About Ulleungdo
Ulleungdo is a stratovolcano rising to 984 meters (3,229 feet) in South Korea's Eastern Asia Volcanic Regions. The volcano is currently active, with its most recent eruption in 2990 BCE. The volcano has produced 3 recorded eruptions, with a maximum Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) of 6.
Geography & Climate
Ulleungdo is located in South Korea, within the Central East Asia Volcanic Province of the broader Eastern Asia Volcanic Regions. Situated at 37.50° N, 130.87° E in the Northern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a temperate climate zone. With a summit elevation of 984 meters above sea level, Ulleungdo is a moderately sized peak that remains accessible to hikers and researchers for much of the year. The volcanic landform is characterized as a composite, which describes the physical shape and structure of the volcanic edifice as observed from the surface.
Geological Context
Ulleungdo is an intraplate volcano, meaning it formed away from any plate boundary. These volcanoes are often powered by hotspots — plumes of abnormally hot mantle material rising from deep within the Earth. Hotspot volcanoes like Ulleungdo tend to produce effusive eruptions with lava flows that can be relatively predictable, giving nearby communities in South Korea more time to prepare. However, they can also produce explosive phases, particularly when magma interacts with groundwater. The dominant rock type is trachyandesite / basaltic trachyandesite, a dark, fine-grained volcanic rock that forms from rapidly cooling, low-viscosity lava. Basaltic eruptions tend to be less explosive and produce fluid lava flows that can travel long distances. While less immediately dangerous than explosive eruptions, basaltic lava flows can destroy structures and infrastructure in their path, and volcanic gases released during these eruptions can affect air quality over a wide area.
Eruption History Summary
Ulleungdo has 3 recorded eruptions in the geological database, spanning from 8750 BCE to 2990 BCE. The most powerful recorded event was a colossal eruption capable of affecting global climate for years in 8750 BCE, reaching VEI 6 on the Volcanic Explosivity Index. These eruptions span roughly 5,760 years of volcanic history.
Significance
Ulleungdo has produced at least one eruption of VEI 6 or higher, placing it among the most powerful volcanic systems on Earth. Eruptions of this magnitude inject massive quantities of sulfur dioxide into the stratosphere, affecting global climate by lowering average temperatures for one to three years after the event.
GVP Reference Summary
Ulleungdo, also known as Ulreungdo, is a 10-km-wide island about 100 km E of the central Korean Peninsula. The trachyandesitic stratovolcano is truncated by the Nari caldera. A major phonolitic explosive eruption at the beginning of the Holocene from Nari caldera produced pyroclastic flows and deposited ash in central Honshu, Japan.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
3 Recorded Eruptions
| Year | VEI | Type | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2990 BCE | — | Confirmed Eruption | — |
| 6450 BCE | — | Confirmed Eruption | — |
| 8750 BCE | 6 | Confirmed Eruption | — |
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Ulleungdo
Is Ulleungdo an active volcano?+
Ulleungdo is not currently classified as active. Its activity evidence is listed as "Eruption Dated." The last known eruption was in 2990 BCE. However, no volcano is ever considered permanently extinct.
When did Ulleungdo last erupt?+
The most recent recorded eruption of Ulleungdo occurred in 2990 BCE. The eruption was classified as a "Confirmed Eruption." Ulleungdo has 3 recorded eruptions in total.
How high is Ulleungdo?+
Ulleungdo has a summit elevation of 984 meters (3,229 feet) above sea level. At 984 meters, it is a relatively low-elevation volcano.
What type of volcano is Ulleungdo?+
Ulleungdo is classified as a Stratovolcano. Stratovolcanoes (also called composite volcanoes) are steep, conical volcanoes built up by many layers of hardened lava, tephra, and volcanic ash. They are among the most common and dangerous types, known for explosive eruptions.
Where is Ulleungdo located?+
Ulleungdo is located in South Korea, in the Eastern Asia Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Central East Asia Volcanic Province. Its exact coordinates are 37.500° latitude, 130.870° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Ulleungdo?+
Ulleungdo can generally be visited, but as with any volcano, visitors should check local conditions and any advisory notices before traveling. South Korea may have specific regulations for accessing volcanic areas. Guided tours are often the safest and most informative way to experience a volcano.
