Visiting Cheonjeyeon Waterfalls, Jeju Island

       “Cheon” means heaven, “Je” means king, and “Yeon” means pond. Cheonjeyeon Wateralls (천제연폭포), bears the meaning of ‘The pond of Emperor of Heaven’. It has 3 tiers in total. The legend behind Cheonjeyeon Falls is on how seven fairies serving the Emperor of Heaven would slide down from the heavens every night via a violet colored moon beam and bathe in the waterfall's pond.

Seonimgyo Bridge and it's Surrounding

       In the Cheonjeyeon Valley, there is a famous arch bridge called the “Seonimgyo Bridge” (meaning the 7 nymphs bridge) connecting Cheonjeyeon with the Jungmum Tourist Complex. This bridge with the legend of the seven nymphs carved on both sides, is a great photo spot, with some good angles and lighting, you could create an illusion of talking towards heavens like the 7 nymphs. Depend on the lighting of the day, it provides visitors a spectacular view of all three falls.

       The octagonal Cheonjeru Pavilion can also be seen and the painting on its surface tells the legend of the 7 nymphs and the mountain god of Cheonjeyeon. In the month of May of every even-numbered year (2018, 2020, 2022, 2024… ), the Chilseonyeo Festival to celebrate the 7 nymphs will be held here.

       With all the rare plants thriving, the warm temperate forest around Cheonjeyeon Waterfall was designated Natural Monument No. 378 in 1993  Rare plants such as the solipnan (솔잎난) plants or skeleton fork fern (Psilotum nudum) can be found around the waterfalls in the crevices of wet rocks. You can actually feel rejuvenated after a walk in the jungle… was it the lush greenery of the surrounding jungle or it is due to the holiness of the 7 nymphs? I should have stayed a little longer to peep on the 7 nymphs!

       On the other side of the bridge, you can find the Fountain of Five Blessings standing in the middle of the square. According to the description on the plaque, “This fountain symbolizes the five blessings of longevity (tortoise), wealth (boar), honor (dragon), love (mandarin duck), and sons (carp).” What you have to do, is to pick the blessing of your choice by standing in front of the animal totem, and throw a coin into the lucky bag in the center. If the coin got flipped successfully into the lucky bag, your blessings will be granted. At the end of the year, the coins gathered here will be put into good use by helping Korea’s underprivileged.

First Tier

        To the east, there is a cave where cold water runs from the floor of the mountain on the upper part of Jungmun-dong and pours from the ceiling to create a waterfall. But during my visit, unfortunately, I didn’t see any water at all… It is supposed to be the largest waterfalls out of the 3 top waterfalls in Jeju island but  I guest it had dried out during winter? Oh God, why me? The good thing is, I get to see the columnar joints clearly, but again, I’ve seen better waterfalls in Iceland so it doesn't really impresses me.
       In the first cascade, the cliff is 22 m (72 ft) high and the water falls into Cheonjeyeon pond which is 21 m (69 ft) deep. It is said that during ancient times, people stood under the waterfall on the Buddhist All Souls Day or Cheoseo Day (at the end of August/ 15th day of the seventh lunar month) to receive the holy water rumored to be able to cure diseases within a month. Too bad in modern times, swimming and soaking in the pond are prohibited.

Second Tier

       From the first tier, the water goes to the second waterfall and falls 30 m (98 ft). During my visit, this was the most impressive waterfall rather than the first tier.

Third Tier

       Eventually, the water tributes to the ocean at the end of this trail. Most tourists gave up on this tier because, in order to get to this waterfall, you have to conquer a lot of stairs…. a bit of hike which will take you around 10-15 minutes.
       People said this is the least impressive waterfalls of all but I am glad I did not gave up on her. It is great in photos don't you agree?

Estimated time to spend at Cheonjeyeon Falls: 

       I would recommend an hour to see all the waterfalls, as there are some treks leading to the waterfalls. Especially to the 3rd tiers (furthest among all). As soon as you’ve passed through the Seonimgyo Bridge, take a left to see the 1st and second tiers, or a right instead to see the 3rd one first.

Arranging itinerary for the day

       Fitting Cheonjeyeon waterfalls into a packed itinerary? You are on the right blog. I visited Cheonjeyeon waterfalls just before sundown after spending the whole day checking out the natural wonders around Seogwipo.
       Firstly, I started my day in JeongBang waterfalls, moving on to Cheonjiyeon waterfalls and Odalgae rock (all by foot). Then, I took a bus to Jusangjeolidae cliffs and from there, I chose to walk 30 minutes to reach Cheonjeyeon waterfalls. I am not interested in other indoor attractions in Jungmun area, but if you are, the best way to end the day is to grab dinner in Jungmun after your visit to Cheonjeyeon and then proceed to Alive Museum Jeju, TeddyBear Museum or the KPoP Play at night. There is a bus stop directly in front of KPoP Play that will send you back to town.

Read the full itinerary here

       If you want a more free and easy day, dedicate one whole day for Jungmun area, so you can start your day later at Jusangjeolidae, then visit the Cheonjeyeon falls and the rest of the indoor attractions.

Getting to Cheonjiyeon Waterfall

       I walked to Cheonjeyeon Waterfalls from Jusangjeolidae cliff, passing by Jungmun visitor centers. The journey took around 30 minutes.

       If you are road tripping, the GPS will guide you to Cheonjeyeon Waterfall by the number 7381529. Again, onsite parking is free.

By public transport:
From Jeju Airport,
* Take Airport Limousine Bus that goes via Jungmun and Seogwipo and get off at Yeomiji Botanical Garden. The entrance of Yeomiji Botanical Garden is 5-10 minutes away. You can purchase tickets here.
From Jeju Intercity Bus Terminal,
* Take any Seogwipo-bound intercity bus and get off at Jungmun Resort. Walk 5-10 min

Admission Fees

* Adult: 2,500 won
* Youths and Children: 1,350 won
Admission fee here is slightly higher because it covers a larger ground.

Where to Stay

       If you can afford luxury, the BEST option out there is The Seas Resort and Hotel (click here to check booking.com review)! I Highly recommend this property to all couples here for honeymoon, you won't regret it. The surrounding environment is low key, perfect for anyone who long for peace and quite and of course, to enjoy full company of your loved ones. Its traditional designs blend in well into the surrounding greenery and don't get me started on the ocean view right at your doorsteps! You can even reserve one with an outdoor bath.

 If you want something more budget friendly and still stay as near to the falls and attractions as possible, try Hera Castle Pension (click here to read booking.com reviews).

Opening Hours

March – October (OTHER SEASONS) 8:00am – 6:30pm
November – February (WINTER) 9:00am – 5:30pm
Last admission is allowed 1 hour before closing.

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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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