Sangumburi Crater

Overview

Sangumburi Crater is a unique volcanic formation — a maar crater that erupted explosively without producing lava flows, leaving a deep bowl 650 meters wide and 100 meters deep. Unlike Hallasan's summit crater, Sangumburi sits at relatively low elevation amid grasslands, and its interior supports a dense subtropical forest ecosystem.

Highlights

• Self-Contained Ecosystem: The sheltered crater interior harbors over 420 plant species in microclimatic conditions.
• Silver Grass Season: In autumn (October–November), the surrounding grasslands turn into seas of silver eulalia grass.
• Panoramic Views: The crater rim offers views across Jeju's flatlands to the ocean.

History

Sangumburi formed through a phreatomagmatic eruption when rising magma encountered groundwater, creating an explosive blast that excavated the crater without producing lava flows. It was designated Natural Monument No. 263 in 1979 and is considered one of the best-preserved maar craters in the world.

Visitor Tips

• Autumn Visit: October–November offers the stunning silver grass display.
• Rim Walk Only: Visitors cannot descend into the crater — only the rim pathway is accessible.
• Duration: 30–45 minutes.