By Jung Joo-ri

An international trekking event is being held at Geomunoreum Lava Tube System, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site, on Jeju Island.

The organizing committee for the event is holding the 13th edition for five days from July 28 to Aug. 1. This marks the return of the event three years after the COVID-19 pandemic broke out.

Participants can explore the system without making reservations as usually required as well as enter sections normally off-limits to the public. The trekking course includes the trails Taegeuk-gil and Yongam-gil.

Taeguek-gil is along the crater and ridge on the crest. The 10-km roundtrip takes the average person 3 1/2 hours to complete. Visitors can listen to in-depth explanations about the system from the World Natural Heritage guide.

Yongam-gil, which covers the parts where lava from Geomunoreum fell, is 6-km long and also requires 3 1/2 hours to complete. The path is usually closed to the public but will remain open during the event period.

The event starts at 8:30 a.m. and final entry is at 1 p.m. Participants must also receive guidance and an entry pass at the information center of World Natural Heritage before the event.

With its name meaning "a divine place," Geomunoreum is 456 m above sea level and was formed between 300,000 and 100,000 years ago from volcanic activity. The system's dense black woods are popular among hikers. Since its designation as UNESCO World Natural Heritage in 2007, the site has hosted the annual trekking event.

etoilejr@korea.kr