Jeju, the gem of South Korea, is much more than just an island. It embodies the essence of natural beauty and cultural richness of the region. Nestled in the heart of the East China Sea, Jeju captivates travelers worldwide with its breathtaking landscapes, centuries-old traditions, and hidden treasures.
The island’s south coast, in particular, stands out for its splendor and unique character. It is bordered by crystal-clear waters and towering cliffs.
It is here that some of Jeju’s most majestic waterfalls are hidden.
Each step of this journey reveals a new facet of the island’s natural beauty, offering stunning panoramas and memorable experiences.
So, come with me on an intense day of discovering some of these natural wonders. Let’s go!
Sojeongbang waterfall: Starting in serenity
My day begins with Sojeongbang Waterfall. As soon as I arrived, alone in this serene place, I felt rejuvenated. The setting is simply idyllic.
I hadn’t had a moment of peace for weeks, far from people, city noise, and cars. Here, I am alone, with only the company of birdsong, the gentle rustling of leaves in the light breeze, the soothing sound of the waterfall, and the distant waves of the sea. It’s PA-RA-DISE!
At the top of the waterfall, the view is simply magnificent. The crystal-clear water cascades over the rocks before plunging into a pool below.
On the way to continue my exploration of the coast, I encountered a few Korean hikers, all equipped with walking sticks.
The walk continues along the coast, through bamboo groves and wooden walkways, as well as dirt paths. Here, there is no car noise or human pollution—just pure nature. For a moment, I forgot I was 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 treat.
Jeongbang Waterfall is unique. At 23 meters high, it stands out because it flows directly into the sea, a rare and impressive sight. Approaching, I was struck by the powerful roar of water falling from the cliffs.
Unlike other tourist sites where everything is arranged and marked, here, nature reigns supreme (after passing the ticket booth and steps to get there 🤣). But then, there are no arranged observation platforms. Instead, you have to navigate among the rocks to find the best viewing angle. This absence of artificial arrangements adds a raw and authentic charm to the place, allowing you to feel truly immersed in it.
On the day of my visit, there were about twenty people present, and the space around the waterfall is vast enough for everyone to take photos without jostling.
Seobok exhibition hall: Between two waterfalls
Next, I began a 45-minute walk to the next stop: Cheonjiyeon Waterfall.
And on the way, I stopped to visit the Seobok Exhibition Hall, a place that perfectly embodies the history and cultural richness of Jeju.
From the entrance, you are welcomed by charming little Chinese arches. 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 jewels are also a few terracotta soldiers, reminiscent of the famous ones from Xi’an, China.
Although everything is written in Korean or Chinese, without English translation, the free exhibition is quite interesting.
Cheonjiyeon waterfall: No title for this one!
Then, it’s off to Cheonjiyeon Waterfall, another natural wonder of Jeju with an entrance fee of 2000 won. Although this place is quite busy, the atmosphere remains incredibly soothing. The sun filtering through the canopy, the fresh air, the birdsong, and the gentle sound of the river all contribute to a relaxing experience.
Cheonjiyeon Waterfall itself is a true marvel to behold. At 22 meters high and 12 meters wide, it stands majestically, seeming 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 magic of the place. The contrast of the vibrant greens of the trees and plants with the crystal-clear water creates a beautiful scene.
But it’s not just its beauty that makes Cheonjiyeon Waterfall so special; it’s also its rich folklore and fascinating legends. According to local tradition, a sacred dragon resides in the waterfall’s pool. The inhabitants used to come here to pray during droughts, and their prayers were always answered, bringing rain to their thirsty lands.
Approaching the waterfall, you can already hear the powerful roar of the falling water, a sound that heralds the spectacle to come. Before even seeing it, you can feel the humidity in the air and sense the vibrant energy of the waterfall. I had 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 stop. Here, there’s no waterfall, but a breathtaking natural spectacle.
This place offers a bird’s-eye view of the entire coast with incredible rock formations. Thanks 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 shaped this region over millennia. These particular shapes are the result of the rapid cooling of lava, which, when solidified, took on almost perfect angles.
It’s quite impressive to see, and I spent a long time contemplating them and snapping photos with my camera.
And then, there’s the sound of waves crashing against the rocks and the cries of seabirds.
You feel a communion with nature.
The icing on the cake, a group of Chinese tourists arrived. Very quickly, they took me for some sort of mascot and asked me to pose for photos with them. 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 superb day. Each waterfall offered a unique experience, moments of serenity, and it felt great.
