Itinerary 8 - Oreums Part 1 - Oreums in Eastern Jeju <Part 1>
Highlights
🔖 다랑쉬오름 Darangshi Oreum
"The Queen of Jeju Oreum" boasts feminine curves and stunning views. Although Darangshi Oreum is only but the second-highest in eastern Jeju, to the highest 높은오름 (Nopeun Oreum), its trek boasts a 360 spectacular panoramic views of the eastern region, including surrounding oreums and Seongsan Sunrise Peak and Hallasan Mountain on a clear day.
As a well-known oreum, it has a proper parking lot and toilets at the trailhead, unlike less famous oreums.
In the past, the trail was a straight path, but to protect the vegetation, it was changed to a zigzag format around 2008. Wooden stairs paved the way up and it takes about 30 minutes to reach the top. I‘ve been here with an 8-year-old, it is not technically hard, but quite a workout, so ascend slowly while enjoying the changing scenery.
As it may be icy and slippery during winter, crampons are recommended then.
(Elevation: 382.4 meters / Duration Spent: 1.5hr)
MAPS
다랑쉬오름 Google Maps Kakaomap Naver Map
🔖 서우봉 Seoubong
Seoubong (犀牛峰) is an oreum located at the far end of Hamdeok Beach, marking the conclusion of the Hamdeok area. Its shape resembles a water buffalo, and its name "Seoubong" is derived from the Chinese characters '犀' (rhinoceros) and '牛' (cow), inspired by the image of a water buffalo emerging from the sea.
What makes Seoubong truly special is its surroundings. As part of the natural scenic of Hamdeok Beach, a short walk up the oreum provides a spectacular view of the sea’s varying shades of blue, the sandy beach below, and, a little further up, Hallasan standing majestically in the distance.
Although Seoubong isn’t particularly high, its accessibility and stunning vistas make it an easy yet rewarding destination. A very value for time trek.
Seoubong lies between the Hamdeok and Bukchon areas. Today, trekking up from one side to cross to the other is easy thanks to modern infrastructure. However, according to my uncle landlord, a native of Hamdeok area before proper roads were built, Seoubong posed a significant obstacle between Hamdeok and Bukchon areas.
Bukchon bore much of the brunt of historical wartime conflicts, leading to a quieter atmosphere compared to the bustling and tourist-filled Hamdeok. During the Japanese colonial period, the cliffs of Seoubong facing the sea were used by the Japanese military as a base.
Seoubong was originally part of Bukchon-ri, but during the Jeju 4.3 Incident, Bukchon-ri suffered immense damage, including the massacre of many residents. This tragedy led to a significant decline in Bukchon’s influence, and the jurisdiction of Seoubong was eventually transferred to Hamdeok-ri.
MAPS
서우봉 Google Maps Kakaomap Naver Map
🔖 용눈이오름 Yongnuni Oreum
Yongnuni name is inspired from its resemblance to a reclining dragon. The name’s Chinese character is written as "龍臥岳" or "龍臥峰," both meaning "Dragon Lying Peak."
Yongnuni Oreum stands out for its grassy landscape with minimal tree coverage. Historically, many of Jeju’s oreums were treeless and covered in grass, earning them the name 민오름 Minoreum (bare oreum).
The abundant silvergrass and cogon grass were once used for roofing materials, fuel, and livestock feed. However, modernization and national reforestation efforts transformed many of these grasslands into dense forests, making the entirely grassy landscape of Yongnuni Oreum increasingly rare.
That said, this unique landscape may not last forever. Pine seeds carried by the wind have begun to germinate, and the number of pine trees has noticeably increased compared to a few years ago.
Currently, there is no shade along the trail, so it’s advisable to protect yourself from the sun or strong winds. The path is paved and offers a gentle ascent to the summit, where you’ll be rewarded with unobstructed 360-degree panoramic views of surrounding oreums. Beyond the overlapping silhouettes of the oreums, Udo Island stretches like a long tail over the sea, with the iconic silhouette of Seongsan Ilchulbong visible in the distance.
The oreum is also grazing land for nearby ranches, so it’s common to encounter horses and cattle along the way. While this may be a delight for a urban dwellers like me , it’s important to keep your distance. Livestock increases the risk of ticks, so be sure to spray tick repellent available at the entrance and avoid sitting directly on the grasslands. Refrain from touching the animals for your safety and theirs.
There is a parking area and restrooms available, and the trailhead begins conveniently from the parking lot.
(Prominence : 88 meters)
MAPS
용눈이오름 Google Map Kakaomap Naver Map
🔖 바농오름 Baneul Oreum
It is said that it was called "Banongoreum" because there were many thornbush at the foot of the peak. "Banon" in Jeju language means needle.
Banong Oreum offers three routes: Course 1, the trekking trail; Course 2, the summit loop trail; and Course 3, the cypress forest trail. A popular way to explore is to climb via Course 1, follow about half of Course 2 around the summit, and descend through Course 3, which leads back to the entrance. Since it’s easy to lose your way during the descent, it’s recommended to take a photo of the trail map at the entrance.
The oreum features a fairly steep incline. While the relatively short trekking trail is covered with mats, it is not structured as a staircase.
At the summit, there is an observatory where you can take in sweeping views of Hallasan and the open sea. Beyond the summit sign lies an unpaved path where Course 2 begins. However, the summit loop trail (Course 2) is often overgrown with grass, making the path unclear at times. This can make navigation challenging, and it's easy to feel lost without a visible trail.
Midway through Course 2, you’ll find a sign pointing to Course 3. Follow this path to begin your descent via the cypress forest trail, which adds a peaceful, shaded experience to complete your trek.
MAPS
바농오름 : Google Maps Kakaomap Naver Map
🔖 거문오름 Geomun Oreum
The entrance fee for Geomun Oreum is 2,000 won, which includes a scheduled guided tour conducted only in Korean. It’s recommended to make a reservation, as time slots may fill up quickly. Even if you don’t understand Korean, you’re welcome to follow the group and enjoy the experience.
The walking trail is forested, offering a serene walk but very limited views from the top. Only one or two small openings provide a glimpse of the surrounding landscape due to dense vegetation.
The term Geom (검/黑) means "black" which originated from an ancient word for "divine" or "sacred," giving Geomun Oreum an alternate meaning of "sacred mountain." Its name also reflects the unusually dark rocks and soil.
In Chinese, it is referred to as Heukak (黑岳), meaning "Black Peak". Before the construction of modern roads, Geomun Oreum remained hidden, nestled at the foot of Hallasan, where it stood as a natural supporting structure to the mountain. This sense of seclusion and its dark, forested slopes contributed to its sacred and mystical aura.
It’s Called the "Mother of Oreums" because Geomun Oreum is not the largest oreum, but it is regarded as the starting point for Jeju’s volcanic history and natural features.
Geomun Oreum was one of the first and most significant volcanic cones to erupt on Jeju Island. Its lava flows laid the foundation for the island's unique terrain and many other oreums.
The extensive lava tube system originating from Geomun Oreum includes the UNESCO-listed Manjanggul Lava Tube, one of the island’s most iconic geological features. These underground tunnels are not only significant for their volcanic origin but also hold historical importance, having served as hideouts and strategic locations during wartime.
As one of the earliest volcanic formations, Geomun Oreum provides clues how Jeju was transformed from a land of barren volcanic black rocks to a fertile island rich with trees and vegetation, marking the start of Jeju’s natural heritage.
The "mother" of Jeju’s oreums may appeal most to those curious about Jeju’s ecological evolution. While it doesn’t offer interesting or pretty views, the walk itself and the historical insights make it a meaningful experience.
MAPS
거문오름 : Google Maps Kakaomap Naver Map
