A Jeju Spot to Visit on Rainy Days: Eongtto Falls

After several days of fierce wind and rain, the sky finally cleared up today. Happy to see the bright blue sky, I head out on a spontaneous outing with the kids.

A mysterious waterfall that flows only when it rains

On Jeju, there’s a mysterious waterfall that flows only when it rains. Most days it simply shows off its dramatic rocky cliffs, but when 300mm or more of rain falls on Hallasan, streams gather and form a huge waterfall. Since it had been raining up until yesterday, I hurried over, thinking the falls must have formed. But as I reached the intersection leading into Eongtto Falls, police officers were blocking the road. They told us to park there because traffic was congested. ​

Eongtto Falls CCTV

A site called FunJeju provides CCTV footage from around Jeju, and it’s a good idea to preview the Eongtto Falls feed before visiting. http://www.funjeju.com/detail/view?idx=476

Normally you can drive all the way to the parking lot right in front of Eongtto Falls, but on sunny days right after rainfall, the crowds can be so heavy that you often can’t reach the entrance. Still, one consolation is that the way to Eongtto Falls follows a beautiful stretch of Olle Trail 7-1. ​

Chatting with the kids, we walked for about 20 minutes before the entrance to Eongtto Falls started to come into view. On both sides of the path, tangerine orchards were beginning to bear small fruit. It feels like we were just smelling tangerine blossoms a few days ago, and already the fruit has set. ​

By around lunchtime, the flow had already decreased quite a bit. I wished we’d come in the morning, but even so, it was more than enough. The last time I visited on a rainy day, the water was so powerful it was honestly a little scary. ​ Eongtto Falls crashing down on a rainy day is wonderfully refreshing, but on a clear day, Eongtto Falls offers scenery that feels almost like you’ve come to Europe. A clear day right after rain is ideal, of course, but I still recommend traveling to Eongtto Falls even if the waterfall isn’t flowing. ​

Travel

Eongtto Falls1566-1, Gangjeong-dong, Seogwipo-si

Usually a dry waterfall with no running water, this is a unique spot where a waterfall forms only after heavy rain falls around Hallasan. The stream plunging from a roughly 50m-high cliff can be seen only for a short time, creating an even more special scene. With well-maintained deck paths and walking trails, it’s great for a light stroll, and the surrounding lush warm-temperate forest makes the walk itself wonderfully relaxing. Visiting the day after rain lets you experience a distinctive side of nature found only in Jeju, making it a recommended stop for travelers who love natural scenery. Checking recent rainfall is important before visiting.

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