VISIT JEJU

Seogwipo is home to a greater number of natural springs compared to other regions, and multiple underground layers of volcanic tuff rock that do not easily absorb water result in a larger abundance of waterfalls. Out of all these waterfalls, Cheonjiyeon Falls stands out both in terms of scale and scenery. "Cheonjiyeon" means a pond where heaven meets earth. The waterfall itself is 22 meters high, while the pond below is 20 meters deep, causing it to be known as a pond where heaven and earth converge.

To the southwest of Cheonjiyeon Falls lies a dense subtropical forest that provides cool shade even in the sweltering heat of summer, composed of evergreen trees such as Castanopsis sieboldii and camellia, along with an array of orchid species. The walking paths here are well-maintained, creating a place where visitors of all ages can go for a comfortable stroll. The naturally growing camphor trees located at the northern limit of this forest are designated as Natural Monument No. 163, while the subtropical forest itself is designated as Natural Monument No. 379. Therefore, the forest is a protected zone, and any logging, plant collection, and capturing of wildlife are strictly prohibited.

The 20-meter-deep pond is also famous as a habitat for the giant mottled eel, which hides in the deeper areas during the day and emerges at night to hunt for food in shallower waters. Large specimens can reach up to 2 meters in length and weigh as much as 20 kg. Cheonjiyeon Falls is the most northern habitat of this eel, and has been designated as Natural Monument No. 27 as a result.

The falls remain open until 10:00 in the evening, and are an equally spectacular sight at night. 

A legend is also associated with this place, as follows.

Once upon a time, during the Joseon Dynasty, there lived a beautiful and kind-hearted woman named Suncheon. A young man from her village named Myeongmun deeply admired her, but Suncheon’s parents arranged for her to marry a man from a neighboring village, Mr. Kang. After her marriage, Suncheon lived a happy life, while Myeongmun sank into a deep despair.

One autumn day, Suncheon was returning from a visit to her parents when Myeongmun accosted her at Cheonjiyeon Falls, and attempted to compel her to live with him. Suncheon was firm in her refusal, and Myeongmun threatened to grab her and jump over the waterfall together. Just then, a dragon emerged from Cheonjiyeon Pond; it snatched up Myeongmun and proceeded to ascend to the heavens with Myeongmun in its grasp. Suncheon, who had fainted from shock, awoke to find a magic pearl at her feet. She took the pearl home, and from then on, her life was filled with good fortune, earning her the admiration of her entire household.