| Jeongbang Waterfall | |
|---|---|
| Korean name | |
| Hangul | 정방폭포 |
| Hanja | 正房瀑布 |
| Revised Romanization | Jeongbang Waterfall |
| McCune–Reischauer | Chŏngbang Waterfall |
Jeongbang Waterfall is a famous waterfall on Jeju Island.[1] The waterfall is 23 m (75 ft) high and is very close to the ocean.[1][2] Depending on the level of recent rainfall, it can be up 8 m (26 ft) wide.[3] The source of the waterfall is the stream Donghong-chun.[4] According to some sources, Jeongbang Waterfall is the only waterfall in Asia that falls directly in the ocean.[1][2][3][5] However, this may be disputed, since its water falls into a sheltered cove rather than straight into the ocean.[2] Located near Seogwipo, Jeongbang Waterfall is a popular tourist attraction.[6] It is considered Yeongjusipgeong, one of the ten greatest scenic wonders of Jeju.[6]
Legend states that a holy dragon lived underneath it.[7] It was said that the dragon's spirit is contained in the water which can cure diseases and bring rain during drought.[7] Furthermore, a nearby small waterfall is said to resemble a servant waiting on a lord.[7]
A legend states that Emperor Jin of China (259 BC - 210 BC) sent a servant, Seobul, to fetch the magical herbs of eternal youth from Mount Halla.[5][6] Though he failed to find the herb, he encountered Jeongbang Falls on the way and he left his autograph, Seobul Gwaji (which literally means "Seobul was here"[8]), on the cliff wall, where it no longer remains.[6][9] An inscription on the wall of the waterfall saying "Seobulgwacha", refers to Seobul's journey.[5] The waterfall is one of the three famous waterfalls of Jeju, along with Cheonjiyeon Waterfall and Cheonjeyeon Waterfall.[6] A smaller waterfall, Sojeongbang Waterfall is 300 m to the east.[1][5][6]