Prelude to Mt. Halla

Tomorrow is the big day, that's when we climb Mt. Halla. The whole island is the result of volcanic eruptions, with Mt. Halla being the center and highest point:

Jeju the largest island in South Korea, came into existence 700 to 1,200 thousand years ago when lava spewed from a sub-sea volcano and surfaced above the waters. Then 100 to 300 thousand years ago, another volcanic eruption formed Mt. Halla. The final volcanic eruption that took place approximately 25 thousand years ago created the crater lake, Baekrok-dam, at the summit of the mountain. Mt. Halla rises in the center of Jeju to 1950m above sea level. The rest of the island slopes down from its summit and is covered with dark gray volcanic rocks and volcanic ash soil.

(from http://english.jeju.go.kr/contents/index.php?mid=01)

In the meantime here are some more pictures.

A replica of a cave showing casualties of the Jeju uprising that began in 1948. Mt. Halla had sheltered many of the civilians and guerrillas.


An ocean beach near Jeju City shows the volcanic origins of the island.


Another view of the beach.


Strange volcanic rock formations at the beach.


A "dol hareubang," which is Jeju dialect for "stone grandfather." These statues are carved from basalt and are seen throughout the island.