4 Best Sights in Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do

A popular attraction for tour groups and families during the day and a romantic stop for couples at night, the picturesque, 72-foot-high falls are surrounded by woods but still just a half-mile walk down a paved path from the parking lot, so they're easily accessible. The area around the falls is known for its diverse plant life and migratory birds, and the water is home to marbled eel.

The 72-foot-high Jeongbang Falls is the only waterfall in Korea that flows directly into the ocean. Though swimming is not recommended, visitors can wade out into the water; when the tide is low it's possible to get quite close to waterfall. On the rocks near the water is an excellent spot for a picnic lunch, or at the top of the cliffs where you can see another nearby waterfall (Sojeongbang) and take in surrounding views at the observatory. Be sure to wear durable, rubber-soled shoes as the rocks can be extremely slippery. Get here early to avoid the crowds.

This sandy stretch of beach in the sprawling Jungmun Tourist Complex stretches from Cheonjiyeon Waterfall to the stunning basalt cliffs of Daepo Jusangjeolli. More than one million people visit the beach a year, so it can be something of a sea of parasols in summer. However, it also gets relatively high waves, making it a favorite of Korea's surfer community. Typhoon swells are common in summer. Even if you're not a beach person, the nearby Jungmun Tourist Complex is full of things to see, including the impressive Yeomiji Botanical Garden. Amenities: food and drink; toilets; lifeguards; showers. Best for: swimming; surfing.

The Jungmun Tourist Complex was created in 1978 as a way to promote tourism to Jeju. Apparently, it worked. Today, the sprawling complex includes 10 major hotels, an international convention center, several museums, a golf course, a marine park, beaches, waterfalls, and more. Some travelers go to Jungmun and never leave. One place particularly worth visiting within the complex is the Yeomiji Botanical Garden. The indoor garden alone is home to 2,000 rare tropical and subtropical plants, while the outdoor gardens feature sections in a variety of national styles. It also has an observation tower with views of Hallasan and Jeju's offshore islands.