Recommended Oreum in Eastern Jeju Island

Jeju Island was formed by volcanic activity during the Cenozoic era and has many parasitic volcanoes created by the intrusion of residual magma in its later stages.

These parasitic volcanoes are called 'Oreum'.

Oreums have higher elevations compared to their surroundings and host diverse vegetation, giving each a unique ecology and landscape.

Having lived on the east side for a month, I plan to summarize the Oreums I visited.

1. Sangumburi

Jeju Special Self-Governing Province Jeju City Jocheon-eup Gyorae-ri San 38
Climbing Difficulty: ★☆☆☆
Pedestrian Accessibility: ★★★★
Photo Spot: ★★★★
Entrance Fee Required

Unlike other Oreums, there's an entrance fee, but once you stroll inside, you'll feel it was worth it.

Even without a rental car, it’s accessible within an hour by bus from Jeju Airport.

It's especially known as a good spot for couples to take photos, so most visitors are couples.

The Oreum itself isn't very high, but the abundant reeds surrounding it are beautiful. Recommended for first-time visitors.

2. Baekyagi Oreum

Jeju Special Self-Governing Province Seogwipo City Pyoseon-myeon Seongeup-ri San 1
Climbing Difficulty: ★★★☆
Pedestrian Accessibility: ★★★☆
Photo Spot: ★★★☆
No Entrance Fee

This Oreum can be reached in about 1 hour and 10-20 minutes by bus from Jeju Airport and is popular for self-wedding photos due to its beautiful entrance.

Unlike Yongnuni Oreum or Abu Oreum, it has a relatively steep slope and might leave you slightly out of breath after climbing.

The broad ridge, grass, and surrounding views are amazing from the top of the Oreum.

However, due to its height, strong winds are likely during the winter.

3. Yongnuni Oreum (Recommended)

Jeju Special Self-Governing Province Jeju City Gujwa-eup Jongdal-ri 4650
Climbing Difficulty: ★★☆☆
Pedestrian Accessibility: ★★☆☆
Photo Spot: ★★★☆
Private Property, No Entrance Fee

It takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes by bus from Jeju Airport and is the Oreum where you can most feel the essence of Jeju.

The slope of the Oreum is not steep but has quite a long ridge. From the top, you can view Seongsan Ilchulbong, the coast, the sea, Hallasan, and surrounding Oreums on a clear day.

The reed fields around the Oreum are also spectacular.

This Oreum is privately owned, and you can often spot horses grazing as you climb.

There's a unique gate that only allows people climbing the Oreum to pass through. For the record, I loved Yongnuni Oreum so much that I visited about four times.

If I had to pick one must-visit Oreum on the eastern journey of Jeju, I would undoubtedly choose Yongnuni Oreum.

4. Abu Oreum

Jeju Special Self-Governing Province Jeju City Gujwa-eup Songdang-ri San 164-1
Climbing Difficulty: ★☆☆☆
Pedestrian Accessibility: ★★☆☆
Photo Spot: ★★☆☆
Private Property, No Entrance Fee

It takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes by bus from Jeju Airport and is recommended for those who want to experience what an Oreum is like, as it’s low in height.

There are uniquely shaped trees growing in the crater's center, making it a good photo spot. The walk is pleasant, too.

There’s a wide grassland below the Oreum, which I also recommend! I fondly remember the fun we had during our visit with friends.

5. Darangshi Oreum

Jeju Special Self-Governing Province Jeju City Gujwa-eup Sehwa-ri
Climbing Difficulty: ★★★★
Pedestrian Accessibility: ★☆☆☆
Photo Spot: ★☆☆☆
No Entrance Fee (Akkun Darangshi is privately owned)

Since it takes about 2 hours and 20 minutes by bus from Jeju Airport, it is not recommended for those without a vehicle.

It’s the second highest Oreum on the east side of Jeju, next to the highest Oreum. Climbs are comparable to Seongsan Ilchulbong, making it easy to argue with a girlfriend under hot weather.

Thus, it is not recommended for those just interested in taking photos.

However, once you reach the top, the high elevation and expansive surrounding scenery are breathtaking.

It was a really nice climb for solitary introspection.

In front of Darangshi Oreum, there's another small Oreum called Akkun Darangshi.

Akkun Darangshi is private property, and there's a large sign at the entrance warning about liability issues?? Hence, I didn't go in.

It doesn’t seem wise to cause trouble while traveling.

6. Buleun Oreum (Saryeoni Forest Path) (Recommended)

Jeju Special Self-Governing Province Seogwipo City Pyoseon-myeon Gasi-ri San 158-1
Climbing Difficulty: ★★☆☆
Pedestrian Accessibility: ★★★★
Photo Spot: ★★★★
No Entrance Fee

Oreum can be reached in about 1 hour by bus from Jeju Airport.

Buleun Oreum is part of the Hallasan Dulle-gil, which connects to the stunning Saryeoni Forest Path.

Recommended for those who want to leisurely walk the path connecting to the Oreum from Saryeoni Forest Path.

However, the course is quite long and requires a significant amount of time.

Many people snap photos and leave at Saryeoni Forest Path.

If you have time, I recommend walking to Buleun Oreum, with the round trip taking approximately 1 to 2 hours.

Leave ample time if you plan to take photos.

Note that the given address is indeed the Saryeoni Forest Path.

The commonly thought starting point is at the Saryeoni Forest parking lot below Buleun Oreum.

7. Summary

• Don’t like long walks, but want to take lots of photos and see reeds → Sangumburi

• Want a moderately challenging Oreum with beautiful photo opportunities in Jeju → Baekyagi Oreum

• Want a long walk but not a high climb and a Jeju-like Oreum with horses and reeds → Yongnuni Oreum (Recommended)

• Prefer a short walk with peaceful surroundings and minimal photo opportunities → Abu Oreum

• Want a hiking experience → Darangshi Oreum

• Want to see both forest and Oreum and extend your walk → Buleun Oreum (Recommended)

I hope this information helps everyone have a great trip. If there are better Oreums not mentioned here, feel free to recommend them.