Jeongbang Waterfall

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]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 Lee, Cecilia Hae-Jin. (2008). Frommer's South Korea. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley. p. 392. ISBN 978-0-470-18191-1.
  2. 1 2 3 lifeinkorea.com. "Jeongbang Waterfall". Retrieved 2011-06-06.
  3. 1 2 Simon Richmond (1 May 2010). Korea. Lonely Planet. p. 297. ISBN 978-1-74104-831-5. Retrieved 7 June 2011.
  4. ↑ Oh, Duck Chul; Choi, Young Chan; Ko, Yong Ku (1992). "An Investigation of the Water Quality of the Streams in Sogwipo City". Korean Journal of Limnology 25 (1): 20–30.
  5. 1 2 3 4 "Official Site of Korea Tourism Org.: Jeongbang Falls". Retrieved 7 June 2011.
  6. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Jeongbang Waterfall in Jeju, Jeongbang Waterfall of Jeju, Korea.". Retrieved 7 June 2011.
  7. 1 2 3 Cecilia Hae-Jin Lee (24 May 2010). Frommer's South Korea. Frommer's. pp. 404–. ISBN 978-0-470-59154-3. Retrieved 7 June 2011.
  8. ↑ "Jeju Weekly". Retrieved 7 June 2011.
  9. ↑ "::Jeju Tour Info::". Retrieved 7 June 2011.

External links


Coordinates: 33°14′41″N 126°34′18″E / 33.244649°N 126.571662°E / 33.244649; 126.571662

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