Jeju Island Accelerates Preparations for Opening Including Manjanggul Inspection

World Heritage Headquarters to Conduct Self-Inspection and Facility Maintenance by Cave Experts on the 16th

Opening Schedule to Be Decided After Consultation with the Cultural Heritage Administration

Jeju Special Self-Governing Province is conducting a self-inspection during the thawing season at Manjanggul, which has been temporarily closed since January 26 due to falling rocks, and is making thorough preparations for reopening by removing some hazardous factors.

Manjanggul Cave, Jeju Island
Photo by Jeju Island

Following the falling rock incident, safety diagnosis expert consultations (Jan 31, 2023) and Cultural Heritage Committee consultations by the Cultural Heritage Administration (Feb 3, 2023) were conducted. Non-woven fabric was laid on all sections from the entrance to the stairs where falling rocks could occur due to ice formation. Visual inspections are carried out four times a day, and 24-hour video monitoring by four cameras per section has shown no unusual occurrences such as falling rocks to date.

The World Heritage Headquarters, following the Cultural Heritage Administration’s recommendation to conduct a comprehensive inspection after the thawing season to prevent visitor safety accidents before reopening, had three cave experts inspect the site on the 16th and removed parts at risk of detachment.

Considering expert opinions that falling rocks could occur due to loosening caused by freezing of water flowing from the cave walls, the suspected areas on the cave ceiling were inspected one by one, and small rock fragments showing movement were removed.

The World Heritage Headquarters plans to make a final decision on the reopening timing after another expert confirmation and consultation with the Cultural Heritage Administration before reopening.

Ko Young-man, head of Jeju Province World Heritage Headquarters, said, “We are carefully reviewing with the highest priority on visitor safety,” and added, “We will make every effort to remove inconveniences and ensure a safe reopening.”

Jeju = Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Park Chang-won baekok@asiae.co.kr