Jeongbang Waterfall
Encyclopedia
Jeongbang Waterfall is a famous waterfall
on Jeju Island
. The waterfall is 23 m (75.5 ft) high and is very close to the ocean
. Depending on the level of recent rainfall, it can be up 8 m (26.2 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 disease
s 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 herb
s 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.
Waterfall
A waterfall is a place where flowing water rapidly drops in elevation as it flows over a steep region or a cliff.-Formation:Waterfalls are commonly formed when a river is young. At these times the channel is often narrow and deep. When the river courses over resistant bedrock, erosion happens...
on Jeju Island
Jeju-do
Jeju-do is the only special autonomous province of South Korea, situated on and coterminous with the country's largest island. Jeju-do lies in the Korea Strait, southwest of Jeollanam-do Province, of which it was a part before it became a separate province in 1946...
. The waterfall is 23 m (75.5 ft) high and is very close to the ocean
Ocean
An ocean is a major body of saline water, and a principal component of the hydrosphere. Approximately 71% of the Earth's surface is covered by ocean, a continuous body of water that is customarily divided into several principal oceans and smaller seas.More than half of this area is over 3,000...
. Depending on the level of recent rainfall, it can be up 8 m (26.2 ft) wide. The source of the waterfall is the stream Donghong-chun. According to some sources, Jeongbang Waterfall is the only waterfall in Asia
Asia
Asia is the world's largest and most populous continent, located primarily in the eastern and northern hemispheres. It covers 8.7% of the Earth's total surface area and with approximately 3.879 billion people, it hosts 60% of the world's current human population...
that falls directly in the ocean. However, this may be disputed, since its water falls into a sheltered cove
Cove
A cove is a small type of bay or coastal inlet. They usually have narrow, restricted entrances, are often circular or oval, and are often inside a larger bay. Small, narrow, sheltered bays, inlets, creeks, or recesses in a coast are often considered coves...
rather than straight into the ocean. Located near Seogwipo
Seogwipo
Seogwipo is a city in Jeju Province, South Korea with a pre-2008 estimated population of 155,000 inhabitants. In July, 2006, Seogwipo city was expanded to include the entire southern half of Jeju island. In 2002, it was one of the host cities for the FIFA World Cup.-Climate:-External links:*...
, Jeongbang Waterfall is a popular tourist attraction
Tourist attraction
A tourist attraction is a place of interest where tourists visit, typically for its inherent or exhibited cultural value, historical significance, natural or built beauty, or amusement opportunities....
. It is considered Yeongjusipgeong, one of the ten greatest scenic wonders of Jeju
Jeju-do
Jeju-do is the only special autonomous province of South Korea, situated on and coterminous with the country's largest island. Jeju-do lies in the Korea Strait, southwest of Jeollanam-do Province, of which it was a part before it became a separate province in 1946...
.
Legend states that a holy dragon
Dragon
A dragon is a legendary creature, typically with serpentine or reptilian traits, that feature in the myths of many cultures. There are two distinct cultural traditions of dragons: the European dragon, derived from European folk traditions and ultimately related to Greek and Middle Eastern...
lived underneath it. It was said that the dragon's spirit is contained in the water which can cure disease
Disease
A disease is an abnormal condition affecting the body of an organism. It is often construed to be a medical condition associated with specific symptoms and signs. It may be caused by external factors, such as infectious disease, or it may be caused by internal dysfunctions, such as autoimmune...
s and bring rain during drought
Drought
A drought is an extended period of months or years when a region notes a deficiency in its water supply. Generally, this occurs when a region receives consistently below average precipitation. It can have a substantial impact on the ecosystem and agriculture of the affected region...
. Furthermore, a nearby small waterfall is said to resemble a servant waiting on a lord.
A legend
Legend
A legend is a narrative of human actions that are perceived both by teller and listeners to take place within human history and to possess certain qualities that give the tale verisimilitude...
states that Emperor Jin
Qin Shi Huang
Qin Shi Huang , personal name Ying Zheng , was king of the Chinese State of Qin from 246 BC to 221 BC during the Warring States Period. He became the first emperor of a unified China in 221 BC...
of China
China
Chinese civilization may refer to:* China for more general discussion of the country.* Chinese culture* Greater China, the transnational community of ethnic Chinese.* History of China* Sinosphere, the area historically affected by Chinese culture...
(259 BC - 210 BC) sent a servant, Seobul, to fetch the magical herb
Herb
Except in botanical usage, an herb is "any plant with leaves, seeds, or flowers used for flavoring, food, medicine, or perfume" or "a part of such a plant as used in cooking"...
s 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
Autograph
An autograph is a document transcribed entirely in the handwriting of its author, as opposed to a typeset document or one written by an amanuensis or a copyist; the meaning overlaps with that of the word holograph.Autograph also refers to a person's artistic signature...
, 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
Jeju-do
Jeju-do is the only special autonomous province of South Korea, situated on and coterminous with the country's largest island. Jeju-do lies in the Korea Strait, southwest of Jeollanam-do Province, of which it was a part before it became a separate province in 1946...
, along with Cheonjiyeon Waterfall
Cheonjiyeon Waterfall
Cheonjiyeon Waterfall is a waterfall on Jeju Island, South Korea. Literally, the name Cheonjiyeon means sky connected with land . It is one of the main tourist attractions on Jeju-do. It is high and wide. Though water always falls in one particular area, depending on the amount of recent rain,...
and Cheonjeyeon Waterfall
Cheonjeyeon Waterfall
Cheonjeyeon Waterfall, not to be confused with the Cheonjiyeon Waterfall, is a three-tier waterfall located on Jeju Island. Cold water flows out of the ceiling of a cave to make the waterfall. Between the precipice of the waterfall and the lower clay layer, water springs out. In first cascade, the...
. A smaller waterfall, Sojeongbang Waterfall is 300 m to the east.