Seogwipo tide times

Jeongbang Waterfall is the only waterfall in Asia (and one of very few in the world) that falls directly into the ocean — the 23-metre cascade drops off a basalt cliff straight into the Pacific. The viewing area is reached by a stairway from the entrance above; the viewing platform gives a close-up view of the falls hitting the sea. The basalt shelf at the base is accessible at low water spring tides for rock pool exploration. The falls are strongest in the summer monsoon (June through August).

Yes — hawksbill and loggerhead sea turtles are encountered on virtually every dive at the Munseom, Seopseom, and Beomseom islets off Seogwipo. The turtles are protected and habituated to divers; they rest on the reef and feed on sponges without being disturbed by careful divers who maintain respectful distance. Several dive operators in Seogwipo specifically advertise turtle dive sites. The best visibility (15 to 25 m) is from late September through November when the summer plankton has cleared.

Mean spring range at Seogwipo is approximately 1.2 metres — slightly smaller than the north Jeju coast due to the island's shadow effect on the tidal wave from the open Pacific. The tidal state affects the Jeongbang Waterfall rock shelf accessibility (at low water the shelf is exposed; at high water it's submerged). Dive sites around the offshore islets have light tidal current on springs.

The Luciola hydrophila firefly population in Cheonjiyeon Waterfall Park is one of the few remaining accessible firefly colonies in Korea. Viewing season is May through June, at dusk (7:30 to 9:30 p.m.). The park restricts artificial light and visitor numbers during viewing season to protect the colony — check with the park entrance (local website: jejutour.go.kr) for current season status and admission arrangements. Outside the firefly season, the park is open for the waterfall and tropical forest walk.

Seogwipo is on the opposite side of Jeju Island from Jeju City — about 40 km and 50 to 60 minutes by bus or car. Two express bus routes connect Jeju City terminal to Seogwipo (Line 182 via the coast highway, Line 281 via the centre). Car hire is more flexible for exploring Seogwipo and the south coast sites (Jeongbang, Cheonjiyeon, Oedolgae Rock) in combination. The Jeju Olle Trail Route 8 from Wolpyeong Inlet to the Handong area passes through Seogwipo on foot.