Yongmeori Coast

Right in front of Sanbangsan, a ridge runs into the sea that locals thought looked like a dragon lowering its head into the water, hence the name Yongmeori, "dragon's head". The cliffs are layers of volcanic ash thrown out by eruptions under the sea, and a path runs along their base around the headland, open only when the tide and weather allow.

Cliffs built by an undersea volcano

Yongmeori is the rocky coast of a hydrovolcano formed by debris erupted from three vents beneath the sea. Unlike Seongsan Ilchulbong or Suwolbong, its layers built up as the vent shifted position, which gives it real scientific value, and it is considered the oldest hydrovolcano on Jeju. In 2011 it was designated a Natural Monument as the Yongmeori volcanic tuff deposits of Sagye-ri.

Waves have cut a narrow but level wave-cut platform at the foot of the cliffs, and that rock shelf is now the walking route. Along it you pass hollows like small rooms, tide pools and strata that sweep diagonally across the cliff face.

Legend and the Dutch connection

• The emperor's sword: legend says the Chinese emperor Qin Shi Huang learned that this dragon foretold the birth of a king and sent an envoy to cut its tail and back. Blood flowed, and Sanbangsan wept for days.
• Hamel Monument: at the entrance stands a memorial to Hendrick Hamel and his Dutch crew, who were shipwrecked on Jeju in the 17th century.
• Haenyeo stalls: on the shore along the route, Jeju's women divers sometimes set up stalls selling fresh seafood.

What to see

• Wave-patterned sandstone: yellow and grey layers stacked and curved like frozen ripples.
• Rock rooms and pools: wave-carved hollows and clear tide pools all along the trail.
• Sanbangsan view: turn around at the entrance and the bell-shaped mountain rises right above you.

Good to know

• The path follows a narrow rock shelf between cliff and sea, with waves breaking right beside you, so access can be closed on days with high swell even when the sky is clear.
• The coast appeared in episode 2 of the drama "Alchemy of Souls" as the place where the hero arrives searching for a character who fell into a lake.
• Toilets are in the Yongmeori Climate Change Promotion Center near the ticket office; there are no facilities along the coastal path, so use them first.
• The coast entrance is a short walk down from the Sanbangsan rest area. It is run by Seogwipo City as a public attraction, and same-day opening status is also posted on the city's official tourist-site social media.

Tripto tips

• Closures: the coast is open 09:00–17:00, but access is closed at high tide and in bad weather. Opening times change daily with the tides, so call ahead (+82 64-794-2940).
• Admission: adults KRW 2,000, teenagers and children KRW 1,000. The public car park is free.
• Time needed: the loop takes 40 minutes to an hour. Wet rock is slippery, so wear trainers.
• Nearby: Sanbangsan with its cave temple and Sagye Beach are within walking distance, making an easy half-day trip.