Located nearby the Jungmun Resort outside of Seogwipo, Cheonjeyeon Waterfall (천제연 폭포) is an easily accessibly, cheap wonder to experience. As it turns out, there are not one, but three falls tumbling in succession down to the sea. If you choose to go, be careful with the name; there is another waterfall known as Cheonjiyeon (천지연 폭포) in Seogwipo as well!
Alisha and I had just explored Sanbangsan and the Yongmeori Coast, so we were both pretty hot and tuckered out. After some wandering around, we caught the island bus towards Seogwipo. Off to the side, we saw what appeared to be a park entrance.
“Hey, I think that’s for the waterfall!”
We got off at the next stop, buying some drinks at a mart before trudging back down the hill to the gate. Sure enough, we were standing at the entrance for Cheonjeyeon Falls. The admission fee was small, only a few thousand won, so we paid and headed into the park.
The first waterfall was down a small wooden stairway. It was so close, we were a little surprised by how quickly we descended into paradise.
The scene was absolutely beautiful. Angular pillars of volcanic rock comprised the cliffs. A waterfall poured over the top, while smaller falls rushed out from behind the wall. The water in the pool was a brilliant, cerulean shade–surrounded by mossy boulders. It’s no wonder the myth surrounding these falls claims that nymphs from heaven would come to bathe in the waters of Cheonjeyeon.
We enjoyed the area for a while, climbing up on one of the boulders and watching the spray come off the water.
Soon, however, it was time for the next one. We walked along the heavily forested side of the gulley, kept to safety by a well maintained wooden pathway built into the wall. Soon, we came to the second of the three falls. The first, while picturesque, was small; the second was nothing of the sort.
Presumably due to the size of the deluge and the terrain, we weren’t able to go closer to the falls. Instead, we stood with other tourists on a crowded platform as clouds of spray billowed and rolled over us.
Last, and also least, was the third fall. I’m not posting a picture of this one; it was pretty big, but the viewing platform provided a pretty terrible angle for taking pictures. The first and second falls are the definite highlights.
Have you been to any beautiful waterfalls? Where were they? What made them so memorable? Tell me in the comments below!
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Sanbangsan and the Yongmeori Coast
You have the best posts about Jeju! I can’t wait to go – and oh man, I so agree with the swimming comment. That water looks to refreshing not to want to take a dip.
Nice waterfalls 🙂 I know this is quite famous in Jeju yet I was too lazy to be bothered to make the trek to see them. After seeing your photos I’m quite bummed that I didn’t 🙁 The water is SO blue. Nice pics 🙂
I really loved your first shot of the waterfall. For some reason, it was from a perspective that I didn’t think was possible. You really captured the beauty of Cheonjeyeon and made me want to revisit this most beautiful place. Thanks again for such an excellent post!
I love waterfalls and pursue them out all the time. I think the thing that makes them special is just the raw power of it and the spectacle. It’s always humbling to think about how the water will always find a way and create such beautiful scenery. I haven’t been to, nor will visit, Jeju during my time here but I must say it does look lovely in your photos.
ahhh! i love waterfalls! but i mostly love being able to swim in them. doesn’t look like that’s possible here. maybe i will just jump in anyway.
I didn’t see anyone swimming, and the only one where it would be feasible would be the first pool. Still, you could be a pioneer 😉
My bucket list is growing out of control, partially thanks to you! Haha! These waterfalls are spectacular. I’ve only been in South Korea for one month and have yet to really delve into the beautiful nature of this country. Thanks for pointing out these spots to me.
It’s such an amazing country! How long do you think you’ll spend there? I’m sure you’ll find some awesome spots I’ve never even heard of 😉
Those rock formations are pretty crazy. They look like some very beautiful waterfalls. I found some great waterfalls in Colombia- I guess it’s easy for them to be very high there with the mountains, but there are some nice ones in Scotland too.
The second waterfall there is my favorite!! Oooh and Jeongbang Falls errs on the enchanted side…it’s the best one on Jeju. 🙂