The Sambuyeon Falls is 20m high three-level falls located in the granite zone halfway up Mt. Myeongseong (870m above sea level). Having been formed 170 million years ago, it is composed of dual mica granite containing biotite and muscovite. The name Sambuyeon comes from three pits which resemble hollowed iron pots); those pits have been formed at the base of the falls by the abrasive action of gravels swirled around by the cascading water. Other than a current stream channel, there are two other traces of channels observed along the cliff, that is, old channels. As waterfall erodes rocks over a long period of time, its overhang collapses, making the fall retreat or move to other directions. This phenomenon is called headward erosion since the erosion occurs near the origin of a stream channel. According to legend, a dragon ascended to heaven from the pool at the base of the falls. When Gung Ye selected Cheorwon as a capital city of his kingdom, there were four monster serpents undergoing spiritual training. After only three of them ascended to heaven (became dragons), three pits were created where they had been. The village located near upstream is called Yonghwa-dong, named after the legend. People in the village used to hold a ritual for rain due to their belief that the drought was caused by the crankiness of the unfortunate monster serpent. Kyomjae Jeong Seon, a Confucian scholar and painter in Joseon Period, often painted the Sambuyeon Falls while visiting his master Kim Chang Heup who dwelt in the hermitage in Yongwa-dong.