A dragon's head beside the sea

Below Sanbangsan Mountain in Sagye-ri, Seogwipo, a rocky headland stretches towards the sea. It is called Yongmeori, or 'dragon's head', for its shape. The remarkable part is the bands running through its cliffs. Visit Jeju describes the protected site as the Sagye-ri Yongmeori volcanic deposits, Natural Monument No. 526.

The cliff as a page of geology

According to the tourism authority, volcanic material erupted from three submarine vents, accumulated in layers and was later sculpted by wave erosion. Its sea cliffs extend for about 700 metres and reach roughly 25–40 metres in height. The figures describe the landform; they are not a guarantee of a 700-metre accessible walk. The patterns look different from a distant viewpoint and from the shore itself.

The tide can close the trail

The listed baseline hours are 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., with last entry at 4:30 p.m. But high tide, strong waves or bad weather can shorten access or close it completely. Visit Jeju directs travellers to the Seogwipo public attractions' official Instagram account, @6sot_official, for the day's access window. Check the actual notice before setting out. No specific day's opening is guaranteed here.

When you are allowed to walk

The route lies on a narrow wave-exposed shoreline. The authority estimates about 30 minutes for a visit, but conditions and individual walking speeds vary. Wear shoes suitable for uneven surfaces, heed barriers and do not enter restricted areas. Pets are not allowed according to Visit Jeju. Nearby sights include the Hamel memorial and the Sanbangsan area; check actual routes separately rather than relying on estimated travel times.

Before you go: Search the Korean address '제주특별자치도 서귀포시 안덕면 사계리 112-3'. Confirm admission fees, accessible facilities, transport schedules and the day's access restrictions with the operator. If the coast is closed, change your plan rather than bypassing safety controls.