Jeju Sagye coastal road addicted to harmony of sea and mountain | 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.

Sakye refers to a famous coastal cliff formed along a clean beach and blue water. Sakye Beach is a small, quiet beach located just below Sanbangsan Mountain where swimming is not allowed. Walking along Olle Trail Course 10, you can see Sanbangsan, Hallasan, and Yongmeori Coast all at once from Sakye Beach. Sakye Beach is well known not only for its unique quiet atmosphere but also because of the many famous nearby tourist attractions. It is also the southernmost beach in Korea and features unique volcanic stones and rock layers visible only at low tide. These holes formed in the rocks are called marine potholes, which resemble craters on alien planets or the moon. This rock formation was created by volcanic eruptions, and the various large and small holes formed by wind and waves have become a very exotic and impressive spot for visitors to Jeju. Among fishing enthusiasts, it is recognized as a prime black porgy fishing spot on the southwestern coast of Jeju, with many fishermen renting boats from Sakye Port near the beach to fish at Hyeongje Island. The nearby village is quiet but has small cafes scattered throughout, making it a nice place to stop and rest briefly.

Footprint Fossil Park is located in Sangmo-ri coast of Daejeong-eup, Seogwipo-si, Jeju, extending to the Sogye-ri coast in Andeok-myeon, and is a fossil site of human and animal footprints designated as a Natural Monument on September 8, 2005. In 2004, footprint fossils of humans, deer, birds, elephants, and plant fossils were discovered along the Sogye-Songak coastal road area. These fossils are estimated to have been formed during the Middle Paleolithic period and were found in tuff sedimentary layers created by underwater volcanic eruption activity. The Jeju human and animal footprint fossil site is the only place in Asia where human footprints have been found. The footprints are about 21 to 25 cm long, with clear distinctions such as the middle of the heel and the forefoot, giving them great academic value. To the left of the Sogye coast where the fossils were found is Sanbangsan, and to the right is Hyeongje Island. It is located at the midpoint of Jeju Olle Course 10, the Hwasun-Moseulpo Olle, attracting many visitors.

Seotal Oreum is the westernmost of the three Oreums of Song Oreum. It is located in Sangmo-ri, Daejeong-eup, Seogwipo-si, and is also called Seoranbong, Al Oreum, and Nanbong. Seotal Oreum covers a total area of about 29,094㎡, with a circumference of 704m and a height of 21m. At the summit of Seotal Oreum, there is an anti-aircraft gun position installed during the Japanese colonial period, and on its southern slope, there is a massacre site holding the pain of the Jeju 4·3 Incident. To the west of Seotal Oreum are the remains of the Altteureu Airfield and bunkers used by the Japanese army during the colonial period. It is a place frequently visited by the public and tourists for historical education purposes.

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.