yang Won-gyo / Muljangori Oreum ranger
Every time I visit here I discover a different scene. It is worth preserving for the next generation.
<인터뷰 : 양원교/영산강유역환경청 물장오리오름 감시원>
"올 때마다 새로운 풍경을 보고 느끼고 있습니다.
후대 자손들에게도 좋은 환경을 물려줄 수 있다며
영구히 보존할 가치가 있는 곳입니다."

A legend has it that the water of Sanjeong lake of Muljangori Oreum was so deep that the grandmother goddess Seolmundae died drowning in it. During the Joseon era, a ritual for rain was held since the water never dried out here.

After Hallasan Mountain was designated as a national park in 1970, access was restricted, which helped preserve a nearby historic kiln site.


[camera]
Kim Yong-min

[REPORTER]
Joseph Kim

Surrounded by mysterious natural beauty, Muljangori Oreum is an awe inspiring natural heritage which shares cultural and geological values.

Joseph Kim KCTV