Exploration trail in search of volcanic scenic wonders | Travel Course | K-Travel Mate

Sanbangsan is an oval-shaped dome volcano that towers over the flat terrain of the southwestern region of Jeju. Along with Hallasan and Seongsan Ilchulbong, it is called one of Jeju's three great mountains. It is considered a sacred mountain with a mysterious atmosphere, said to bring rain when clouds surround it. Legend says that the Jade Emperor made it by throwing a peak ripped from Hallasan. Particularly notable is Sanbang Cave, deeply carved into the rock on the southwestern mid-slope of Sanbangsan, where the view of Yongmeori Coast and the sunset is excellent. To protect this natural heritage scenic site, it is a restricted area, and entry is allowed only with permission from the National Heritage Administration for management or academic purposes. (Source: National Heritage Administration)

Yongmeori Beach is a seaside area located at the foot of Sanbangsan Mountain, accessible by walking down from Sanbangsan Rest Area to encounter the scenic Yongmeori Coast known for its stunning coastal cliffs formed over tens of millions of years by sandstone layers and waves. It features spectacular views with small cave-like indentations and vast eroded rocky cliffs resembling rooms. The name "Yongmeori" (Dragon Head) comes from the hill’s shape, which resembles a dragon raising its head and entering the sea. According to legend, the ruler Qin Shi Huang sent Hou Zhongdan, who cut off the dragon’s tail and back with a sword, causing blood to flow and Sanbangsan to cry mournfully for several days. There is a path right next to the sea where waves crash white, and the cliffs curve as if waving. A narrow but flat wave-cut platform has developed in front of the sea cliff, serving as a trail to circle the Yongmeori Coast. Entry is restricted during bad weather or high tide due to danger, so checking visiting hours in advance is recommended. Along the sandstone path, haenyeo (female divers) set up stalls selling seafood. At the entrance to Yongmeori, the Hamel Memorial stands. ◎ Travel info to experience the charm of the Korean Wave - In episode 2 of the drama "Alchemy of Souls," Jang Wook (Lee Jae-wook) reaches this location, Jeju Yongmeori Coast, while searching for Mu-deok (Jung So-min) who fell into Gyeongcheondae Lake. The uniquely beautiful scenery created by the wave-carved rock formations inspires awe.

Jinmi Myungga is a well-known restaurant specializing in dagumbari (longtooth grouper) near Sagye Coast, part of Jeju Olle Course 10. It is the most famous sashimi restaurant for dagumbari in Korea, carrying on a three-generation tradition and popularizing dagumbari sashimi. The restaurant's representative, master Kang Chang-geon, was designated a local food artisan by Jeju Special Self-Governing Province in 2019. The seafood embodies the unique taste of Jeju's sea and is served with a variety of side dishes. Additionally, the restaurant offers special parts of sashimi and a rich, clear broth soup (jiri) made from the bones leftover after slicing the sashimi. Nearby attractions include Jeju Submarine Tour, Sagye Port, and Yongmeori Coast.

Songaksan is neither as grand as Hallasan nor as scenically outstanding as Sanbangsan, but from its summit, you can see the southernmost Marado and Gapado islands nearby, the Hyeongje Islands, the towering Sanbangsan, the distant Hallasan, and the Pacific Ocean. Songaksan consists of several large and small peaks. To the northwest of the main peak lies a wide, flat grassland area with three or four smaller peaks. The main peak has a crater containing still dark red volcanic ash. Along the coastal cliffs, there are several caves dug by the Japanese army during Japanese occupation, reflecting painful history. Below Songaksan, the coast is famous as a fishing spot abundant with black sea bream, striped beakfish, and brown-spotted grouper.