Yongmeori means dragon's head, and the name fits. On the south-west coast at the foot of Sanbangsan Mountain, banded cliffs of volcanic ash and debris sweep down and curve into the water in the outline of a dragon lowering its head to drink. The layered rock, about seven hundred metres long and between twenty-five and forty metres high, was laid down by eruptions from underwater vents and carved by waves over a very long time. A narrow, fairly flat wave-cut platform runs along the base of the cliffs, and the walk takes about thirty minutes at an easy pace. It is also on Jeju Olle Trail route 10, and the cliffs have appeared in television dramas. A monument nearby marks the arrival of the Dutch sailor Hendrick Hamel, who was shipwrecked on Jeju in the seventeenth century.
Why the tide matters
The walkway at the base of the cliff is only safe when the sea is low and calm. Opening hours can be shortened, or access closed entirely, when waves are high or the tide is in, even if the weather looks fine from the car park. Check on the day with the staff or the local tourist information before you drive out, and treat a closed walkway as a reason to enjoy the viewpoint above instead and return later.
The site is open each day in principle, with a small admission fee and free entry for young children and older visitors with proof of age.
On the walk
You pass along the foot of cliffs that show swirling bands of tan and grey, with caves and hollows at the waterline and small stalls where haenyeo divers sometimes sell fresh seafood, depending on conditions. Because the platform is rocky and can be wet, sturdy shoes matter. Pets are not allowed. The view of Sanbangsan rising behind you, with a small cave temple on its flank, is a surprise for first-time visitors who come for the coast alone.
Planning it
Yongmeori is on the south-west coast, between Jungmun and the western towns, so it fits on a day that also takes in Jusangjeolli, the Hamel memorial, a tea stop and a western beach. Allow an hour in total including parking and the walk, and arrive earlier in the day if the tide tables are uncertain. Families will find it an engaging mini-adventure, and photographers will enjoy the textures of the rock on an overcast day as much as in strong sun.
What to expect
The experience
A roughly thirty-minute walk along a shore platform at the foot of layered cliffs, closed when the tide or waves are too high.
Best time
Morning on a calm, low-tide day, ideally after confirming that the walkway is open.
How long
About thirty minutes on the walkway, an hour with parking and the surrounding sights.
Tips
Check the day's access before you drive, wear shoes with grip and keep pets at home because they are not allowed.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Striking layered sea cliffs and a short coastal walk in the south-west.
- Families
- A fun short adventure for children who can walk on uneven, sometimes wet rock.
- Couples
- A scenic, photogenic stop on a south-west coast day.
- Pair with
- Jusangjeolli Cliffs, Jeongbang Waterfall and O'sulloc Tea Museum.
- Time needed
- About one hour.
Good questions
Why does the walkway sometimes close?+
It runs along the base of the cliffs at sea level, so high tides, big waves and bad weather make it unsafe. Access can be restricted for part of a day or for the whole day.
How long is the walk?+
About thirty minutes along the cliff base at an easy pace, with the whole visit taking around an hour.
Is there a charge to enter?+
A small admission fee applies, with free entry for young children, older visitors and some other groups who show proof of eligibility.
What else is nearby?+
Sanbangsan Mountain rises behind the coast, and a monument to Hendrick Hamel stands close to the cliffs. Jusangjeolli and Jeju's south-west beaches are a short drive away.
Can I bring my dog?+
No. Pets are not allowed on the walkway.
