Cheonjeyeon Waterfalls

Cheonjeyeon is a chain of three waterfalls in a wooded gorge on Jeju's south coast, near Jungmun. The name means the pond of the Emperor of Heaven. The upper fall drops some 22 metres from the roof of a shallow cave into a deep green pool about 21 metres deep and runs only after rain; the second, about 30 metres, and the third are more reliable, stepping down through subtropical forest towards the sea. The warm temperate forest around them has been a natural monument since 1993, and swimming in the pools is now prohibited. Paths and stairways link them, and the Seonimgyo bridge arches across the gorge above, its parapets carved with the seven nymphs of the legend that gives the falls their name. The walk between the three is short but heavy on steps. It is a different place from Cheonjiyeon, the single fall closer to Seogwipo, and the two names are easy to mix up.

What's there

• The first fall and pool - the cave-mouth drop into a deep green basin, when it is running.
• The second and third falls - the lower, steadier drops through the gorge.
• Seonimgyo bridge - the arched span above the gorge with its carved nymph reliefs.
• The gorge forest - the subtropical vegetation and ferns on the ravine walls.

When to go

After rain, and in the wetter months from June to September, when all three falls actually flow. Mornings are quieter. In a dry spell the top fall reduces to a stained rock face and a still pool, which disappoints anyone who came for it. Combining the visit with the Jungmun coast fills a half day.

What to expect

The first fall is frequently dry, and that is the one on the postcards. The site is heavily engineered, with concrete stairs, railings and a resort area alongside, so it feels managed rather than wild. There are a lot of steps between the three levels, and the walk back up is the hard part. Coach groups arrive through the middle of the day.

Nearby

The Jungmun resort coast and its beach are minutes away; Seogwipo and Cheonjiyeon fall are a short drive east.

Key facts