Donnaeko Valley and Wonang Falls

Water from Hallasan splits into two streams deep in a Seogwipo forest and drops into an emerald pool. Donnaeko is a valley in Sanghyo-dong, Seogwipo, and Wonang Falls inside it is only about 5 m high, but its water is famously cold even in midsummer. Entry is free and the falls are a 20-minute forest walk from the entrance.

A valley on Hallasan's southern side

At Donnaeko, the water that runs south from the summit of Hallasan wells up between the valley rocks. The valley is wrapped in dense warm-temperate evergreen forest, and the roughly 700 m path from the entrance to the stream has wooden benches along the way. Higher up, around 400 m above sea level, the rare orchid hallan (Cymbidium kanran) and the winter strawberry grow wild; the area was declared a Natural Monument in 2002 as the Sanghyo-dong Cymbidium kanran habitat.

The water wells up on Hallasan's southern slopes and stays so cold that even in midsummer it is hard to keep your feet in it for long. That has made the valley a summer retreat for Seogwipo locals for generations, and with a campground across the road many families spend the whole day here. The protected Natural Monument zone around the valley covers about 390,000 m².

What to see

• Wonang Falls: Two ribbons of water fall side by side. The name ("mandarin duck") comes from a legend about a devoted pair of ducks that lived here. On sunny days the pool below glows jade green.
• The forest path: Deep shade keeps the walk cool even in summer.
• A bathing custom: On Baekjung, the 15th day of the seventh lunar month, crowds used to gather here, believing that standing under the falls cured neuralgia.

Good to know

• Hallan orchids: Their name means "cold orchid" because they bloom in the cold season, usually December to January. Jeju is the northern limit of their range, which gives this valley its scientific value.
• Hallasan's Donnaeko Trail: Upstream, a trail runs from the visitor centre (500 m) to the Nambyeok junction below Hallasan's south face (1,600 m): 7 km, about 3.5 hours one way. Entry cut-off times change by season, so check Hallasan National Park's information.
• Trail layout: The Donnaeko Trail runs 5.3 km from the visitor centre to Pyeonggwe Shelter (1,450 m), then 2 km to the Nambyeok junction. The shelter is unstaffed, and the final section is almost flat.

Nearby

• Seogwipo town: Combine Donnaeko with coastal falls such as Cheonjiyeon for a waterfall day.
• Hallasan: Strong hikers can continue up the Donnaeko Trail for views of the mountain's south face.

Tripto tips

• Fees and hours: Free and open all year, but access is closed for safety in heavy rain or when the water rises.
• Parking and facilities: About 300 m across the road from the valley entrance there is a campground with parking and a cooking area, plus toilets.
• The walk: About 20 minutes to the falls. The wet valley rocks are slippery, so wear shoes with good grip.
• When to go: The cold water makes it a busy summer spot. Go early in the morning for a quieter visit.
• Time needed: 40 minutes to 1.5 hours if you only visit the falls.