We had a large number of spots to check-out on this Day 01, though they were all fairly close to each other. Leaving Cheonjiyeon Waterfall, we next headed to Seogwipo Chilsimni area for a quick look. The coastal walk in this area is a short seaside promenade overlooking the lava cliffs along the south coast. The paved path runs along the edge of the shoreline with uninterrupted views of the ocean. Waves often crash against the basalt formations below, especially when the sea is rough.
Next stop was our second waterfall this trip: Jeongbang Waterfall, and considered unique in Asia for the simple reason that the water falls directly into the sea. The stream drops roughly twenty metres from a dark basalt cliff along the coastline just outside Seogwipo. The walk down from the car park isn’t long, but is very steep down. The beach area itself has huge granite-like rocks that you have to navigate over before finally getting up close to the waterfall. The waterfall itself is awesome, and be prepared to get a little drenched! There was also quite a few people visiting this waterfall, and unlike Chengjiyeon just now, the area itself is a lot smaller, making for a somewhat more crowded visitation experience.
Next, a short hop to Soesokkak Estuary, a point where the Seogwipo freshwater stream meets the sea along the southeastern coast of Jeju. The in the estuary appears as a deep green colour against the dark volcanic rock. Wooden walkways and small paths follow the riverbank, making it an easy place for a short walk. And there were small canoe rides available for visitors to paddle along a short stretch of the stream.
Our last stop was Namwon Keuneong Promenade – which wasn’t on our original itinerary but suggested by Mr. Lee as we had quite a bit of free time. The place is so named because of a huge rock that looks like it is opening its mouth to swallow the sea. Apparently, this area is a popular fishing spot on the rocks on the shore, a relaxing resting place, and a date spot.
We finished our day’s itinerary just past 4PM, so drove back to central Seogwipo for a check-into the hotel and then a quick walk to a nearby restaurant for local Korean cuisine to close the day.
That’s a wrap for Day 01. To be continued in the next post!