Cascading into a blue pool and surrounded by lush trees, this waterfall is one of South Korea’s most popular attractions.
One of the many attractions in the Seogwippo area, the Cheonjeyeon Falls are a dramatic series of three separate waterfalls that begin in a cave high up in a cliff-face and flow out into the sea. A walking trail through the forest leads to multiple viewing areas that allow you to see the waterfall at all its different stages.
At the highest point you’ll see were the water emerges from the ceiling of a cave, before tumbling 72 feet (21 meters) down the first cascade into the ‘Pool of Gods’. This pool is so called because it is believed that seven nymphs would descend in the evenings to bathe here. For many years people would bathe in or drink the water, believing it to have healing properties, but the pond is now out of bounds. If you really want to swim, come here in May of an even year, when for one day only the Seven Nymphs Festival sees the pond open to bathers.
From the Pond of Gods the water makes its next and most spectacular descent, falling 98 feet (30 meters) into a river and out into the ocean.
Those with an interest in plant life should keep an eye out for the rare species of reeds and fern that make their home in the rock crevices near the river. Skeleton fork ferns and solipnan reeds are some of the plants that enjoy the humid climate that surrounds the river.
Make your way up the valley to find the Seonimgyo Bridge, which connects visitors to the Jungmun Tourist complex. The seven nymphs of the legend are carved into the side of the bridge. Here you will also find the octagonal Cheonjeru Tower. A painting on the side of the tower gives a retelling of the legend of the seven nymphs.
The Cheonjeyeon Falls are a 40-minute drive south of Jeju City. To enter, purchase a ticket from the Yeomiji Botanical Gardens, and follow the trail through the forest. To see the falls at their most spectacular make the trip after a period of rain. The falls are open daily year round.
