Sunday, June 16, 2019

Visiting JeongBang Waterfalls in Jeju Island, South Korea. What to Expect and How to Get There?

       Jeju is literally the motherland of mountains and sea. Well, I think by now, you guys are already having Mount Halla and Seongsan Illchubong in mind, that’s good, you are thinking… hah! but what else are there?
       2 words: Majestic waterfalls and today this blog post will be about Jeongbang waterfalls-- what to expect, admission fee, how to get there, what to expect and some interesting facts!
visit JeongBang Waterfalls in Jeju


       Jeongbang Falls is known as one of the Jejudo’s top 3 must-see waterfalls, along with Cheonjiyeon Falls and Cheonjeyeon Falls (Yes, this is not a mistake, both waterfalls sound similar. )
       Talking about accessibility, I think JeongBang waterfalls is the second best waterfall to visit out of the top 3 falls in Jeju. If you have elderly and kids in the group, and only have enough time to visit only 1 falls, I suggest visiting Cheonjiyeon instead. But if you don’t have physical limitations, this waterfall should be in the 1st place in your must do checklist.
visit JeongBang Waterfalls in Jeju

       As I said, this is not an ideal place for the elderly with physical limitation because there is a flight of stairs (It takes about 5 minutes, lined elegantly by old pine trees so this could be a photo opportunity too!) before you reach a field of rocks leading to the foot of JeongBang waterfalls. So wear comfortable shoes if you wanna feel the splashing water at the foot because the rocks are quite loose and some, wet hence you need to balance yourself well. It is not a very difficult climb but you still have to be careful.
visit JeongBang Waterfalls in Jeju

       Of course, if you don’t wish to go up close, you can always stop at the end of the stairs and appreciate the falls from afar.... but hey, why not? How can you resist diping your feet into the crystal clear refreshing water? Ok, if you are going during winter you are forgiven.
       On your way, you can find some Hainyeo (local women sea divers) selling their fresh catches of the day like oysters, sea urchins, sea cucumber as well as abalone! If you are not afraid of Diphyllobothrium (fish tapeworm, consider yourself warned), you are in for some freshest sashimi feast in your life! A few of my friends tried it with garlic slices and pepper paste and swear those are the greatest (and probably most affordable) abalone sashimi they had up to date! Unfortunately, I did not get to try them because I went way too early to avoid the crowds… I guess they were still diving out there by the time I left JeongBang waterfalls.
visit JeongBang Waterfalls in Jeju
visit JeongBang Waterfalls in Jeju
visit JeongBang Waterfalls in Jeju

       By the way, in chinese, "JeongBang" means the "first wife", so I guess couples or going-to-be couples will get married after paying a visit to this waterfall. Well, I can verity that personally because my ex went here with another girl during our courtship and now they are married. (cough.. *jerk*.... cough)

Why do I classify it as a must do? 

       Standing at 23 meters high by a high black cliff with 2 beautiful streams running, Jeongbang Falls (정방폭포) is the only waterfall in Asia that plunges directly into the ocean. And this view had made it as one of Ten Scenic Wonders of Jeju Island (Yeongjusipgeong).

       Legend has it that, SeoBul, a loyal servant of Emperor Qin Shi Huang (BC 259~210) in China was on a mission searching for the elixir herb of eternal youth in Mount Halla when he accidentally found JeongBang waterfalls instead on his way back to China. He was so captivated with the magnificent falls, he left his signature on the cliff wall: Seobul Gwaji (which literally means "Seobul was here"). Of course, after all these years the signature had faded away (or maybe it didn't exist from the first place! Who knows?). However, you can find an inscription written "Seobulgwacha" on the cliff wall where he left his name, to acknowledge that he had passed by this place during his Journey to Korea. Another interesting fact: Seogwipo (Literally translated to chinese as "Seobul Headed Back West.") is also said to have gotten its name from this history.
visit JeongBang Waterfalls in Jeju
       Another local legend also states that a holy dragon lived underneath JeongBang waterfalls. Hence the water surrounding it was considered holy as it contains the dragon's spirit. Not only it is said to heal diseases, it can bring luck and also rain during drought.
       During summer time, JeongBang waterfalls is very popular with tourist coming sunbathing. So go with the flow! Prepare a picnic basket, your bikini and bring a loved one!

Estimated time to spend: 

       30 minute is enough for those who love to have a small photos hotting session everywhere they go. If not, I guess 20 minutes will do.
       There is another smaller waterfall 300 meter east of JeongBang, called Sojeongbang waterfalls. So you might as well check that out.So-Jeongbang falls is said to resemble a servant waiting on a lord (JeongBang waterfalls).

Getting to Jeongbang Waterfall

       I walked to JeongBang waterfalls first thing in the morning because my accommodation was extremely near to it (about 10 minutes walk).

       If you doing a road trip, you should insert 7331530 (phone number) into the Korean GPS. Best of news? The onsite parking is FREE of charge.

       If you are using public transport:

  • From Jeju Airport,

The limousine bus will send you to Paradise Hotel and Jeongbangpokpo will be only 5 minutes away.

  • From Jeju Intercity Bus Terminal,

Take any intercity bus bound for Seogwipo-si and get off at Jeju world cup stadium or Dongmun rotary. From there, you can either walk or take a Kakao Taxi.

Admission Fees

Adults 2,000 won ( Approx RM7 / USD 1.70 )
There is a small ticketing window at the top of the stairs and another ticket checkpoint at the start of the stairs.

Opening Hours

Depending on the season:
Summer 08:00 – 19:00 / Winter 8:00 – 18:00

Where to stay 

       If you wish to stay near JeongBang Waterfalls and walk to all the nearby attractions like what I did, I highly recommend JeongMun Resort. Not only that the popular sites like JeongBang (as near as 0.3km! ), Cheonjiyeon and Odgaldae rock (furthest) are within walking distance, it has family rooms to choose from which is great for travelers with kids.
visit JeongBang Waterfalls in Jeju

       Other than that, I saw Artstay Seogwipo Harbor on my way and thought it could be a cool stay too.  It is just within a 10-minute walk from JeongBang, Seogwipo Maeil Olle Market and Lee Jung-Seop Culture Street. Making it an ideal base for travelers interested in waterfalls and local snacks. Plus, each rooms has excellent view of the harbor and you could have the time of your life watching sunset while dipping in your personal bath!    
JeongBang Waterfalls in Jeju
JeongBang Waterfalls in Jeju

Have you been to JeongBang waterfalls? Share your thoughts with me!

--------------
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!
------------------------
Coral coast road trip itinerary
Follow me on Instagram if you would like to see more photos! 
📌For more travel tips, like Eat Love Travel Breathe with Miss HappyFeet. 
📌Subscribe to the monthly newsletter for exclusive travel deals, tips, free E-books, monthly giveaway and travel coupons!

No comments: