In an unprecedented move set to captivate nature enthusiasts and heritage seekers alike, Jeju Island has announced the opening of previously restricted natural treasures to the public as part of the second season of the "2025 Jeju National Heritage Visiting Year." Aligning with the upcoming World Heritage Festival, this initiative will grant access to the mystical Baengnokdam crater lake atop Hallasan Mountain, the representative Korean fir tree, and the concealed lava tubes within the Geomunoreum volcanic system.

The Jeju Special Self-Governing Province unveiled on Tuesday that the second season of its "Jeju National Heritage Visiting Year" will commence on May 30th, themed around the island's unique natural heritage. This highly anticipated phase will feature the exclusive unveiling of Hallasan's Baengnokdam crater lake and the designated representative Korean fir tree, both situated along unofficial trails, rendering them inaccessible to the general public until now.

Baengnokdam, a serene crater lake, is nestled at an altitude of approximately 1,660 meters between Witseoreum and the South Wall junction of Hallasan Mountain. Remarkably, it is the highest-altitude spring-fed lake in South Korea, renowned for its perennial waters that originate from deep within the earth.

The Korean fir (Abies koreana), often dubbed the "Christmas tree" due to its distinctive appearance, holds significant ecological importance as the flagship species (representative bio-species) of Hallasan National Park. Jeju Island is home to the world's largest natural forest of these majestic conifers. The representative Korean fir tree selected for this unveiling was chosen after meticulous comparison of various specimens on Hallasan based on its form, age, and genetic analysis. It stands proudly in the vicinity of the South Wall junction, at elevations ranging from 1,600 to 1,700 meters.

Adding to the allure, the province will also temporarily open the non-public sections of the Geomunoreum lava tube system, specifically the Gimnyeonggul and Bengdwigul caves, during the World Heritage Festival. These subterranean wonders offer a glimpse into the island's volcanic past, showcasing intricate formations created by ancient lava flows.

The window for exploring these previously inaccessible sites will coincide with the World Heritage Festival, running from July 3rd to July 20th. Detailed schedules for tours and application procedures will be announced at a later date, urging interested individuals to stay informed through official channels.

The "2025 Jeju National Heritage Visiting Year" is structured into four distinct seasons, each unveiling 25 cultural and natural heritage sites. Season 1 commenced on April 1st, followed by Season 2 on May 30th. Seasons 3 and 4 are scheduled to begin on August 1st and September 26th, respectively. A provincial official clarified that while the launch dates differ, all seasons will conclude simultaneously on November 16th. This phased approach aims to showcase a total of 100 heritage sites across the island.

Participation in the initiative involves visiting designated heritage locations and collecting digital stamps via a leaflet or a dedicated mobile application as proof of visit. Participants who authenticate visits to eight or more sites will be eligible for commemorative souvenirs. An even grander reward awaits those who successfully visit and authenticate all 100 heritage sites across the four seasons: a round-trip airline ticket to Jeju and hotel accommodation.

Season 2, themed "Jeju's Nature," invites visitors to explore 25 captivating locations, including the columnar joints of Daepo Coast in Jungmun, Sanbangsan Mountain, the Yongmeori Tuff Ring, Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak), the Dolharbang Park and Seolmundae Halmang Exhibition Hall, Dongbaekdongsan Wetland, the Bija Tree Forest in Pyeongdae-ri, and Geomunoreum, among others.

The inaugural season of the stamp tour, which began in March, has already garnered significant public interest, with over 10,000 participants recorded as of May 18th. Impressively, 800 individuals have authenticated visits to at least eight heritage sites, while 331 participants have completed the full roster of 25 sites. Data indicates strong participation from families and older demographics.

The "National Heritage Visiting Year" is a strategic initiative spearheaded by the Cultural Heritage Administration in collaboration with the Jeju Special Self-Governing Province. Its primary objective is to attract tourists by leveraging the region's rich national heritage, thereby stimulating the local economy. Jeju Island boasts an impressive 408 designated national heritage items, encompassing intangible, cultural, and natural treasures. The unveiling of these previously inaccessible natural wonders marks a significant step in promoting Jeju's unique ecological and geological significance on a national and international stage.

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