A Masterpiece of Fire and Water: Yeoncheon Jaein Falls Designated as Scenic Site

A Harmonious Landscape of Basalt Columnar Joints and Refreshing Waterfalls
Natural Monuments Observed: Eurasian Eagle-Owl, Otter, Long-Tailed Goral

Yeoncheon Jaein Falls, renowned for its beautiful scenery, will now be managed as a nationally designated cultural property. On August 8, the Cultural Heritage Administration announced that it has designated 'Yeoncheon Jaein Falls,' located at San 235, Bugok-ri, Yeoncheon-eup, Yeoncheon-gun, Gyeonggi Province, as a Scenic Site.

This site is characterized by a harmonious landscape of columnar joints formed from basalt (polygonal columns created as magma cools and solidifies), a refreshing waterfall, and a gorge that leads to the Hantan River. The name 'Jaein' is said to originate from the love story of a talented tightrope walker and his wife. According to legend, Jaein was tricked by a magistrate and fell to his death while performing tightrope walking above the falls. His wife, pretending to accept the magistrate's advances, bit his nose hard. Those who admired her chastity called the village 'Komun-ri,' which is now known as Gomun-ri, Yeoncheon-eup, Yeoncheon-gun.

Various geological formations can also be observed at this waterfall. Due to river erosion, features such as river cliffs have formed along the valley slopes. These diverse geological structures led to its designation as part of the UNESCO Hantan River Global Geopark in 2020. The plunge pool at the base of the waterfall is home to natural monuments such as the Korean splendid dace and endangered species like the slender shiner. Other natural monuments, including the Eurasian eagle-owl, otter, and long-tailed goral, have also been observed here, highlighting the site's high ecological value. A representative from the Cultural Heritage Administration stated, "We plan to work with Gyeonggi Province and Yeoncheon-gun to establish systematic preservation and management measures."