Top 10 Waterfalls in South Korea
South Korea is mountainous and well-watered, with granite ranges, deep valleys, and the volcanic island of Jeju producing waterfalls of real variety. The national parks — Seoraksan, Jirisan, Naejangsan — hold falls fed by monsoon rain and snowmelt, while Jeju, built of basalt, has falls that drop straight into the sea. Most run fullest during and after the summer monsoon (June to August). The selection below spans the mainland and Jeju. All ten are on the map.
1. Biryong Falls, Gangwon (Seoraksan)
Biryong (Flying Dragon) Falls in Seoraksan National Park drops about 16 metres through a granite gorge, reached by a popular forested trail that also passes the Yukdam cascades. The dramatic granite peaks of Seoraksan frame the walk. Fed by mountain streams, it runs strongest after the summer monsoon and is beautiful in autumn foliage.
2. Jeongbang Falls, Jeju
Jeongbang on Jeju's south coast is one of the few waterfalls in Asia to drop directly into the sea, plunging about 23 metres off a coastal cliff onto the rocks and ocean below. A path descends to the base. Fed by the island's streams, it is fullest after rain; the sea-cliff setting makes it one of Jeju's signature sights.
3. Cheonjiyeon Falls, Jeju
Cheonjiyeon (Sky Connected with Land) on Jeju drops about 22 metres into a deep pool in a subtropical gorge near Seogwipo, reached by an easy lit walkway, making it a popular evening visit. The pool is home to the rare marbled eel. Fed by the island's groundwater and streams, it runs year round.
4. Cheonjeyeon Falls, Jeju
Cheonjeyeon (Pond of the Emperor of Heaven) on Jeju is a three-tier waterfall dropping through a lush gorge, linked by the ornate Seonimgyo (Seven Nymphs) bridge. The first tier emerges partly from the cliff, fed by groundwater seeping through the basalt. A wooded walkway connects the tiers. Runs year round in the subtropical south of the island.
5. Guryong Falls, Gangwon (Seoraksan)
Guryong (Nine Dragons) Falls in Seoraksan drops about 30 metres through a granite gorge, reached by a steep trail past the Biryong and Yukdam falls. The legend tells of nine dragons that once lived in the pools. The strenuous walk through dramatic granite scenery rewards hikers; fullest after the summer monsoon.
6. Jikso Falls, Jeollabuk (Naejangsan)
Jikso Falls in Naejangsan National Park, famed for its autumn colours, drops through a wooded gorge reached by a forested trail. Naejangsan is one of Korea's premier autumn-foliage destinations, and the fall framed by red maples is a classic image. Fed by mountain streams, it runs strongest after the monsoon and is loveliest in late October.
7. Daeseung Falls, Gangwon (Seoraksan)
Daeseung Falls in Seoraksan is one of Korea's tallest, dropping about 88 metres in tiers down a granite cliff, reached by a steep trail from Jangsudae. The height and the dramatic granite setting make it a highlight of the park. Fed by snowmelt and monsoon rain, it is fullest in summer and after heavy rain.
8. Sojeongbang Falls, Jeju
Sojeongbang, near Jeongbang on Jeju's south coast, is a smaller fall where the water fans over rocks into a pool near the sea, popular in summer for the tradition of letting the cool water fall on one's back. Fed by the island's streams, it is fullest after rain and a quieter alternative to the famous Jeongbang nearby.
9. Pyeonji / Yangpok Falls, Gangwon (Odaesan)
In Odaesan National Park, a series of falls including Yangpok drop through a valley of ancient forest along the popular Sogeumgang (Little Diamond Mountains) trail, named for its resemblance to the famed Geumgangsan in the north. Fed by mountain streams, the falls run strongest after the monsoon and in autumn.
10. Bullyeong Falls, Gyeongbuk
Bullyeong Falls in the Bullyeong valley near Uljin in North Gyeongsang drop through a scenic gorge along a popular riverside trail, in one of Korea's finest valley landscapes. Fed by the wet eastern mountains, it runs strongest after the summer monsoon; the valley is noted for its clear pools and forested cliffs.
Planning a South Korea waterfall trip
Seoraksan National Park in the northeast (Biryong, Guryong, Daeseung) is the densest and most dramatic cluster, best combined into a hiking trip and spectacular in autumn. Jeju island (Jeongbang, Cheonjiyeon, Cheonjeyeon, Sojeongbang) offers a unique set of accessible volcanic and sea-cliff falls. The southwestern parks (Naejangsan's Jikso) are famed for autumn foliage. The summer monsoon (June to August) brings peak flow, while autumn (October) offers the spectacular foliage that frames many Korean falls.
Waterfalls and the Korean autumn
In Korea, waterfalls are inseparable from the danpung — the autumn foliage season — when the maples and other trees of the mountain valleys turn brilliant red and gold. Parks like Naejangsan, Seoraksan, and Odaesan draw huge crowds in October specifically to see the falls framed by autumn colour, and the combination is woven deeply into Korean culture, celebrated in poetry, painting, and the national pastime of mountain hiking. While the falls carry the most water after the summer monsoon, many Koreans consider the autumn visit, when the flow is still strong and the foliage at its peak, to be the finest time of all. Spring, with fresh green leaves and azaleas, is a quieter but equally lovely alternative.
Explore on the map
Every waterfall above is plotted on the interactive map — filter to plan a Seoraksan hiking trip, a Jeju island circuit of sea-cliff falls, or an autumn-foliage tour of the southwestern parks.