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.
Sagyehaebyeon Beach is located at the foot of Sanbangsan Mountain. Created by wind, waves, and the geological features of the sedimentary layers in Hwasun-ri, the large and small marine potholes look like craters on the moon. Due to the geographical characteristics, the scenery is more beautiful if seen at low tide.
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.
The Sanbangsan Canola Field is located next to the public parking lot in front of Sanbangsan Land, making it very easy to find. The vast fields create a beautiful landscape of yellow blossoms before the backdrop of Sanbangsan Mountain. The flowers are usually at peak bloom in March. In addition to Sanbangsan Mountain, other nearby attractions include Yongmeorihaean Coast, and Sagyehaean Coast.
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.
The Hamel Monument was erected on a hillside at the beach in front of Sanbanggulsa Temple on April 1, 1980, by the Korea International Culture Association and the Embassy of the Netherlands in Korea as a tribute to Hendrick Hamel's merits and as a symbol of friendship between the Netherlands and the Republic of Korea. In the 4th year of King Hyojong of Joseon (1653), the Dutch trading ship Sperwerhoek, which Hamel's party was on, was drifted to Sagye-ri, Andeok-myeon, Seogwipo-si, due to a severe storm. After arriving, Hamel stayed here for 13 years and later returned home, publishing the 'Hamel Report' (also known as 'The Shipwrecked Narrative on Jeju Island') in 1668, becoming the first to widely introduce Korea to the West.
