Living on Jeju, Manjanggul Cave is one of those places our family recommend for visitors – especially if it’s your first time exploring the island’s east coast. It’s one of Jeju’s most impressive natural attractions and one of the best-preserved lava tube caves in the world.
If you’re planning a visit, here’s all the information you need to know before you go.
What Is Manjanggul Cave?
Manjanggul Cave is part of the Geomunoreum Lava Tube System, formed thousands of years ago during volcanic eruptions from nearby oreum. While the entire cave system stretches for more than 13km underground, you can explore around 1km of the cave on your visit.
Inside, you’ll see:
- Large lava columns and flow patterns
- Stone shelves shaped by moving lava
- One of the largest lava columns in the world, standing 7.6 metres high
The temperature inside is cool year-round (which is great if you’re visiting in summer!). But it does mean that you can feel surprisingly cold if you’re not prepared – make sure to bring a jacket when you visit!
Where Is Manjanggul Cave?
Manjanggul Cave is located on the northeast side of Jeju Island, in Gujwa-eup.
- From Jeju City: around 40 minutes by car
- From Seogwipo: around 1 hour 15 minutes by car
It fits easily into a half-day east coast itinerary and we recommend combining your visit with a beach stop (our favourite is Woljeongri Beach) or café visit nearby. If you’re after some tasty tacos, check out Taco Massim serves a selection of delicious, fresh tacos with a stunning view of the beach.
How to Get There
There are a few different ways to visit, and you can even jump on a tour if you’re short on time.
By Car
If you want to be able to come and go as you please, then driving is by far the easiest option.
- On-site parking is available (and free of charge)
- From Jeju City, follow Route 1132 or 1112 toward Gujwa
From the car park, it’s a short walk through landscaped grounds to the cave entrance.
By Public Transport
Public transport is possible, but it does takes a little planning and patience.
- Take a bus toward Gujwa-eup
- Get off near Manjanggul Cave (routes change, so check the Jeju Bus Information System)
- Allow an extra 10–15 minutes to walk from the bus stop
For most visitors, a rental car or taxi is a much easier option, but the bus can add a little adventure to your trip!
Public or Private Tour
There are plenty of tour operators that offer a stop to Manjanggul Cave as part of a larger tour, but it’s far less flexible than visiting on your own and can be expensive. If you’re short on time and want to fit in as much as possible, it could be a great option. You can also look at hiring a private driver to give you more flexibility, so you can take as long as you want to explore the cave on your visit.
Opening Hours and Admission
Opening hours:
- 9:00am – 6:00pm (last entry usually around 5:10pm)
Closed:
- First Wednesday of every month
Admission fees:
- Adults: ₩4,000
- Kids (including teens): ₩2,000
Tickets are purchased at the entrance. If you’re a group of 10 or more you’re also entitled to discounted rates or ₩3,000 for adults and ₩1,500 for kids/teens.
What to Expect Inside Manjanggul Cave
The cave path is mostly flat, but the ground is a little uneven and damp in places (and can be slippery).
A few things to keep in mind:
- You’re in a cave so obviously lighting is low, but following the path is easy and well marked
- The temperature stays around 11–15°C year-round
- You return the same way you enter so in some sections it can get a little crowded depending on how busy it is when you visit
A visit can take you roughly between 30–60 minutes, depending on how many visitors there are and how often you stop.
What to Wear and Bring
Given that the the cave is damp and can get slippery, it’s really important to wear shoes with good grip for your own safety – especially if you’re travelling with kids.
Recommended:
- Sneakers or hiking shoes with good grip
- A light jacket or jumper, even in summer as it does get chilly down in the cave
- A small backpack so your hands are free
Avoid:
- Slippers or smooth-soled shoes
- Summer clothing (e.g. singlets) without a jacket or it’ll probably be an uncomfortable experience!
Is Manjanggul Cave Suitable for Kids?
Yes, the cave is suitable for kids but there’s a few things to consider to work out whether your kids will enjoy the visit.
- Strollers aren’t allowed
- The cave can feel dark and cold for very young children (our 4 year old had no issues but obviously each child is different)
- Kids need to walk the full distance themselves
If you’ve got toddlers, you may want to reconsider if you’re worried about them slipping or if they’re likely to be afraid.
Best Time to Visit
Based on our experience travelling on Jeju, timing it right can mean avoiding crowds and having more time to enjoy the caves without feeling rushed or crowded.
- Arrive before 10am to avoid tour buses
- Summer is ideal for escaping the heat
- Rainy days are fine, as the cave is fully enclosed
During Korean school holidays and long weekends, expect queues and slower movement inside the cave.
Is Manjanggul Cave Worth Visiting?
Manjanggul Cave is definitely worth a visit, particularly if you’re interested in Jeju’s volcanic landscape or want to see something truly unique. It’s very different from Jeju’s beaches and coastal walks and gives a real insight into how the island was formed.
But if mobility is an issue or you’re travelling as a family with very young kids, you may prefer one of Jeju’s easier-access attractions.
Nearby Places to Visit
If you’re looking to combine Manjanggul Cave with other east coast stops (which makes sense, especially if you’re driving), here are a couple of our favourite nearby options:
- Woljeongri Beach – this stunning beach offers white sand, crystal clear water and cute little cafés with ocean views
- Gimnyeong Beach – just as beautiful but a little quieter and family-friendly
- Bijarim Forest – shaded walking trails that are easy for young kids to explore
- A scenic east coast drive