Yongmeori, or as some people call it, the Dragon Head Cliff, is located in the southwest of Jeju island, along the coastline of Sanbangsan. Honestly speaking, I did not realize the existence of this attraction in Jeju until one day in Jeju before my visit, I stumble upon a beautiful photo on Instagram with this geotag. I immediately sprung into my google search action and found out that Yongmeori was designated as one of the nine Jeju sites certified by the Global Geopark Network in 2010. (There are 66 Geoparks in the world altogether) On top of that, In 2011 the Yongmeori Coast was named the 526th nationally registered scenic view of South Korea. Ok, I have to be there.
Additional information:
The 9 locations of Jeju geoparks: Hallasan, Seongsan Ilchubong, Manjanggul, Sanbangsan Lava Dome, Suweolbong Tuft Ring, Jungmun Daepo Columnar-Jointed Lava, Seogwipo Formation, Cheonjiyeon Waterfall and the Yongmeori Coast.
What makes Yongmeori coast so special? This is the place where Sanbangsan stretches into the ocean and it looks as if a Dragon is going underwater. and the Yongmeori coast is said to resemble the Dragon’s head on one end and the tail on the other side. Geologically, Yongmeori coast is part of a tuff ring caused by not one, but several basic volcanic activities. Well, if you look at the formation of the cliff, obviously there are different volcanic ash layers from different volcanic eruptions (differing by colors and densities) that flowed in different directions, forming arches, holes in the wall and some flowing patterns.
It is part of Olle trail No. 10, Yongmeori Coast is hands down the most scenic places along Jeju’s southern coastline (and I personally feel that it was the most scenic place in my whole journey!). During low tides, tourists are allowed to walk along the Yongmeori Coast. is an experience not to be missed. Check the tide times before you go.
Near the beach entrance there is a huge shipwreck, actually, a reproduction built as the Hamel Castaway Memorial to commemorate a Dutch sailor (Hendrick Hamel) who was drifted to the shore of Jeju by a typhoon in 1653. He then wrote a book providing the West some insights into Joseon Korea.
There is a horse stable nearby too! As we were on our way down to the coast, we encounter a pink ice cream parlor so I got in and decided to get myself an ice cream. I should never step in because the next thing I knew, I didn't wanna leave! "Chichi Pong ice cream" had taken root in Andeok for a long time, located in one of the shop lots facing the coastline, right in front of the entrance to Yongmeori Coast. Their signature ice cream the “rabbit cone” comes in the most adorable interpretation of chocolate, vanilla, or strawberry flavor. The moment when you got your order, I bet you can’t even force yourself to take that first bite! Better yet, since the most scenic coastline in South Korea is located around the corner, you can walk all along that magnificent coastline with your new long-ear friend to find the perfect backdrop.
I got a pink rabbit cone, was very excited and made sure to safe-guard the ice cream until I manage to take a good photo, I did not savor or allow my brother to touch my ice cream... Luckily it was winter during my visit so my ice cream did not melt on the way!
Cuteness overload!!!
About 10 minutes walk from the bus stop, you will see the cliff entrance of Yongmeori coast with a ticket booth beside it. The way down to Yongmeori Coast was very steep with large boulders doubled as steps. There are no handrails available and you may need a little bit of climbing. Go bring out the Indiana Jones in you, maybe 1- 2 days in Jeju island. These huge boulder stacks are called Sa-am built by the accumulation of tephra (hydrovolcanic ashes).
If you walk the whole stretch of Yongmeori coats, you will end up in a soft dark-sand beach and you’ll be able to leave through another exit/entrance. However, during my visit, part of the coast was closed.
Look at all these intricate patterns on the rocks, the formations mother nature had crafted onto these cliffs are just awe-inspiringly spectacular.
I read online that there will be Korean women divers (Haenyeo) selling fresh catches of the day and since that was the last day of my trip, I planned to go for it. In my mind, I’ve planned myself a hearty sashimi dinner by the sea with a dramatic backdrop of Yongmeori cliff, taking in the sunset, washing everything down with a bottle of Shoju…. but it didn’t happen, as there were no Haenyeo in sight during my visit. Sigh.
However, we did go back up for a while and ordered our dinner at a cute cafe. We had got a Octopus Cheese Pancake (2,000Won) that contained dried octopus in the tentacles and cheese in the middle. It's fun to pull the cheese as we eat them, this fun never dies! We also ordered a plate of fried shrimps and an orange juice light bulb. All had been proven worthy of my KRW.
Nevertheless, I stayed for the sunset. Climbed up the rocks and just leaning there looking out to the Emerald ocean. From the Yongmeori Coast we spotted Hallasan!
At the exit, I caught sight of a board with the legend of Yongmeori coast and almost had a heart attack. According to the legend, Emperor Jin of China sent his men here to kill the Dragon of Yongmeori Coast as he was worried that an even powerful leader will emerge from Yongmeori since the dragon was considered a sign of "a great leader is born". As it snaked into the sea, the men cut off the dragon’s head and blood spurted extensively. This upset spirit of Hallasan and the spirit sent a typhoon to kill all the Chinese soldiers in revenge.
Suggested time to spend in Yongmeori Coast:
We spent about 2 hours in the area (Yeongmeori Coast and the cafe and the ice cream parlor). Yongmeori Coast alone is worth at least 1 hour, well allocate ample time since climbing down the stairs and up again might need some time as well.IMPORTANT TIPS:
- Yongmeori Coast will be closed by the rangers during high tide, high winds, high waves, and any adverse weather conditions. Such an imposing place! Hence, always check tide times before you go. To avoid disappointment, you may ask your hotel concierge to call 064-760-6321 to check whether it is open.
- Be prepared to walk on some rough terrain. So comfortable shoes are mandatory.
- You might get wet from the waves hitting on the cliff so a raincoat is a bonus.
- It's other name (Dragon Head Cliff) might confuse people and led them to google the wrong location. A lot of times, visitors to Jeju island crossed this off their to-do list coz they accidentally searched Dragon head rock (Yongduam rock) instead, which is at the north side of Jeju island, just 5 minutes from the Jeju airport. Well, that one is just a rock, nothing too impressive but still a good place for a stroll. I’ve been there too and enjoyed it. Yongmeori, the dragon head cliff is much bigger ar 600 meters in length and 20 meters in height. Do not miss it!
Bonus: Hop on a cruise to see Sanbangsan and Yongmeori coast is a thrilling way!
Time: One hourThe cruise jaunt over the waters of Jeju Island to marvel at the UNESCO listed Jeju Global Geopark Sanbangsan and Yongmeori coast. You'll also be able to see the Songaksan Volcano. This double-crater volcano is one of the most stunning sights on the Island. It's also in this area of the coast where you'll get to see one of the filming spots of the famous K-Drama “Dae Jang Geum”, known in English as “Jewel in the Palace”, set in ancient Korean times.
Best of all, the cruise ticket only cost RM45 per person now! Such a bargain: Click HERE to grab the special discount ticket now!
Location
The coast is at the Southwest side of Jeju island, Seogwipo’s Andeok-myeon Sagye-ri.Address: 218-10, Sanbang-ro, Andeok-myeon, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do
How to get to Yongmeori Cliff and Sanbangsan?
If you are road tripping, key in the number 794-2940 into your Korean GPS. Free onsite parking available at the foot of Sanbangsan!You can also take a Bus from Jeju International Airport. The journey will take about 1 hour and 30 minutes with 1 transfer in between. From Seogwipo Intercity Bus Terminal, you will be able to get to the Yongmeori coast in 50 minutes. The only bus stop in the area is called ‘Sanbangsan Mountain (산방산)’
Entrance Fee
On typical days, admission fees would be:[Sanbangsan Mountain & Yongmeori Beach Combined Ticket]
Individuals: Adults 2,500 won / Children 1,500 won
Groups: Adults 2,000 won / Children 1,000 won
OR
[Yongmeori Beach]
Individuals: Adults 2,000 won / Children 1,000 won
Groups: Adults 1,600 won / Children 600 won
* Free admission: people with disabilities, seniors (ages 65 & above), and preschoolers (under age 6)
Despite everything, there was no ticket required to enter the Yongmeori Coast during our visit. The ticket booth for both Sanbangsan and Yongmeori Coast was not operating and the attractions were opened. So I assume it was a rare day where all attractions are open to the public free of charge (We have that special day monthly all over Europe. )
Operating Hours
Winter Season 08:00-17:00Summer Season 08:00-18:00
subject to change depending on weather conditions.
Verdict
Totally worth the hype and rave!!! I’d say it's a gem of Jeju Island and I’m glad I’ve made time for this (It was the best of time).
Anyone who loves nature should come to experience this. No excuses.
Other things to do around the Area:
Visit Sanbangsan, obviously! Although I did not fully explore the area, I did go up to the Sanbangsan Temple (at the left) and Bomunsa temple (further in at the right side on the same level) that hold relics of Buddha. Outside the temples, there are 2 giant statues: 1 white Lady Guanyin and a gold Buddha. From afar, they look like they are safe-guarding Mountain Sanbang.
A 470 stone steps hike further up will bring you to the only cave shrine in Jeju island, which tell the origin of its name too Sanbang, “cave within a mountain”. In the cave, clear water drips from the ceiling form a small pool. According to local folklore, these are tears of Bodhisattva. Visitors can have a few sips of the water and make prayers.
While we were waiting for our bus (due in 1 hour time according to schedule), we took our time to check out some cafes at the foot of Sanbangsan.
Other attractions nearby include Songakasan, the Chusa exile house, the shell park, Hwasun Golden Sand Beach, Jeju Sculpture park, Gapa-do, and Mara-do.
Putting it into your itinerary
It greatly depend on what you want to see and do in Andeok-myeon. Most travelers to Jeju island would want to check out O'sulloc Tea Museum, Innisfree, Camelia Hill as well as Yongmeori and Sanbangsan.1 day in Jeju Island, Andeok-myeon (I have written full articles on each attractions covering how to get there, what to do, what to eat. Fell free to click into the links below to find out more.)
9.00am-10.00am O'sulloc Green Tea Museum, the observatory and the Green tea fields
10.00am-11.00am Innisfree Jeju house and soap-making workshop
11.00am -11.30am Instaworthy Brunch in Innisfree Jeju House
12.00pm -1.30pm Camellia Hill
1.30pm - 3.30pm Hello Kitty Island3.50pm - 5.00pm Sanbangsan
5.00pm- 7.00pm Yongmeori Coast
7.00pm- 8.00pm Dinner at one of the Sanbangsan Cafe overlooking the sunset
As you can see this itinerary is a bit rush, hence, I suggest staying a night in Andeok-myeon and cover everything in 2 days spacing them out. If you have 2 days in Jeju island Andeok Myeon region, you can take your time at Hello Kitty island or even add Sinhwa theme park into the itinerary on day . Leaving Sanbangsan and Yongmeori Coast for Day 2 along with Songakasan, the Chusa exile house, the shell park, Hwasun Golden Sand Beach, Jeju Sculpture park, Gapa-do, and Mara-do.
Where to Stay?
I found only 1 established hotel in the radius of 1km off Innisfree Jeju House and O'sulloc Tea Museum, correct me if I am wrong. But if you are interested in staying as close to the attraction as possible, here is Aerospace Hotel (read the review from booking.com).
For those wishing to stay near to the Yongmeori Coast and Sanbangsan, Party Guesthouse (click to check price) is a good choice for backpackers while Sagye Travel House (click to check price) offers private rooms as well as dorm beds. Both property are just 0.6-0.7 km away from Yongmeori coast and provide free breakfast, so this will enable you to have a great start if you decided to spend 2 days in Jeju Andeok-myeon.
When is the best time to visit Sanbangsan and Yongmeori Coast
Springtime, during low tides.The Sanbangsan mountain is extremely beautiful when canola flowers come into full bloom. This creates literally a carpet of yellow flower around the foot of Sanbangsan and for that, an annual celebration (Canola Flower Walking Festival) is held without fail.
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Thank You for Reading! This post is based solely on my honest opinion or personal experience. If you have a different opinion, feel free to share your thoughts with me by commenting below!
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