Jeju Oreum Guide for Beginners: Easy Hikes with Breathtaking Views

For those planning a trip to Jeju and looking to hike an oreum without strenuous effort, beginner-friendly courses offering beautiful views are gaining attention. Many popular oreums on social media can be challenging due to steep stairs, so it is crucial to consider the 'relative height' (비고) from the parking lot to the summit, rather than the overall height, to find a comfortable trail.

When selecting an oreum, it is advisable to choose one with a relative height of around 50m and gentle ridges. Abu Oreum in Songdang-ri, Gujwa-eup, is highly recommended for beginners; it takes only 5-7 minutes to reach the first crater rim via a palm mat path, followed by a flat circular trail overlooking a circular cedar forest. Similarly, for Baekyaki Oreum, visitors can enjoy the sunset-lit scenery and take photos from the gentle wooden stairs at the entrance without needing to ascend to the steep summit.

The optimal time to visit an oreum is about one hour before sunset (around 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM in autumn), when the autumn sunlight transforms silver pampas grass into a golden spectacle. When choosing an oreum, consider the difficulty, duration, and desired scenery, such as gentle ridges, circular craters, pampas grass, or eastern sea views. Abu Oreum, Yongnuni Oreum, Ttarabi Oreum, and Darangswi Oreum are frequently recommended for the eastern part of Jeju.