Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes

World Heritage Research

Discover scientific research and academic studies that deepen our understanding of Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes from its history and significance to its conservation, management, and contemporary challenges.

• Stable isotope signatures of precipitation and implications for groundwater recharge on Jeju volcanic island, South Korea

  High-altitude summer rainfall on Jeju Island, South Korea, serves as the dominant source of groundwater recharge, with rapid flow pathways transporting depleted isotopic signatures from northern slopes to coastal areas. This finding emerges from a stable isotope analysis of oxygen (δ¹⁸O) and hydrogen (δ²H) in monthly precipitation and groundwater, revealing distinct seasonal variability linked to monsoon patterns. Northern-slope precipitation exhibited lower δ¹⁸O values and d-excess, mirroring the isotopic signatures found in groundwater, which suggests preferential flow dynamics. The study underscores the critical role of long-term isotope monitoring in understanding and managing groundwater resources on volcanic islands with unique hydrogeological characteristics.

  Kim, M.-C., Shin, W.-J., Koh, E.-H., Koh, C.-S., Kim, G.-E., & Lee, K.-S. (2026). Stable isotope signatures of precipitation and implications for groundwater recharge on Jeju volcanic island, South Korea. Journal of Hydrology: Regional Studies, 64, 103141. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejrh.2026.103141

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• Hydrogeologic Heterogeneity Impacts on Fresh–Saltwater Interaction in Jeju Volcanic Island, Korea

  Hydrogeological heterogeneity significantly influences fresh-saltwater interactions in coastal aquifers, particularly in volcanic regions like Jeju Island. Research reveals that the shape of the fresh-saltwater transition zone (FSTZ) varies distinctly between hyaloclastite and lava layers, with a sharp interface forming in hyaloclastite due to conduit flow through highly permeable layers. This flow acts as a preferential pathway for rapid groundwater discharge, disrupting tidal signals on specific conductance (SC). Conversely, lava layers exhibit a step-like FSTZ, where boundary flows create more complex interactions, showing stronger associations between tides and SC. The study employed geological logs, geophysical logging, and time series analysis of groundwater levels and multi-depth SC to propose a conceptual hydrogeological model that integrates these volcanic structures. This work underscores the critical role of geological heterogeneity in shaping coastal aquifer dynamics in volcanic environments.

  Koh, C.-S., Koh, E.-H., Park, W.-B., & Kim, M.-C. (2025). Hydrogeologic Heterogeneity Impacts on Fresh–Saltwater Interaction in Jeju Volcanic Island, Korea. Groundwater, 63(4), 621–635. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1111/gwat.13472

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• Characterization of the groundwater system of Jeju volcanic island, Korea, using environmental tracers: a review

  A comprehensive review reveals that environmental tracers are pivotal in unraveling the groundwater dynamics of Jeju Island. These tracers have successfully categorized groundwater processes into six key areas: recharge, flow dynamics, age dating, nitrate sources, salinization, and submarine discharge. The study highlights the effectiveness of these methods while acknowledging their limitations, suggesting innovative approaches to overcome challenges and guide future research. This synthesis provides a robust framework for understanding and managing Jeju Island's critical freshwater resource.

  Lee, K.-S., Gautam, M. K., & Shin, W.-J. (2025). Characterization of the groundwater system of Jeju volcanic island, Korea, using environmental tracers: a review. Episodes, 49(3), 445–453. https://doi.org/10.18814/epiiugs/2025/025017

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• Morphological analysis of volcanic cones and its implication to Quaternary tectonics of the Jeju Island (South Korea)

  Research on Jeju Volcanic Island reveals that the morphological characteristics of its volcanic cones are influenced by subsurface fractures, which are often concealed beneath layers of volcanic rocks. The study identified two dominant types of Pre-Pleistocene magma-feeding fractures: E-W and NE/ENE-trending, consistent with previously documented tectonic structures. These findings suggest a potential link to the rotation of maximum horizontal stress direction (σHmax), providing critical insights into the island's seismic hazard assessment. To uncover these hidden structures, the study employed morphometric analysis, measuring parameters such as ellipticity, crater diameter, and cone alignment on 152 Quaternary volcanic craters. This approach offers a novel method for inferring subsurface fractures in volcanically active regions like Jeju Island.

  Hategekimana, F., Naik, S. P., & Kim, Y.-S. (2024). Morphological analysis of volcanic cones and its implication to Quaternary tectonics of the Jeju Island (South Korea). Quaternary Science Advances, 13, 100169. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.qsa.2024.100169

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• Korean geoheritage: the volcanic landforms of the Jeju Island UNESCO Global Geopark

  Recent research challenges long-standing interpretations of Jeju Island's volcanic landforms, revealing that Mt. Hallasan is not a typical shield volcano but a polygenetic and composite volcano formed through Strombolian eruptions, lava effusions, and magma intrusions between 200,000 to 17,000 years ago. Additionally, Biyangdo Island (Biyangbong), previously thought to be a single scoria cone from a thousand years ago, is now understood to have formed through subaerial volcanic eruptions 26,000 years ago, producing both a scoria and spatter cone. The study integrates the latest findings on other significant geosites, such as Suwolbong Tuff Cone and Seongsan Ilchulbong Tuff Ring, within Jeju Island's UNESCO Global Geopark. It emphasizes the importance of public awareness and regular monitoring to mitigate climate change impacts, including rockfalls at coastal sites and freeze-thaw weathering on Mt. Hallasan, ensuring sustainable protection of this unique geoheritage.

  Jeon, Y., Ki, J., & Southcott, D. (2024). Korean geoheritage: the volcanic landforms of the Jeju Island UNESCO Global Geopark. Episodes, 47(2), 295–310. https://doi.org/10.18814/epiiugs/2024/024010

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• Multi-stage volcanic eruption of Seongsan Ilchulbong tuff cone, Jeju Island

  Recent research reveals that Seongsan Ilchulbong, a Surtseyan tuff cone on Jeju Island, was formed through multiple volcanic eruptions rather than a single event. The study identified two overlapping craters, indicating prior volcanic activity before the current structure's formation. Using multibeam echo sounding, sparker seismic reflection data, and chemical analysis of core samples, scientists mapped the seafloor around Seongsan Ilchulbong, discovering a tabular protrusion 600 meters southeast of the cone. This feature, composed of volcanic rocks like tuff and scoria, suggests an earlier eruption sequence where magma supply shifted westward, leading to the current complex structure. The findings redefine the geological history of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, showing it evolved through five distinct stages over millennia, including coastal marine eruptions, magmatic transitions, and eventual erosion by ocean waves.

  Ki, J. S., Yoon, W. S., Go, S. Y., Sohn, Y. K., & Yoon, S. H. (2024). Multi-stage volcanic eruption of Seongsan Ilchulbong tuff cone, Jeju Island. Journal of the Geological Society of Korea, 60(3), 245–259. https://doi.org/10.14770/jgsk.2024.029

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• Application of the MELTS program to the fractional crystallization of low-alumina alkaline magma on Jeju Volcanic Island, Korea

  Research on Jeju Volcanic Island, Korea, reveals that the fractional crystallization of low-alumina alkaline magma most likely occurred at pressures between 0.2 and 0.1 GPa and under oxygen fugacities close to the FMQ buffer, with an H₂O content of 0.5 wt.% best matching natural rock evolution trends. The study applied MELTS, a computational tool for modeling magmatic processes, across varying pressures (2.0–0.1 GPa), oxygen fugacities (FMQ-3 to FMQ+3), and H₂O contents. While MELTS demonstrated effectiveness in predicting temperature, pressure, and other crystallization factors, its limitations—such as spinel overestimation and lack of hydrous mineral experiments—highlight the need for complementary analyses when assessing magmatic processes. This work provides critical insights into the volcanic evolution of Jeju Island.

  Le, H. Y., Chang, C., & Yun, S.-H. (2024). Application of the MELTS program to the fractional crystallization of low-alumina alkaline magma on Jeju Volcanic Island, Korea. Geoscience Letters, 11(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40562-024-00360-8

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