Nighttime viewing suspended at Jeju's Cheonjiyeon Falls after tourist falls to death

Nighttime viewing at Jeju Island’s Cheonjiyeon Falls has been temporarily suspended following the death of a man who fell into the water while taking photos.

On Saturday, shortly after 8:30 p.m., a tourist in his 50s fell about 2 meters into the water while taking photos. Other tourists reportedly threw a life ring after the accident, but were unable to save him.

Firefighters pulled him from the water about 10 minutes later. He was in cardiac arrest and was taken to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Cheonjiyeon Falls, one of Jeju’s three major waterfalls, is about 22 meters high, with the pool below reaching a depth of about 20 meters. Illuminated after dark, the falls create a different atmosphere from their daytime scenery, and had been open for nighttime viewing until 10 p.m. before the suspension.

Police are investigating the circumstances of the accident by examining surveillance footage and are considering an autopsy to determine the cause of death.

The Seogwipo city government has cordoned off the area following the accident and suspended nighttime viewing through the end of September. The city said it will consider further measures depending on the outcome of the police investigation.