[K-TRAVEL③] Seoul Yongma Waterfall – Forgetting the Heat with the Roaring Sound of Waterfalls

*This content was translated by AI.

As the number of travelers from around the world visiting various parts of Korea within the flow of KHallyu has increased significantly, K-travel is also establishing itself as a new trend. StarNews introduces travel destinations where one can fully experience Korea’s unique charm and allure without large crowds. Visitors can gain their own Korean charm and memories.

[K-TRAVEL③] Seoul Yongma Waterfall

Recently, many foreigners in Seoul are seen sitting along Cheonggyecheon Stream, watching the flowing water or admiring fish and birds for healing. However, there is another place to enjoy "water gazing" while forgetting the scorching heat: Yongma Waterfall, the most majestic waterfall you can encounter in downtown Seoul.

Located on Yongmasan-ro (Myeongdong) in Jungnang-gu, Seoul, Yongma Waterfall was formerly used as a quarry. After serving as an aggregate extraction site for nearly 30 years, the area at the foot of Yongma Mountain was transformed into a park in 1990, creating an artificial waterfall by preserving the rocky terrain of the former quarry. As it was once a quarry, steep gray rock walls remain, and three streams of water cascade down these cliffs, creating a spectacular scene. Watching the waterfall for some time overwhelms you with its grandeur through sight and sound, helping to cool off from the heat.

Upon entering Yongma Waterfall Park, the powerful roar of the waterfall echoes in your ears from afar, making your heart race with anticipation. Walking inward along the walking path reveals the majestic sight of Yongma Waterfall right before your eyes.

The main waterfall of Yongma Waterfall, which plunges from a height of 51.4 meters—comparable to a 20-story apartment building and spanning 3 to 10 meters in width across two tiers—is flanked on the left by Cheongnyong Waterfall (21 meters) and on the right by Baekma Waterfall (21.4 meters). The rough texture of the former quarry contrasts vividly with the green forest filling the park, set against a high, clear blue sky.

While the main viewing stage for the waterfall is the plaza directly in front, during scorching sunny days, people often sit on the wooden deck area beside the plaza to cool off. The space offers shade from the forest and allows visitors to feel the mist like fog from the falling water, providing a refreshing experience.

The waterfalls at Yongma Waterfall Park do not always flow; therefore, checking the schedule is recommended if you wish to admire the majestic sight. Normally, the waterfall operates twice daily (from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM and from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM). However, during the peak of summer this year, from July 4 to August 31, an additional time slot from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM was added, resulting in three daily water displays.

Seoul has two representative artificial waterfalls: Yongma Waterfall and Hongje Waterfall (located in Hongje-dong, Seodaemun-gu). For reference, Seoul’s first artificial waterfall was Yanghwa Artificial Waterfall in Gangseo-gu, located next to the south end IC of World Cup Bridge. It is no longer operational today, leaving only a winding rock wall that evokes old memories; however, it remains difficult to view properly as it is obscured by the IC road. Nevertheless, from 1979 to 1996, Yanghwa Artificial Waterfall, standing 18 meters high and 90 meters wide, was a representative Seoul tourist attraction with impressive grandeur, especially in its early years when there were no large buildings nearby in the surrounding area. At that time, since it was on the route to Gimpo Airport, newlywed couples would always stop here to take commemorative photos, making it a place of cherished memories.

While Yongma Waterfall serves as the main content of Yongma Waterfall Park, the surrounding area is bustling with various sports facilities such as an artificial rock-climbing wall and soccer fields, as well as a yellow clay path where visitors can walk barefoot. Additionally, Jungnang Dulle-gil, a beautiful forest walking trail encircling Yongma Mountain (348 meters), offers a leisurely stroll after enjoying the waterfall. With various courses available, even beginners can easily access it. Yongmajung Pavilion, an octagonal pavilion observation deck located halfway up Yongma Mountain, is known as a prime viewing spot and a popular destination for sunset and night views overlooking downtown Seoul.

Yongma Waterfall is located about a 10-minute walk from Exit 2 of Yongmasan Station on Subway Line 7, though the path includes some uphill sections. From Seoul Station, it takes approximately 50 minutes by public transportation, while it can be reached in around 30 minutes from the Seongsu-dong cafe district.

<© STARNEWS. All rights reserved. No reproduction or redistribution allowed.>

*This content was translated by AI.