Jeju-do Island: the Southern Part
If you are nature lovers like me, then Jeju-do Island is your place. Here, there are some picturesque waterfalls, which are worth visiting. Thanks to the beautiful nature, millions of tourists visit the island thorough the whole year. In the previous part, I introduced you to the Eastern part of the island, while in this one; I will show you the Southern part. The Cheonjiyeon waterfall is amongst the most visited places, not only on the Jeju-do Island but also in the entire South Korea.
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Cheonjiyeon Falls
The Cheonjiyeon waterfall literally translates into “A sky connected with land”. At the bottom of the waterfall, there is a pond, which is 20m. deep, and the head of the water itself is 22m.
On your way from the waterfall entrance you will pass through a well-maintained paved path with many types of trees and plants surrounding it. On certain spots, there are stone steps and little bridges that will bring you to the other side of the water. The path to the waterfall is beautiful and it will take you ten minutes to reach it.
The waterfall park is wonderful and it is suitable for people of all age groups, as well as for disabled ones. Later on, I understood that the business hours of the park are until 10 PM, so I would recommend that you visit it in the evening when the waterfall is wonderfully lit, and the place is romantic.
Entrance fee
- For adults – 2 000 ₩
- For children – 1 000 ₩
While entering the park, you will find big stone figures with human faces, called “Dol hareubang“.
Dol hareubang
These are big rock statues, which are considered as gods, offering both protection and fertility. They have been cared by porous basalt (volcanic rock) and can be up to three meters high. They have a round face with protruding eyes, big noses and a slight smile. According to the local dialect, it literally means “a grandpa made of stone”. The origin of these statues is mysterious. The historic explanation is that the statues have been initially settled on the Eastern, Southern and Western gate of the Jeju fortress as keepers of the palace for a protection against demons. Subsequently, thanks to the urbanization, they have been removed from the fortress walls and placed elsewhere.
Nowadays, you can see them outside of the houses – on bridges, in front of restaurants, shops and other places. During the course of time, they have turned out to be a symbol of the Jeju-do Island.
After you visit the waterfall and the park, you can walk on the beautiful bridge Saeyeongyo, which is nearby. This is the longest pedestrian bridge in the Southern part of the country, whose construction was inspired by the local traditional wooden boat called “Tewu”. The bridge connects the Seogwipo harbor with the Birds Island.
Jeongbang Falls
This is the only waterfall in Asia, which falls directly into the ocean. Its waters fall from a 23m. height and it is one of the three big waterfalls on the Jeju Island.
Entrance fee
- For adults – 2 000 ₩
- For children – 1 000 ₩
Daepo Jusangjeolli Cliff
There are remarkable volcanic cliffs and pillars, formed by the eruption of the Hallasan volcano in the sea. These impressive hexagonal and pentagonal stone columns are a geological phenomenon and are stated to be a cultural monument of the Jeju Island. They have formed thousands of years ago when the lava from the Hallasan volcano had cooled from its touch with the sea and it shrunk inside different geometric forms.
Entrance fee
- For adults – 2 000 ₩
- For children – 1 000 ₩
A natural swimming pool
One of the places that I most wanted to visit was this natural swimming pool. It was not an easy thing to find it though since I didn’t know how it was named exactly. Luckily, after a few sights at its picture, some local people explained to me it is hard to reach it without a car. They were kind enough to order a taxi for us and to explain the driver which is the place we want to visit. When we arrived, there were no people whatsoever but later one, they started coming. The water inside the lagoon was so crystal and turquoise that for a moment, we were just standing there, enjoying its beauty.
Although Jeju-do is not a very large island, has been blessed with remarkable terrains, magnificent peaks, lava caves and multiple waterfalls. The place is suitable for people of all age groups and I strongly recommend it to anyone who loves nature and natural beauties.
