  We demonstrate the existence of global monopole and vortex configurations
whose core exhibits a phase structure. We determine the critical values of
parameters for which the transition from the symmetric to the non-symmetric
phase occurs and discuss the novel dynamics implied by the non-symmetric cores
for defect interactions. We model phase transitions in the core of global
embedded topological defects by identifying the relevant parameters with the
vacuum expectation value of a dynamical scalar field. Finally, we argue that
superheavy defects that undergo a core phase transition in the very early
universe provide a novel realization for topological inflation.
