A 23-Meter Cascade Plunging into the Sea: What to Expect at Jeongbang Waterfall

Jeongbang Waterfall, where a 23 m cascade falls directly into the sea

Jeongbang Waterfall is a coastal waterfall whose waters fall directly into the sea. Originating on the southern slope of Hallasan Mountain, the stream flows down along the coastal cliff. The waterfall is 23 m high, 8 m wide, and 5 m deep.

On both sides of the waterfall are vertical rock walls with developed columnar joints and old pine trees. Along with Cheonjiyeon Waterfall and Cheonjeyeon Waterfall, Jeongbang Waterfall is known as one of Jeju’s three major waterfalls and is also a representative attraction on Jeju Olle Trail Route 6.

How it became one of the Ten Scenic Views of Yeongju and National Scenic Site No. 43

The official National Heritage name of Jeongbang Waterfall is ‘Jeju Seogwipo Jeongbang Waterfall.’ It was designated Jeju Special Self-Governing Province Monument No. 44 on August 26, 1995, then, upon its removal from that designation on August 8, 2008, it was simultaneously designated National Scenic Site No. 43.

Since ancient times, Jeongbang Waterfall has been called ‘Jeongbanghabok (正房夏瀑)’ and was selected as one of the Ten Scenic Views of Yeongju. There is a legend that Seobul, an envoy of Qin Shi Huang, passed by and carved ‘Seobulgwacha (徐市過此)’ into the waterfall’s rock wall, but the inscription cannot currently be verified in reality.

The place memory of Jeju 4·3 preserved at Sonammeori

Sonammeori, above Jeongbang Waterfall, is known as a site where residents subject to summary execution were killed after being interrogated by the Information Division during Jeju 4·3. Before experiencing the waterfall solely as a natural landscape, it is worth learning about the historical significance of the place name above it as well.

The name ‘Sonammeori’ was given because the hill had many pine trees. When looking at the cliffs and old pine trees of Jeongbang Waterfall today, it is important to remember that this name contains both the natural environment and the region’s tragic memory.

Five minutes down the pine-lined stairs from the ticket office to the waterfall

After buying a ticket at the entrance ticket office, follow the stairs lined with pine trees for about five minutes to reach the waterfall. The recommended viewing time is approximately 40 minutes, so plan your schedule to include the time needed to purchase tickets and go up and down the stairs.

The viewing trail has many stairs, and wheelchair users are advised that access is not possible. The wet stones on the coastal path leading close to the waterfall may be slippery, so shoes with good traction are more suitable than sandals or shoes with worn soles.

Open 09:00–17:50; last admission at 17:30

As of 2026, Jeongbang Waterfall is open year-round. Viewing hours are 09:00–17:50, with last admission at 17:30. Viewing hours may change depending on sunset time, and access may be restricted according to weather conditions, so take particular care when visiting in the late afternoon.

Individual adult admission is 2,000 won, and group adult admission is 1,600 won. Individual admission for teenagers and children is 1,000 won, while group admission is 600 won. Group rates apply to groups of 10 or more paying visitors. Children aged 6 or under, people aged 65 or over, and holders of disability certificates, among others, must present identification and verification documents and are eligible for free admission.

Get off at KAL Hotel from the airport, Jungmun, or Seogwipo

From Jeju Airport, the recommended route is to take limousine bus 600 and get off in front of KAL Hotel; the journey takes approximately 60 minutes. From Jungmun, take limousine bus 600 bound for Seogwipo and get off at KAL Hotel; the journey is approximately 20 minutes.

From Seogwipo, take a city bus bound for Bomok and get off at KAL Hotel; the journey takes approximately 10 minutes. By car from the airport, the route is listed as approximately 52 minutes and 52.2 km, while from Jungmun it is approximately 38 minutes and 38.2 km. The driving route from Seogwipo is listed as approximately 44 minutes and 43.6 km.

• Address: 37, Chilsipniri-ro 214beon-gil, Seogwipo-si, Jeju Special Self-Governing Province
• Lot-number address: 278 Donghong-dong, Seogwipo-si, Jeju Special Self-Governing Province
• Parking: Available; free of charge

How to use the cultural tourism interpretation service from 10:00 to 17:00

The cultural tourism interpretation service operates from 10:00 to 17:00, and reservations can be made from 10:00 to 16:30. Each interpretation session lasts 30–40 minutes, so you should allocate separate time from a schedule that simply involves viewing the waterfall.

For interpretation reservations and inquiries, call 064-732-1393; on-site registration is also available. For inquiries about Jeongbang Waterfall itself, call 064-733-1530. The cultural tourism interpretation service is closed on the day of Seollal and Chuseok, so visitors during these periods should distinguish between the waterfall’s operating schedule and the interpretation service schedule.

Seogwipo city-center routes that pair well with Jeongbang Waterfall

Jeongbang Waterfall is near central Seogwipo, making it convenient to combine with the Seobok Exhibition Hall, Chilsipniri Food Speciality Street, and Jaguri Park. Since specific walking times between the three places are not provided, it is safer to check the actual distances on a map rather than trying to connect everything at once.

Lee Jung-seop Street, Seogwipo Maeil Olle Market, and Cheonjiyeon Waterfall are also described as being not far from Jeongbang Waterfall. However, Jeongbang Waterfall involves stairs and wet stone paths, and whether pets are allowed must be confirmed by phone. Travelers using strollers or accompanied by pets should therefore assess their itinerary separately.