Yongma Falls Park

On the slopes of Yongmasan in Seoul's Jungnang-gu, this park turned the cliff of a former aggregate quarry into a backdrop for a 51.4 m artificial waterfall. Yongma Falls drops in two tiers, flanked by Cheongnyong Falls and Baengma Falls, and in summer it gives you a rare sight in the middle of Seoul: thick streams of water pouring down a rock face. It is also just a five-minute walk from Yongmasan Station on Line 7.

From quarry to park

The site was once a quarry where the rock face of Yongmasan was cut away for aggregate. After quarrying ended, it opened in May 1993 as "Yongma Dolsan Park" (Yongma Rock Mountain Park). Waterfalls were then built on the cut cliff, and in 1997 the park took its current name. The raw rock face was left as it was, with water and ponds added, so the scars of quarrying have become the park's scenery.

What to see

• Three waterfalls: the central Yongma Falls drops 51.4 m in two tiers. Cheongnyong Falls and Baengma Falls on either side are each about 21 m high. It is often described as the tallest artificial waterfall in Asia.
• Climbing wall: an international-standard artificial climbing wall stands on the plaza in front of the falls, where you can try sport climbing.
• Pond and red-clay path: rest areas, a barefoot red-clay path and walking trails ring the pond below the falls, and an outdoor water playground opens in summer.
• Yongmasan trail: a path behind the park climbs to the summit of Yongmasan, and the ridge continues to Achasan, known for the remains of Goguryeo-era forts.
• Bus library: in the shade of the park's trees, an old bus has been converted into a small library called Chaekkaebi Library, a pleasant place to rest with children.

How to see the falls at their best

From the far end of the plaza opposite the falls, you can fit Yongma Falls and the two side falls into a single frame. A pond of about 2,300 m² lies in front of the two-tier cliff, so when the water is running you feel the spray and a cool breeze. Once the run ends, the cliff turns back into a dry rock wall, so timing your visit is what matters most. Further into the park there are sports facilities such as a football pitch, tennis courts and badminton courts, so it works as well for exercise as for a stroll.

Tripto tips

• When the falls run: the waterfalls do not flow all the time. They usually run only from early May to late August, a few times a day at set times for about an hour, and in some years extra evening runs were added on midsummer weekends. The schedule changes each year, so check Jungnang-gu's notices before you go.
• Getting there: from Exit 2 of Yongmasan Station (Line 7), follow the signs for about 5 minutes on foot. If you drive, use the public car park.
• Hours and fees: the park is open 24 hours and free.
• Time needed: 30 minutes to 1 hour for the falls, half a day if you add a hike on Yongmasan or Achasan.
• With children: the summer water playground, the bus library and play areas make it an easy half-day with kids. Like the falls, the water playground only runs in summer.
• Suggested route: visit when the falls are running, then follow the Yongmasan ridge on to Achasan for a walk with views over the Han River and eastern Seoul.