Yongduam Rock

Just a few minutes' drive from Jeju Airport, a dragon seems to rear its head out of the sea. Yongduam Rock, on the shore of Yongdam-dong in Jeju City, is a rock about 10 m high whose shape, carved by waves and wind over countless years, resembles a dragon's head, hence the name, which means "dragon head rock". It is one of Jeju City's best-known sights and an easy stop on your day of arrival or departure.

Geology: a coast made by lava

Around the rock the coast rises in high cliffs before flattening out to the east and west, which suggests that a thick flow of lava ran down here and solidified. Black basalt runs straight into the sea, and on rough days the waves throw up white spray around the base of the rock.

Legends: the dragon that never reached heaven

Several legends are attached to Yongduam.

• The best known tells of an imugi, a serpent from the Dragon King's palace that longed to become a dragon and rise to heaven. It stole the jade bead of the mountain god of Hallasan and fled, but just as it tried to ascend from the shore, the god's arrow struck it down. Its body sank into the sea, and its head, still turned to the sky, turned to stone.
• Another version says a messenger of the Dragon King came to Hallasan to gather the herb of eternal life, was shot by the mountain god, and only his head stayed above the water.
• A third tells of a white horse that wished to become a dragon and was turned to stone on the spot after being caught by a general.

What to see

• The viewing point: from the viewing deck above the coastal path, the dragon's open-mouthed profile is clearest. The same rock looks completely different depending on where you stand, and its mood changes with the waves and the light. The ends of the deck are usually less crowded than the middle and better for photos.
• Yongyeon Pool: immediately to the east, a deep pool where a stream meets the sea makes a pleasant add-on walk.
• Yongdam–Dodu coastal road: cafés and restaurants line the coastal road from Yongduam to Dodu Port, a drive that continues towards Iho Tewoo Beach and Aewol.

Nearby

• Yongyeon Pool: just east of Yongduam, a deep pool where the Hancheon stream meets the sea. A suspension bridge spans the gorge, giving a view down onto the water, and the cliffs are lit at night.
• Yongdam–Dodu coastal road: the seaside road heading west from the rock, good for a walk or drive. Climb little Dodubong hill for a view over the airport and the Jeju City coast.
• Iho Tewoo Beach: known for its two horse-shaped lighthouses, about 15 minutes along the coast road by car.
• Jeju-mok Government Office and Dongmun Market: 5 to 10 minutes east by car in the old town, an easy follow-on after the rock.

Tripto tips

• Access: always open, free, with a car park, a tourist information centre, toilets and a kiosk.
• Time needed: 20 to 40 minutes to see the rock and take photos; add about 30 minutes if you walk to Yongyeon.
• When to go: around sunset the silhouette stands out best.
• Watch out: the rocky shore near the rock is slippery when wet, and waves can suddenly surge. Do not climb down past the safety line.