Sangumburi Crater (산굼부리) is an impressive and unique volcanic crater located in Jocheon-eup, Jeju City, Jeju Island, South Korea. Designated as Natural Monument No. 263, it’s a popular tourist destination known for its distinct flat-bottomed shape and diverse vegetation.
Key Features:
Maar Volcano: Unlike the typical cone-shaped volcanic craters found on Jeju, Sangumburi is a maar, formed by a volcanic eruption that didn’t produce a significant cone. This makes it relatively flat and wide.
Large Dimensions: The crater boasts a circumference of over 2 kilometers (around 2,070 meters), a width of about 650 meters, and a depth ranging from 100 to 146 meters. From above, it resembles a natural stadium.
Diverse Ecosystem: The inside of the crater is home to a remarkable variety of plant life. The north-facing slope supports a warm-temperate forest with species like red-thorn trees and magnolias, including rare winter strawberries. The south-facing slope features a temperate forest with evergreens, maples, and mountain strawberry trees.
Scientific Significance: The unique botanical environment within the crater attracts researchers due to the coexistence of different vegetation zones in a limited space.
Panoramic Views: While the inside of the crater is protected for its ecological value and generally off-limits to direct descent, the rim offers expansive views of the surrounding plains, distant volcanic cones (oreum), and lush fields, especially beautiful in autumn when covered in eulalia grass.
Easy Access to the Rim: It’s a short and easy walk to reach the crater rim, making it accessible for most visitors.
Sangumburi Crater is a must-see natural wonder on Jeju Island, offering a unique geological formation, diverse plant life, and beautiful scenery with easy access. It’s a great place to appreciate the island’s volcanic past and natural beauty.
