Yongduam Rock (Dragon Head Rock) in Jeju

Yongduam Rock (Dragon Head Rock) in Jeju

At the western end of Jeju City, where the Hanch'on stream meets the ocean, there is a large rock formation shaped like a dragon's head. The Yongduam Rock or Dragon Head Rock is a rather unusual rock formation that stands about 200 meters west of the picturesque Yongyeon Lake in Jeju City. Yong means dragon in Korean and the rock formation resembles a dragon rising from the sea into the sky and the dragon head rock has been so named after this rock. The Yongduam Rock is a volcanic rock that was created from an eruption about two million years ago. It is 10 m high, and 30 m long. It is named so because of the legend that a dragon (“yong”) living in his dragon palace tried to ascend to the heavens and got stuck. This is why it is said that the dragon’s head is facing the sky. A portion of the rock fell of during a heavy storm some time ago and now only “the body parts” of the dragon remains.

Another, more colorful legend, states that the Dragon King's messenger was sent to Halla Mountain to gather bulloch'o or a herb that would give him eternal life. The messenger was killed when an arrow released by an angry mountain god hit the messenger. Part of the messenger's body sank into the water while the head remained above the water, trying to return to the sky. On windy days if you are feeling particularly imaginative you can feel the fury of the dragon when the waves crashing against the rocks.

About 200 meters to the east of Yongduam is the Yongyeon or Dragon’s pond. The pond is thus named because it was said that the dragon used to play there. The water is so clean you can see the bottom of the pond.

A short trail has been carved out going down the cliffs to give several views of the rock. Several old women sell fresh seafood in the area. The actual rock formation is lackluster compared to the legends behind it. However if you do have an active sense of imagination and voluntary suspension of disbelief is something you are capable of, then do visit this location.

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