The name Chaeseokgang translates to 'Chae-seok River,' named for its resemblance to the legendary Chae-seok River in China where the poet Li Bai is said to have enjoyed the moon.
The cliffs are primarily composed of alternating layers of shale and sandstone deposited over millions of years.
The geological composition of the cliffs serves as a significant record of the sedimentary environment in the southwestern part of the Korean Peninsula during the Mesozoic Era.
The sea caves found at the base are natural formations carved exclusively by the hydraulic pressure and abrasion of the Yellow Sea.
The site acts as a transitional landscape where the landform abruptly meets the sea, exposing vertical cross-sections of ancient sedimentary history.
Chaeseokgang Cliffs are a striking coastal geological feature in Buan, composed of tens of thousands of sedimentary rock layers stacked like leather-bound books. These cliffs formed during the Cretaceous period and extend from Gyeokpo Port to the Gyeokpo Beach area. The erosion caused by constant sea wave action has sculpted the sedimentary strata into complex, cave-like formations and horizontal patterns. It is designated as Scenic Site No. 13 by the South Korean government. The site includes a prominent sea cave often used by photographers to frame the sunset. Visitors can access the base of the cliffs during low tide to walk along the rocky shoreline. The area is part of the Byeonsanbando National Park, characterized by its combination of rugged coastline and mountain terrain.
Inside the main sea cave looking outward toward the sunset over the Yellow Sea.
Check the local tide tables before your visit; the base of the cliffs is submerged during high tide.
Wear sturdy, non-slip footwear as the shoreline is composed of uneven, slippery, and sharp sea rocks.
Plan to visit during low tide to safely walk the coastal path at the base of the cliffs.
Attempting to walk the base of the cliffs during high tide, which poses a serious safety risk due to rising water levels.
Avoid carving or touching the rock faces to prevent erosion of the sensitive geological layers. Stay behind safety markers if installed during hazardous wave conditions.
