Jeju Island, with its other-worldly beauty and magical atmosphere, is the perfect destination for nature enthusiasts.
The paradisical island boasts lush forests, spectacular views, and pristine beaches, becoming a haven for those seeking a peaceful getaway from the urban crowd. Far from the big city's hustle and bustle, Jeju offers unforgettable memories and new experiences.
Jeju's stunning waterfalls stand out among countless natural beauties, charming visitors with their ethereal views and tranquil ambience. The plethora of waterfalls and ponds on the island is a result of the volcanic formation that gave Jeju its unique landscape.
As Jeju boasts different waterfalls with distinct characteristics, discovering each waterfall on the island becomes a true adventure.
While some Jeju waterfalls magnificently cascade down cliffs and slopes all year, others are temporary, seen only after heavy downpours. Some are great and mighty; others are mystic and tranquil. Nevertheless, each of them is worth seeing.
So, if you're planning to visit Jeju Island and don't want to miss the spectacular view of its waterfalls, you're reading the right article! Below, you can find six of the best waterfalls on Jeju Island.
* A group must have at least ten or more people
Cheonjeyeon Waterfalls are a three-tier waterfall in the southern part of the Jeju Island. Its name, Cheonjeyeon, means Pond of the Emperor of Heaven.
The water that forms the waterfall flows out of a cave's ceiling and springs out between the ridge of the waterfall and a lower clay layer.
The first-tier cascades down a 22-metre (72 ft) cliff to the Cheonjeyeon pond, which has a depth of 21 metres (69 ft).
The water flows from the pond to the second waterfall, falling 30 metres ( 98 ft), and continues to the third waterfall. The third tier of Cheonjeyeon Waterfalls cascades to the ocean.
According to several local legends, fairies bathe in the cold waters of the Cheonjeyeon Pond under the moonlight. In their honour, locals hold the Chilseonyeo (Seven Nymphs) festival by the pond in May of even-numbered years.
While locals used to believe that the falls' water had healing properties and bathed there to heal, visitors are no longer allowed to swim in the pond.
The most scenic yet hard-to-see tier of Cheonjeyeon Falls is tier one. Since this tier is a temporary waterfall, you can see it only after a heavy downpour.
The fall cascades down a 22-metre (72-foot) cliff into the 21-metre (69-foot) deep Cheonjeyeon Pond. The vertical columnar joints surrounding the pond create a mystical atmosphere.
The second waterfall is a tad further than the first one. In order to get to this tier, you need to walk a path to an observation platform.
Although you can't get near the second waterfall, you can clearly see its majestic 30-metre fall from the platform.
In order to get to the third tier, you need to go down several flights of stairs. Thankfully, there are small benches to rest on the path downstream.
Although the third tier is the smallest, it's still worth a visit, thanks to the stunning landscape surrounding it.
The Seonimgyo Bridge tells the story of the Seven Nymphs. The bridge is around 123 metres long and spans the exquisite gorge between the second and third waterfalls.
The Fountain of Five Blessings is on the other side of the Seonimgyo Bridge. It depicts five animals representing five different blessings.
The animal depictions and their blessings are:
If you want to make a wish, you can stand before its respective animal and throw a coin into the fountain's centre.
Cheonjeyeon Falls is a spectacular sight every time of the year. However, since one of the tiers emerges only after rainfall, you might want to pick a rainy day to take the best pictures.
If you visit Jeju Island in May of an even-numbered year, you should definitely add Cheonjeyeon Falls to your itinerary for the local Chilseonyeo festival.
Jeongbang Waterfall is one of the most famous Jeju waterfalls. It's the only waterfall in Asia that flows directly into the ocean.
The waterfall is 23 metres (75 ft) high and reaches a width of 8 metres (26 feet), depending on the downpour. The fall is one of the Yeongjusipgeong, "Ten sights of Yeongju."
According to a local legend, a holy dragon lives underneath the waterfall. Since the water contains the dragon's spirit, locals believe that the water of Jeongbang Waterfall's pond has healing power.
Besides, the legend states that the holy dragon underneath Jeongbang brings rain during drought, blessing the earth with water and fertility.
Another local legend tells the story of Seobul, a servant of the Emperor Emperor Jin of China (259 BC - 210 BC). When the emperor sent Seobul on a mission to fetch the magical herbs of eternal youth from Mount Halla, the servant came near Jeongbang.
Although Seobul couldn't fetch the herbs that would grant the emperor eternal youth, he discovered Jeongbang, which amazed him with its magnificence.
An astonished Seobul left his autograph reading Seobul Gwaji, which meant "Seobul was here," on the cliff wall. Although the autograph no longer remains, an inscription saying "Seobulgwacha" is on the wall of the waterfall
You can visit Jeongbang Falls any time of the year. However, as the fall offers better views after a heavy downpour, you might pick a rainy season to witness its natural grandeur.
* A group must have at least ten or more people
Cheonjiyeon Waterfall boasts an advantageous location near Seogwipo-si city centre. Its name means Sky Connected with Land.
The 22-metre (72-foot) high waterfall is known for the thundering voice created by water cascading down the cliff. The waterfall is home to various temperate plants, such as brambles, Siebold's chinquapin, shiny xylosma, and camellias.
After a long journey discovering the waterfall, travellers can enjoy a dinner at one of the restaurants and cafés nearby to enjoy delicious Jeju seafood.
At night, a hidden face emerges on the waterfall's rock formation. While the formation alone doesn't look like a face, the water reflected from the surface creates this illusion.
Cheonjiyeon Waterfall is home to a diverse fauna of plants and animals. Its pond is the habitat of the giant mottled eel, a large species of tropical eel.
The path to the waterfall goes through a garden of subtropical plants, where visitors can see various plant types.
Since it flows all year round, you can visit Cheonjiyeon whenever you want. However, consider visiting the waterfall around Spring or Autumn for the best pictures.
None. Entrance to Sojeongbang Fall is free, and you won't have to pay an admission fee.
Sojeongbang Waterfall is a small waterfall in the southern part of Jeju. Due to its location near Jeongbang, it is often said that Sojeongbang resembles a servant waiting on a lord. Of course, the legend of the holy dragon underneath Jeongbang also plays a role in this metaphor.
The waterfall is around 5 metres (16 feet) tall and has ten streams. Since it doesn't have an admission fee and is near the city, Sojeongbang often gets crowded during the peak season.
Those looking for a gigantic waterfall with thunderous roars of cascading water might be disappointed at how humble Sojeonbang is. However, this small waterfall offers a tranquil spot for travellers seeking a getaway from the city's bustle.
The stunning nature surrounding Sojeonbang offers an enjoyable promenade for those who like hiking. Besides, nearby establishments and businesses provide a pleasant rest to those who spend their day discovering the area.
Although Sojeongbang can be pretty crowded during the peak season, it's less popular than Jeonbang and other waterfalls nearby. So, if you're seeking a place to take pictures without being disturbed by other travellers, Sojeongbang is the way to go.
You can visit Sojeonbang Falls any time of the year. However, since it's a smaller stream, you might want to pick a rainy season to see water cascading down the cliff.
None. Entrance to Eongtto Falls is free, and you won't have to pay an admission fee.
One of the most scenic spots in Jeju, Eongtto Falls, is a temporary waterfall that emerges only after a heavy downpour. It's 50 metres (164 feet) high and among the tallest waterfalls in Jeju.
Eongtto Falls is far from the other waterfalls nearby. Eongtto Falls, situated within a deep valley full of evergreen trees, is the perfect spot for a scenic adventure. Its hidden location offers spectacular views of Jeju's nature.
The path that leads to the waterfall goes through a small village, follows the spectacular Akgeuncheon Stream and runs along a paradisiacal citrus field. A journey to explore Eongtto Falls will surely allow you to discover Jeju.
Since it's a temporary waterfall, you should visit Eongtto Falls during rainy seasons.
None. Entrance to Wonang Falls is free, and you won't have to pay an admission fee.
Wonang Falls is a 10-metre (32-foot) tall waterfall fed by a rare stream that never dries up and cascades all year long.
Since it's one of the most famous waterfalls on Jeju Island, tourists and visitors flock to Wonang Falls during the peak season.
As it's one of Jeju's most beautiful waterfalls, Wonang is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts.
You get to the waterfall area by descending multiple flights of stairs. However, since the stairs aren't too steep, the journey downstairs isn't challenging.
The waterfall is in Donnaeko Valley, a natural wonder located on the path to the summit of Mt Hallasan. Therefore, many adventurers who seek to reach Hallasan's summit stop by and marvel at the beauty of Wonang.
Wonang Waterfall is known for its illuminated water. When the sun hits the plunge pool, the water turns turquoise, creating a mystical atmosphere.
Although some visitors enjoy swimming in the waterfall's pond, you should check the forecast before packing your swimming attire. Because during rainy seasons, the pond might be too turbulent and dangerous to swim.
Wonang Waterfall is a permanent waterfall and is visible all year round. You can visit the spot anytime you want and take spectacular pictures.
