This week on Jeju: A to Z, with the monsoon season beginning in earnest, Todd Thacker takes a brief look at another of Jeju’s famous waterfalls. As well see now, Jeongbang Waterfall is geologically unique, and it is associated with an interesting ancient myth.
As an island, Jeju is no stranger to water. But with its geology of porous basalt lava, rainwater tends to move through the land to subterranean aquifers, rather than pooling on the surface. So Jeju is mainly devoid of lakes and rivers.

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One of a handful of island waterfalls

Which is why Jeongbang Waterfall is such a cherished and interesting feature. Located on the south coast, this is one of just a handful of such waterfalls, including Cheonjeyeon, Cheonjiyeon and Eongtto Falls.

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Asia’s only waterfall to empty directly into sea

Uniquely, though, it is the only waterfall in the region which empties directly into the ocean.

Jeongbang was designated an official Scenic Spot in 2008. But that doesn’t mean it hasn’t been appreciated for centuries. In fact, these falls have an interesting mythology to them.

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Myth states Seobul came from China looking for elixir of life

The myth says that over 2,000 years ago a man from China by the name of Seobul was dispatched to Jeju to find an elixir of immortality for the emperor. He was unsuccessful and before departing Jeju at Jeongbang Falls he wrote in stone the word “Seobulgwacha” -- or “Seobul went back west.” They say that that is how Seogwipo got its name.

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Todd Thacker

There are indeed plenty of great sights on Jeju’s south coast, and without a doubt these falls rank very high on that list. If you are fortunate enough to visit Jeongbang, be sure to keep an eye out for that elixir of life!

Todd Thacker KCTV