Wandering inside the lava tubes of Manjanggul

Because I left the sunrise peak around 10:30 with the counterclock bus, I was dropped off 1h later at an intersection 2.5km away from the lava tube complex. As I prepared myself to walk the distance, a taxi pulled up and offered to take me to the sight for 4000KRW. I was trying to save some time and hopped in. During the 5min ride he tried to sell me a tour of the island, packed with stuff that didn't really interest me. I refused it all. On the way he picked up 2 other passengers going the other directions!

I was however happy to get to the entrance of one impressive lava tube, since it made the UNESCO World Heritage list. The whole island was a giant natural world heritage site. I got to use my headlamp too! As much as it was pretty hot outside (around 25C), it was chilly and humid inside.There were not many people and bits of golden reflections could be seen in the rocks making up the walls. Walking through the various galleries dripping water was fun as everything echoed in the hollow tunnel. Taking pictures was a challenge in the dark.

I tried out different settings on the camera and got some seriously spooky effects.

I was seriously tempted to carve out a piece of that shiny gold. At the end of the gallery was a tall shootup of badly lit rock. The comment in English couldn't be started so I just took turn with the other 2 other ladies visiting to pose in front of it and snap some bad photos, while making chitchat in English.

Back outside shortly after 13:30 I was eager to warm up by walking back the 2.5km to the bus stop. Ironically, plenty of taxi offered the ride for 2000KRW or even for free! Along the way I passed by the giant maze promoted by the previous cab driver, plenty of rice paddies being dried out or full of flowers. There was also another closed lava tube (Gimnyeongsagul or snake cave).

The contrast of the green cultures, black lava rocks and blue sky was an inspiring countryside setting.

 There were a few farmers working their fields but all in all there seemed to be noone but 10 people in sight. I waited 5min for the bus with 2 other teenagers and was told to change at Jeju-si. Another hour later, I was a fish out of water in the bus terminal, watching people inside the terminal hall. It was tough trying to hear out the announcements for the destination or platform numbers but I eventually got into a bus from platform 9. I did ask the ticket counter several times which platform for Jungmun resort and the Jistgae rocks (I had to show the Korean name). The bus took us across the island this time, passing by some golf courses and farms.