Gatbawi is a natural tafoni (small cave-like features found in granular rock such as sandstone, with rounded entrances and smooth concave walls) formation between 6–8 meters/20–26 feet in size.

[1] There are two folk legends surrounding the origins of the rock formations that compose Gatbawi: "A long time ago, a young man lived with his sick father and sold salt.

He worked as a farm hand for a rich house to save money to cure his father's illness.

"[2] "Another story of the rocks tells that when Buddha and a disciple traveled across the Yeongsan River, they took a rest in this place.

"[1] Gatbawi is one of the "8 famous spots of Mokpo" and was designated Natural Monument Number 500 in April 2009.