I visited 'Youngmeri' earlier today. 'Yongmeri' means Dragon head.
People named this volcanic tuff ring 'Dragon head' because it looks a real dragon is jumping into the water with head up. This tuff ring with a dragon head shape is one of the most famous tourists attractions in Jeju island. If you like Korean TV drama you've probably seen this magnificent natural sculpture on TV. Quite a few Korean TV dramas were filmed here.
There are two entrances to 'Yongmeri'. Either way is OK to go in but I recommend you to enter the south gate because from the south gate the scenery is approaching the climax.
Yongmeri is the oldest volcanic crater in Jeju island. About one million years ago there were huge hydorvolcanic activities. Afterwards, wind-blown sand accumulated above the tuff ring over a long period of time. So it is a giant accumulation of lava debris.
You can see old haeneys(dive women) who sell see food on shore. The food is quite simple; sliced tuff shell, boiled octopus and some Soju(Korean distilled rice wine). And it's quite fun to have experience exotic food because food contains their culture ,life style even history.
When you go into it becomes more and more bigger and greater. The beauty of nature is just amazing.
There are some man made bridges which connect each tuff rings. Even though they are man made they make this nature more visually appealing. The steepness and narrowness of the cliffs make it look falling down in any time.
The water is so clean. You might feel that you want to jump into the water.
Imagine how long has it taken to accumulate this much in the past and now they are been eroding. What is worse is that level of sea water is rising up due to global warming. When it is full tide this place is closed. So they normally open this place 3~4days a week.
By the reason of that many people who visit to Jeju island go back without seeing this beauty.
Which one is first between 'Sanbang san' or 'Yongmeri'?
'Sanbang san' was made 800,000years ago and 'Yongmeri was made 1 million years ago.
Geologists say 'Yongmeri' is the one of the first volcanic eruptions in jeju island.
This is another entrance or exit. I recommend you to use this path as exit. It might be little bit hard to climb up but it give you more beauty of Yongmeri if you use the other entrance.
Any way this part is the tail of Dragon. According to legend, one Chinese general cut the dragon's tail not to head to china. Nobody believes a legend. However, when some nature has its myth, it can be more interesting and lively.
