Cheonjiyeon Waterfall

Cheonjiyeon is the most accessible of Seogwipo's three waterfalls - a level, paved path of a few hundred metres from the ticket gate follows a stream up a narrow gorge to a fall of about twenty-two metres, some twelve metres wide, dropping into a pool some twenty metres deep held at level by two small dams. The name joins the words for sky and land. The gorge is the interesting part: its walls hold subtropical evergreen forest, and the whole valley is designated a natural monument for the plants growing in it, including a wild population of Psilotum nudum, a primitive fern relative, and stands of camellia and nutmeg yew. The pool is also home to the marbled eel, a nocturnal species at the northern edge of its range here and itself a protected natural monument. The path is lit and the site stays open into the evening, which is unusual and makes it a straightforward post-dinner walk from town. Volume depends on rain; in a dry spell the fall is thin.

What you'll find

• The fall - twenty-two metres into a deep pool.
• The subtropical gorge - protected evergreen forest on the walls.
• The lit path - the evening walk up from the gate.
• The marbled eels - the protected population in the pool.

When to go

Year-round, and within a few days of rain for volume - in dry spells it thins considerably. Evenings for the lighting and cooler air.

What to expect

Flow varies a lot with rainfall and can disappoint. The walk is short and paved - an hour covers it. Entry is ticketed, and the three Seogwipo falls each charge separately.

Nearby

Jeongbang and Cheonjeyeon falls are close; Seogwipo's Olle market is in town.

Key facts