Fatal Accident at Cheonjiyeon Waterfall
On Jeju Island in South Korea, a tragic accident claimed the life of a tourist around 50 years old. The man fell approximately 2 meters into the pool at the base of Cheonjiyeon Waterfall while taking photographs. The incident occurred on Saturday at about 8:32 PM local time. Although rescuers pulled him from the water within 10 minutes, he was pronounced dead in hospital due to cardiac arrest.
Following this tragedy, authorities in Seogwipo city have cordoned off the area around Cheonjiyeon Waterfall and suspended all nighttime visits until at least the end of September. Previously, visitors could access the waterfall until 10 PM. Evening visits had resumed on May 11 after an upgrade to the lighting system. In July alone, the waterfall attracted 12,535 evening visitors, marking a 32.3% increase compared to the same period last year.
Incident Details
The Cheonjiyeon Waterfall stands roughly 22 meters tall, with the pool at its base reaching depths near 20 meters. It draws close to one million visitors annually. Safety warnings about fall hazards are prominently posted around the site, alongside rescue equipment such as life rings and emergency boxes. This is the first fatality recorded at the waterfall since the introduction of an entrance fee in the 1970s.
Police are actively investigating the cause of death by reviewing CCTV footage, collecting eyewitness testimonies, and considering an autopsy. It remains unclear whether the tourist fell from an official viewing path or ventured into a restricted area. Fatal incidents during recreational activities often stem from attempts to capture striking photographs or encounters with wildlife.
This event highlights the inherent dangers linked to outdoor tourism. Among risky activities, mountaineering is considered the most hazardous. This tragedy is part of a broader pattern of tourist accidents worldwide, including:
- A massive wave sweeping people into the sea in Tenerife;
- A tourist dying from a cobra bite during a snake charmer show in Egypt;
- Five tourists perishing in cave diving incidents in the Maldives.
The Cheonjiyeon Waterfall tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of safety precautions when visiting natural attractions.
Authorities’ decision to halt nighttime access reflects a commitment to enhancing visitor safety. Given the waterfall’s growing popularity, introducing further safety measures and awareness campaigns could help prevent similar tragedies in the future.