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. The waterfall is 23 m (75 ft) high and is very close to the ocean. Depending on the level of recent rainfall, it can be up 8 m (26 ft) wide. The source of the waterfall is the stream Donghong-chun. According to some sources, Jeongbang Waterfall is the only waterfall in Asia that falls directly in the ocean. However, this may be disputed, since its water falls into a sheltered cove rather than straight into the ocean. Located near Seogwipo, Jeongbang Waterfall is a popular tourist attraction. It is considered Yeongjusipgeong, one of the ten greatest scenic wonders of Jeju.
Legend states that a holy dragon lived underneath it. It was said that the dragon's spirit is contained in the water which can cure diseases and bring rain during drought. Furthermore, a nearby small waterfall is said to resemble a servant waiting on a lord.
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. 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"), on the cliff wall, where it no longer remains. An inscription on the wall of the waterfall saying "Seobulgwacha", refers to Seobul's journey. The waterfall is one of the three famous waterfalls of Jeju, along with Cheonjiyeon Waterfall and Cheonjeyeon Waterfall. A smaller waterfall, Sojeongbang Waterfall is 300 m to the east.
Coordinates: 33°14′41″N 126°34′18″E / 33.244649°N 126.571662°E
...
Wikipedia