Seongsan Ilchulbong: The Flame Gem on Jeju's Basalt Crown​

【Introduction】​​ At the easternmost tip of Jeju Island, Seongsan Ilchulbong stands like a bronze crown lifted by the waves, towering for 100,000 years. This tuff cone formed by an underwater volcanic eruption features a 182-meter-high crater embraced by 99 jagged basalt columns and is listed as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site. When the golden light of dawn pierces the crater's mist, and the lava plateau collides with the indigo sea below, you will understand the reverence Jeju locals have for nature—the sunrise, the foremost of Jeju’s Ten Scenic Views, is Earth’s fiery love letter to humanity. ​​🕘【Opening Hours】​​ ​​Regular Hours​​: Open year-round, 07:30-19:00 (extended to 20:00 in summer) ​​Sunrise Special​​: Climbing path opens at 04:30 (queue 1 hour in advance) ​​Key Tips​​: Crater circular trail temporarily closed in strong winds (wind speed over 14m/s) October-November is the best viewing period, with less morning fog and clear sea and sky ​​💴【Ticket Prices】​​ ​​Adult​​: 5,000 KRW (≈28 CNY) ​​Youth​​: 3,500 KRW (≈19 CNY) ​​Free Admission​​: Under 6 and over 65 (with passport) + those wearing hanbok ​​⛺【Activities】​​ ​​1. Pilgrimage to the Crater​​ ​​Summit Ceremony​​: Climb wooden stairs for 25 minutes to reach the crater edge. The 99 basalt columns stand like giants surrounding the 600-meter-diameter bowl-shaped crater, with Jeju’s unique “wind orchid” hanging from the cliff walls. ​​Sunrise Mystery​​: At dawn, sunlight casts “bronze molten flow” shadows on the crater walls, creating a dynamic painting with the East Sea waves (photo spot: east viewing platform). ​​2. Lava Coast Adventure​​ ​​Haenyeo Performance​​: At the foot of the mountain, haenyeo diving shows (Jeju intangible cultural heritage) are held daily at 10:00 and 15:00. 70-year-old grandmothers hand-harvest abalone and octopus, with sashimi tasting available on site. ​​Black Sand Beach Cycling​​: Rent an electric bike (8,000 KRW/hour) to ride along the lava plateau, where black volcanic sand meets emerald sea, evoking an Icelandic desolation. ​​3. Geological Time Capsule​​ ​​Volcanic Profile Lesson​​: The west trail exposes alternating layers of 100,000-year-old volcanic ash and basalt. Scan QR codes for AR geological evolution explanations (in Chinese, English, and Korean). ​​Parasitic Volcano Group​​: View over 20 satellite volcanic cones on the sea, including Udo and Biyangdo, scattered like obsidian chess pieces. ​​⏳ Itinerary Design​​: 04:30 Climb for sunrise → 08:00 Haenyeo performance → 10:00 Crater circular walk → 12:00 Lava coast cycling → 15:00 Geological exploration ​​🚌【Transportation Guide】​​ ​​Island Hub​​: ​​Seoul→Jeju​​: Take an early flight from Gimpo Airport (1 hour), then transfer to bus 710 directly to the site (1.5-hour ride). ​​Busan→Jeju​​: By ferry (12-hour overnight) or plane (50 minutes). ​​Island Loop Line​​: Buy a Jeju East Loop Bus one-day pass (15,000 KRW) connecting Seongsan Ilchulbong, Seopjikoji, and Udo Pier. ​​👉【Trip Plan】​​ ​​🗺️ Three-Day Volcanic Coast Epic​​ ​​Day 1: Dialogue of Fire and Sea​​ Morning: In-depth tour of Seongsan Ilchulbong (including haenyeo experience) Afternoon: Seopjikoji cliff trail (filming location of "A Moment to Remember") → Aquarium transparent tunnel to see manta rays Overnight: Seongsan-eup seaside hanok (recommended: Seongsan Bada Bak) with abalone porridge ​​Day 2: Island Volcano Code​​ ​​Udo Island Circuit​​: Rent a dune buggy to visit East Coast Whale Cave lava cave → Hagosu Cave black sand beach café ​​Volcanic Rice Wine​​: Udo Peanut Winery DIY volcanic rock cellar rice wine ​​Day 3: Secret Origins​​ ​​Manjanggul Cave​​: Explore the world’s longest lava tube (13 km underground maze, only 1 km open) ​​Woljeongri​​: White sand beach surfing class + citrus farm picking (September-November only) ​​🌋 Deep Link​​: ​​Geology Enthusiast Line​​: Seongsan Ilchulbong + Yongduam Coast columnar joints + Sanbangsan sea cave temple (3-day pass 12,000 KRW). ​​🧡【Preparation】​​ ​​Volcanic Hiking Pack​​: Non-slip hiking shoes (lava plateau is slippery) + windbreaker (winds often reach level 10 at the summit) Headlamp (essential for pre-sunrise climb) ​​Imaging Revolution​​: Wide-angle lens (for crater panorama) + polarizing filter (to reduce sea glare) Drone flying prohibited (core area of World Heritage site) ​​Cultural Code​​: Bow to haenyeo as a sign of respect (do not disturb diving outside performance times) Do not pick up volcanic rocks (fine of 1 million KRW for violations) ​​Taste Blind Box​​: Mountain foot food cart “volcanic rice balls”: spicy octopus filling + basalt seaweed ​​⭕ Core Tip​​: “When the first ray of light pierces the crater mist, the 99 basalt columns suddenly turn into bronze armor—turns out the earth’s roar from 100,000 years ago was to share this coronation of light with humanity. This is Jeju’s philosophy to the world: destruction and gift are two sides of the same coin.”