VISIT JEJU

Many Oreum have addresses listed as mountain areas, making it difficult to find their exact locations via navigation, and often lack designated parking areas.

Additionally, some Oreum are private property with restricted or controlled access.

Therefore, before visiting, please check accurate information through the Jeju Tourism Information Center (064-740-6000) or similar resources.

Located close to Jeju Airport is Halla Aboretum. While the arboretum itself offers scenic nature walks, few know that Gwangi Oreum is hidden within it. Gwangi Oreum, also known as ‘Gwaengi Oreum,’ is a parasitic volcano with a horseshoe-shaped crater, located inside Halla Aboretum.

To reach Gwangi Oreum, enter Halla Aboretum and look for the signpost labeled ‘Forest Bathing Area’. This marks the entrance to the oreum, which takes about 10 minutes to reach the top, making it a relatively low oreum. The entrance is equipped with fitness facilities, and the hiking trail is well-maintained, making it accessible for people of all ages.

Walking along the trail lined with palm mats, you can enjoy forest bathing amid the dense woods. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a roe deer, so take your time to look around as you walk. The charm of Jeju lies in the fact that you can encounter such nature within the city. As you take deep breaths and walk, you will soon reach the summit.

Sit in the pavilion at the top and breathe in the scent of Jeju’s nature. You can enjoy a view overlooking Jeju’s urban area, and on clear days, you can even see Hallasan in the distance. It’s about a 17-minute drive from the airport, making it an excellent spot for those wanting to escape the city and immerse themselves in nature rich with phytoncides.

▶ Address: San 62, Yeon-dong, Jeju-si, Jeju

▶ Operating Hours: Winter 09:00 – 17:00 / Summer 09:00 – 18:00 (within Halla Aboretum operating hours)

▶ Parking: Use Halla Aboretum parking lot

▶ Fees: Free admission / Parking fee: First 10 minutes free, basic 2 hours 1,000 KRW (varies by vehicle size)

▶ Restrooms available

▶ Directions from the Airport:

     Car: 16 minutes

     Bus: 325, 326, 331, 332, 465, 466, 1111, 3003

At the edge of Yeon-dong in Jeju City, a 20-minute drive from the airport, you will find Geomun Oreum. It is named "Geomun Oreum" because the forest is so densely covered it appears dark. The word "Geomun" also means "sacred," implying that it is a "sacred mountain."

Even with just a short walk from the entrance, you will encounter a cedar forest stretching towards the sky. Seeing the densely packed cedar trees, you will understand why it is called Geomun Oreum. However, the forest itself reveals a different, vibrant palette. The closely planted trees create a cool shade, allowing various plants to thrive, providing a chance to observe nature's untouched beauty as you walk. Strolling through the beautiful scenery created by nature, along with the fresh air, makes your body and mind feel noticeably lighter.

Another reason to recommend Geomun Oreum is the peaceful solitude it offers. While Jeju’s nature is beautiful everywhere, crowded places do not allow for relaxation and peace. Geomun Oreum, being a quiet and almost deserted spot, allows you to enjoy the sounds of nature peacefully, making it perfect for solitary contemplation.

As you walk with the wind blowing through the cedar trees, you will soon see the summit. Although the path to the top is somewhat steep, it only takes about 15 minutes to reach the summit due to its relatively low height.

Among the recommended Oreum, the view of Hallasan from Geomun Oreum is the most beautiful. The open surroundings enhance the majestic view of Hallasan, making it a true spectacle. With a slight turn of your head, you can also see the diverse landscapes of surrounding oreums and Jeju City. The breathtaking scenery from the top of Geomun Oreum is a gift for those who make it to the summit. After spending some time at the summit, descend via the opposite side of the path you ascended to circle back and explore the oreum. Walking slowly, feeling nature with your whole body, and enjoying your own time is a rewarding experience.

Close to the city with a well-preserved natural environment, Geomun Oreum allows you to enjoy the peacefulness and tranquility of the dense cedar forest while taking in the diverse landscapes of Jeju. Turn off the noise of everyday life for a moment and enjoy some quiet time alone amidst the greenery of Geomun Oreum.

▶ Address: San 110, Yeon-dong, Jeju-si, Jeju

▶ Parking: No designated parking area

▶ Fees: None

▶ Restrooms: Not available

▶ Directions from the Airport:

     Car: 26 minutes

Named because it is located inside ‘Myeongdoam Water,’ Ansemi Oreum is situated in Bonggae and is a sibling oreum to Batsemi Oreum. 

It is one of the beautiful oreums with a dense forest composed of pine, oak, and cedar trees, along with bamboo forest paths.

Ansemi Oreum offers 2 courses:

Hiking Trail Course: This course takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes round trip and has a gentle slope, making it easy for beginners. When descending, you can go in either the Batsemi Oreum or Myeongdoam Water direction. Circumference Path Course: This 425-meter path stretches from Myeongdoam Water to Anguksa Temple. It is equipped with palm mats, wooden ropes, and fence facilities. Taking about 30 minutes round trip, this course is recommended for those who want to quickly explore Ansemi Oreum. Travelers often find travel distances and times inconvenient. However, Ansemi Oreum is close to the city and offers different routes to choose from depending on the time available, making it a perfect light travel destination. Due to the variety of landscapes visible along different routes, it’s ideal for travelers looking to quickly experience an oreum.

The oreum itself is easy to climb, and there are benches along the way to sit and rest, allowing for a leisurely and relaxing ascent. Truly, this oreum offers a healing experience.

The cedar forest path and various plants create a unique landscape where you can sit, look around, and slowly feel nature as you walk. While enjoying the healing nature, it’s important to adhere to some precautions. Ansemi Oreum is private property belonging to Myeongdoam Village, and particularly the ‘wild garlic habitat’ is protected, prohibiting illegal harvesting.

Many of Jeju’s oreums are on private land. Before exploring an oreum, always check the precautions regarding private property. Illegal activities such as unauthorized harvesting of forest products within the oreum are subject to imprisonment or substantial fines. For the sake of nature and an enjoyable trip, be sure to check these regulations.

At the summit, you will see a wide view of Myeongdoam Village, Hallasan, and the surrounding oreums. This place is also known for its beautiful sunrise, known only to a few. It’s about 26 minutes from the airport, making it a perfect spot for those who want to enjoy nature leisurely. Start your journey to Ansemi Oreum now.

▶ Address: 841 Bonggae-dong, Jeju-si, Jeju

▶ Parking: No designated parking area

▶ Fees: None

▶ Restrooms: Not available

▶ Directions from the Airport:

     Car: 31 minutes

     Bus: 43-2, 43-3

Named Geochin Oreum because of its rugged terrain and large shape, this oreum comprises an eastern and western peak and is located within the ‘Deer Ecology Observation Park.’ To reach the entrance of Geochin Oreum, you must park at the Deer Ecology Observation Park and pass through the information center.

Despite the rugged name, the trails of Geochin Oreum are well-maintained with stairs and paths, making it comfortable for walking. The dense natural forest includes deciduous trees, pine trees, and evergreen broad-leaved trees, all labeled with name tags, allowing you to observe and learn about various plants as you walk. Noticing the unique trees, you’ll appreciate the diversity of Jeju’s flora.

You will encounter signposts linking Geochin Oreum to Jeolmul Oreum and the Cypress Forest Trail in Halla Ecological Forest, allowing you to explore different paths. With so many connecting sites, you could plan a full day of diverse travel routes centered around Geochin Oreum. This possibility of an entire day immersed in nature highlights the charm of Geochin Oreum.

At the summit of Geochin Oreum, you can enjoy panoramic views of various oreums, and notably, a close view of Hallasan. With the surrounding oreums, forests, and Jeju City visible in one glance, it offers a comprehensive view of Jeju.

Another attraction of Geochin Oreum is the variety of experiences available beyond hiking. After enjoying the refreshing wind and walking the connected Cypress Forest Trail, visit the Deer Ecology Observation Park’s exhibition hall and participate in the deer feeding experience. There’s also a playground for children, making it a perfect spot to enjoy Jeju’s nature and deer with your family. Adults can find healing by walking in nature, while children can have fun interacting with the deer.

▶ Address: 520 Myeongnim-ro, Jeju-si, Jeju

▶ Operating Hours: (March - October) 09:00 – 18:00 / (November - February) 09:00 – 17:00

▶ Parking: Available at the Deer Ecology Observation Park

▶ Fees: Adults 1,000 KRW / Youth 600 KRW

Deer Crafting 3,000 KRW (per piece) / Deer Feeding 1,000 KRW (per session)

▶ Restrooms: Available

▶ Directions from the Airport:

     Car: 34 minutes