Explore this legendary three-level waterfall set in stunning natural surroundings, and the fascinating stories behind it.
The Cheonjeyeon Falls are found in the Seogwippo area of Jeju Island. Reached by a peaceful walking trail through the leafy forest, the falls are one of the most popular tourist attractions on the island, thanks to their imposing presence and local significance. What makes these waterfalls unique is that they are made up of three stages, with the first beginning in a cave carved into a cliff-face where the water flows out to sea. Viewing points can be accessed to see each of the levels, all of which have legends attached.
At the highest point of the Cheonjeyeon Falls, the water emerges from a cave ceiling and falls some 21 metres into the ‘Pool of the Gods’ where, legend has it, seven nymphs used to come to bathe in the evenings. Although it is no longer possible to get near the pond (other than on the Seven Nymphs Festival in May when you can swim), it was traditionally thought to have healing properties and so locals would come to wash in or drink the water.
A 30-metre fall makes up the next stage of Cheonjeyeon, with the water crashing dramatically into a river that leads out into the sea. The river here is home to some rare reeds and ferns – including skeleton fork ferns and solipnan reeds – that thrive in the humidity and these are well worth examining for anyone with any botanical interest.
From the falls themselves, the Seonimgyo Bridge takes visitors to the Jungmun Tourist complex. The story of the nymphs is carved into the side of the bridge, so keep an eye out for it as you are approaching. It is also illustrated on the eight-sided Cheonjeru Tower in the Jungmun Tourist complex, this time as an elaborate painting.
It takes around 40 minutes to drive from Jeju City to the Yeomiji Botanical Gardens, which is the entry point to the Cheonjeyeon Falls. The falls are open every day and the best time to see them is after there has been consistently heavy rainfall, when they are swollen with water.
