This week on Jeju: A to Z, Todd Thacker takes a brief look at one of the island’s most famous natural sites -- a lava tube system that boasts one of the world’s most unique volcanic cave networks.

There’s a place on Jeju which brings together both the science and wonder of this volcanic island. It’s a rare example of a lava tube system which is both hundreds of thousands of years old and yet for the most part well-preserved.

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Gimnyeong-gil, Gujwa-eup, Jeju City

This is Manjanggul Cave, in the Gimnyeong area of Gujwa-eup, about a 30 minute drive east of Jeju City.

In total the cave system is 7.4 kilometers long, and in some places gets to be 18 meters in width and up to 23 meters in height. There are many interesting and beautiful lava tube structures there, including lava stalactites, ropy lava and a number of lava bridges.

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Discovered in 1946 by a group of students and their teacher

The reason these structures are in such good condition is that it wasn’t discovered and explored until relatively recently -- 1946 and 1947 to be exact. At that time, a group of students and their teacher from Gimnyeong Elementary School stumbled upon one of its three natural entrances.

Approximately 1 kilometer of the cave is accessible to the public. It makes a great place to explore for the whole family, and has the added bonus of being a relatively steady cool temperature in summer and winter -- between 11 and 21 degrees Celsius.

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Recognized by UNESCO and a Korean Natural Monument

In all, this natural treasure has been given three national and international designations, including a UNESCO-mandated environmental Geopark designation in 2010, a World Natural Heritage in 2007 and Korean Natural Monument No. 98 in 1970.

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Todd Thacker

When all is said and done, the Manjanggul Lava Tube system brings out the beauty -- and science -- of the island’s geological origins.

Todd Thacker, KCTV