Cheonjiyeon Waterfall

The Cheonjiyeon Falls comprise three separate waterfalls that tumble dramatically from their source in a cave high above the Seogwipo forest to the sea. Follow the walking trail through the forest to see the waterfalls from many different heights and perspectives.

The first cascade begins in a cave at the highest point of the trail, plunging 21 metres into the “Pool of Gods”. Local legend has it that seven beautiful nymphs used to come every evening to drink from the pool and bathe in its soothing waters, and it was venerated as a place of healing. The pool is now off limits to visitors, apart from once every second year during the Seven Nymphs Festival. For a single day in May on even years, people come from all over the island to swim in the pool and sample the healing properties of its water.

The next cascade drops even more spectacularly, falling over 30 metres into the river far below before flowing out to sea. The plantlife that thrives in these humid conditions is well worth taking the time to examine look out for many rare species of subtropical flora, including skeleton fork ferns and solipnan reeds.

The walking trail continues up the valley to the Seonimgyo Bridge, which is decorated with carvings of the legendary seven nymphs. Their romantic story is also retold in a striking painting on the side of the nearby octagonal Cheonjeru Tower. The Seonimgyo Bridge connects the valley to the popular Jungmun Tourist Complex on the coast.

The Cheonjiyeon Falls are a 40-minute drive south of Jeju City and can be reached by following the trail through the forest from the Yeomiji Botanical Garden. Entry tickets for the falls trail, open daily all year round, may be purchased at the Botanical Garden. One of the best times to visit is after a period of rain, when the falls are swollen with water.