Jeju Islands

The Jeju Islands - South Korea

Why it's wondrous: Glance at the picture to the left and you might mistake the massive crater of Mt. Hallasan for some sort of ancient battleground for the gods, or maybe a secret lair for an on-screen archvillain; local legend certainly believes it a creation of unimaginable powers. However you slice it, the Jeju Islands seem more fantasy than reality, and it's no small wonder that such natural anomaly is one of South Korea's titans of tourism. Mt. Hallasan is the highest point in South Korea, home to the country's only natural lake, and a key archeological site for its "lava tubes," or large caves that once acted as magma pipe systems and contain a bonanza of plant and animal fossils. But just because it's chock full of dead and dormant stuff doesn't mean it's suffering from a lack of life--over 1800 plant species and 4000 animal species call the island home, highlighted by the ruby-red azalea fields that blanket the mountain. Inherent to South Korean lore are Jeju's mysterious carved-basalt-stone statues that resemble old cranky grandfathers, who are believed to exist to protect the island from demons.

Why it probably won't win: The New Seven Wonders will pit a few mountains against each other, and chances are not all will advance. And despite its beauty and resume, Jeju doesn't necessarily carry the name value of a Kilimanjaro or Table Mountain. Odds at 32-1.

Black Forest

Black Forest - Germany

Why it's wondrous: Don't be fooled by its eerie Tolkien-reminiscent moniker: The Black Forest will not swallow your soul into certain oblivion, though its supposed impenetrability led old outsiders to believe it housed werewolves, dwarves, sorcerers and the like. Tourists are more likely to gush about the area's greenery and hike-ability, as the Black Forest is prime real estate for towering pines, firs and mountain trails. The preserve is almost perfectly rectangular and sprung from the remains of an ancient glacier. The forest attracts travelers quite often due to the old-fashioned whimsy of its main inhabitants, who still cling to traditional dialects and rituals, like their famous giant pom-pom hats. Not to mention they know the key ingredients to making a killer clock and a mean bottle of cherry schnapps.

Why it probably won't win: When you think of "natural wonders," do you think of pine trees or paradise? Unless its preceded by "rain," the word "forest" alone sadly evokes a sense of commonality more than awe. And while the residents of the forest wear pretty awesome hats, they don't necessarily contribute to the natural beauty of the landscape. Not to mention the whole place sounds like a curse waiting to happen. Odds: 107-1.

Jeita

Jeita Grotto - Lebanon

Why it's wondrous: It's a veritable palace of stalagmites, stalactites and countless other geological terms you forgot in high school - we're talking about the stuff of sultans, all in rock form. But for thousands of years, after its prehistoric human inhabitants moved out, the Jeita Grotto's beauty was only overseen by underground rodent-kings. It wasn't until 1836 that its lower cave, only reachable by boat, was re-discovered by a passing missionary and entered the public awe. And the discoveries have just kept on coming: Jeita contains the world's largest stalactite at a maximum height of 120 meters (390 feet), cavernous depths that reach over 6,000 feet below the surface, and the Middle East's longest cave complex, spanning some 22,000 feet. It wasn't even until 1958 that its upper cave was discovered, which now resides as a major tourist pathway to scope out the sites without damaging them. Jeita's natural springs also provide clean water for over 1.5 million people in nearby Beirut. It's stunning enough that its overseers don't allow photographs below, making it something to see in person to truly believe.

Why it probably won't win: The Jeita Grotto has some rich history to burn, but its local prominence hasn't seemed to reach as far as the international community just yet. It's only been officially open to the public for about fifty years, part of that time closed for civil war, and it's already gone through a number of name changes. Still, as the only cave among the 28 nominees, it's a dark horse candidate to sneak past the final cut. Odds: 28-1.

Iguaza Falls

Iguazu Falls - Brazil

Why it's wondrous: "Don't go chasin' waterfalls." Right? The quote was well-meaning, but those four words might've been the most unadventurous advice that pop superstars TLC ever gave. ("No scrubs" was pretty fortuitous for its time.) "Yeah, but Internet guy," you might be telling me. "That line was, uh, a metaphor, I'm pretty sure." Fair enough, I might tell you (cue blushing, crying). But had TLC visited Iguazu Falls, the majestic curtains of water that stand as the fantastical centerpiece of the Iguazu River valley, they might've chosen to tweak their choice in figurative speech. Iguazu Falls is worth spending your life chasing, best encapsulated by another quote, this one by awed visitor Eleanor Roosevelt: "Poor Niagara!" Iguazu's centerpiece, the massive Devil's Throat, is the fitting cataract that divides the Argentinian and Brazilian border; standing on its edge, you might be convinced it is the true point where the world ends. The Devil's Throat is flanked by hundreds of smaller waterfalls that by themselves would be highly-regarded attractions, and unlike the similarly spectacular Victoria Falls, Iguazu offers eye-opening views from almost any point within.

Why it probably won't win: I'm kinda cheating here: Iguazu has a pretty decent chance of getting selected by folks as it's the only waterfall to appear on the list, and people (except TLC) tend to hold a special adoration for waterfalls. But the fact remains that Iguazu Falls doesn't have the name value of some of the other contenders, and I think that's kind of a drag. I'm hoping that this here post garners Iguazu some support. I'll put the odds at 8-1.