About Wonang Falls (wonang pokpo [원앙폭포])
Wonang Falls (Wonang Pokpo [원앙폭포]) was a wide segmented waterfall dropping some 10m into a colorful blue plunge pool that is quite popular as a swimming hole.
In fact, most waterfalls in Korea (let alone Jeju Island) are the look-but-don’t-touch type, and that’s what makes this waterfall stand out.
During my visit, I witnessed scores of people in swimming attire and towels going both to and from the 400m walk to the falls.
There was even a shop at the trailhead that rented out wet suits as well as snorkeling gear (the latter being something I wouldn’t normally think of doing at a waterfall).
Further adding to this place’s popularity was that it was located in Donnaeko Valley, which was apparently encompasses one of the routes involved in getting to the summit of Mt Hallasan – the sacred mountain in the center of Jeju Island).
Moreover, as of my visit in late June 2023, access to the falls was free, which I’m sure also helps further fuel its popularity.
Indeed, there was a bit of a festive atmosphere around the waterfall (e.g. people smoking, some music being played, cliff jumping, swimming, etc.).
The trail to the Wonang Falls was well-developed through a jungle (attesting to the humidity and high rainfall of Jeju Island) before descending on a series of steps to the plunge pool at the waterfall.
Wonang Falls’ stream is said to never dry up (which is apparently rare on the island), but the water was also anecdotally said to be cold since it comes from Hallasan Mountain.
Overall, I spent about 35 minutes away from the car, but you could easily do the walk about 5-10 minutes each way.
Finally, I would warn that this festive atmosphere around the Wonang Falls occurred on a pretty benign weather day.
However, the very next day started a series of severe monsoonal thunderstorms that produced intense and persistent flooding rains.
Under those conditions, the stream would be too swollen and turbulent to allow for swimming, and thus the weather is certainly something to keep en eye out for when it comes to visiting the Wonangpokpo Waterfall.
Authorities
Wonang Falls resides by the district of Topyeong on the northern outskirts of Seogwipo, Jeju-do Province, South Korea. It may be administered by the local authorities in Seogwipo. For information or inquiries about the area as well as current conditions, you can try visiting this website for leads.
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