Jeju, this jewel of South Korea, is much more than just an island. It embodies the essence of the region’s natural beauty and cultural richness. Nestled in the heart of the East China Sea, Jeju captivates travelers worldwide with its breathtaking landscapes, ancient traditions, and hidden treasures.
The island’s southern coast, in particular, stands out for its splendor and unique character. It is bordered by crystal-clear waters and imposing cliffs. Here lie some of Jeju’s most majestic waterfalls.
Each step of this journey reveals a new facet of the island’s natural beauty, offering breathtaking panoramas and memorable experiences. Join me on an intense day of discovering some of these natural wonders. Let’s go!
Sojeongbang waterfall: A serene beginning
My day starts at Sojeongbang Waterfall. Upon arrival, alone in this serene place, I feel rejuvenated. The location is simply idyllic.
Weeks have passed since I last found a moment of calm, away from people, city noise, and cars. Here, I am alone, accompanied only by the songs of birds, the gentle rustling of leaves in the breeze, the soothing sound of the waterfall, and the distant waves of the sea. It’s PARADISE!
From above the waterfall, the view is magnificent. The crystal-clear water cascades over the rocks into a pool below.
As I continue my exploration along the coast, I encounter a few Korean hikers, all equipped with walking sticks. The walk continues along the coast through bamboo groves, wooden walkways, and dirt paths. Here, there is no car noise, no human pollution—just pure nature. For a moment, I forget I am in South Korea, feeling rather transported to the tropics.
Seogwipo Jeongbang waterfall: Her majesty
After savoring the tranquility of Sojeongbang Waterfall, I head to the spectacular Seogwipo Jeongbang Waterfall, another natural wonder of Jeju. With an entrance fee of only 2000 won, visiting this waterfall is a real gift.
Jeongbang Waterfall is unique. At 23 meters high, it stands out because it plunges directly into the sea, a rare and impressive sight. Approaching it, I am struck by the powerful roar of the water falling from the cliffs.
Unlike other tourist sites where everything is organized and marked, here, nature reigns supreme (after passing the ticket booth and steps to access it 🤣). There are no observation platforms. Instead, you navigate among the rocks to find the best view. This lack of artificial setups adds a raw and authentic charm, making you feel truly immersed in the place.
On my visit, about twenty people were present, and the space around the waterfall is vast enough for everyone to take photos without crowding.
Seobok exhibition hall: Between two waterfalls
Next, I begin a 45-minute walk to the next stop: Cheonjiyeon Waterfall. Along the way, I stop to visit the Seobok Exhibition Hall, a place that perfectly embodies Jeju’s history and cultural richness.
At the entrance, charming little Chinese arches greet you. The temple is carefully restored. Inside, the exhibition reveals interesting treasures, including bronze pieces from the era of Emperor Qin Shi Huangdi. These historical artifacts offer a captivating glimpse into the grandeur and sophistication of ancient China.
Among the exhibition’s gems are also a few terracotta soldiers, reminiscent of the famous ones in Xi’an, China. Though everything is written in Korean or Chinese, without English translation, the free exhibition is intriguing.
Cheonjiyeon waterfall: No title needed!
Then, I head to Cheonjiyeon Waterfall, another natural wonder of Jeju, with an entrance fee of 2000 won. Although this place is quite popular, the atmosphere remains incredibly soothing. The sun filtering through the canopy, the fresh air, the birds’ songs, and the gentle river sound create a peaceful environment.
The Cheonjiyeon Waterfall itself is a marvel to behold. Standing 22 meters high and 12 meters wide, it seems to spring from the depths of the lush forest. The water cascades into a deep blue pool, surrounded by dense and varied vegetation that adds to the place’s magic. The vibrant greens of the trees and plants contrast beautifully with the crystal-clear water, creating a stunning tableau.
But it’s not just its beauty that makes Cheonjiyeon Waterfall special; it’s also its rich folklore and fascinating legends. According to local tradition, a sacred dragon resides in the waterfall’s pool. The locals used to come here to pray during droughts, and their prayers were always answered, bringing rain to their parched lands.
Approaching the waterfall, you hear the powerful roar of the falling water, a sound that heralds the spectacle ahead. Even before seeing it, you can feel the moisture in the air and sense the waterfall’s vibrant energy. I deliberately avoided looking at photos of the waterfall to keep the surprise intact.
Jusangjeollidae: A natural masterpiece
Finally, I end my journey at Jusangjeollidae, a bonus of the visit. Here, there is no waterfall, but a breathtaking natural spectacle. This place offers a panoramic view of the coast with incredible rock formations. Due to volcanic activity, the rocks have unique shapes.
These basalt columns, with their unique square shapes, seem to emerge from the earth, testifying to the volcanic activity that has shaped this region for millennia. These particular shapes are the result of the rapid cooling of lava, which solidified into almost perfect angles.
It’s quite impressive to see, and I spent a long time contemplating and photographing them. And then, there’s the sound of the waves crashing against the rocks and the cries of seabirds. You feel a sense of communion with nature.
To top it off, a group of Chinese tourists arrived. They quickly mistook me for some sort of mascot and asked to take photos with me. This added a fun and unexpected touch to my visit, and I found myself smiling for a series of selfies. 🤣
Chasing waterfalls on Jeju’s south coast was a fantastic day. Each waterfall offered a unique experience, moments of serenity, and it was just what I needed.
