How to Explore Jeju’s Volcanic Oreums by Bus and Car

If you’re looking for the true soul of Jeju Island, look beyond the crowded beaches and tourist traps. As a local resident in Korea who visits Jeju every chance I get, I can tell you that the real magic lies in the Oreums—the 360-plus parasitic volcanic cones that dot the landscape like green velvet buttons. Whether it’s the peak of summer or the middle of winter, a Jeju Oreum tour guide is the most authentic way to experience the island’s volcanic heritage. You don’t necessarily need a car; Jeju’s dedicated tourist buses and navigation apps make these hidden gems accessible to everyone. (For more details on bus travel in Jeju, please refer to ‘Jeju Island, The Ultimate 3-Day Bus Adventure‘.)

1. What Exactly is an Oreum?
2. The Bus Traveler’s Bible: Routes and Navigation
3. Itinerary 1: The “Oreum Specialist” East Side Route
4. The Driver’s Dream: Ultimate Freedom on Four Wheels
5. Itinerary 2: The High-Efficiency Eastern Road Trip
6. Itinerary 3: The Golden West & Sunset Trail
7. UNESCO Choice & Year-Round Hiking Guide

What Exactly is an Oreum?

Think of Hallasan as the mother volcano of Jeju. During its many historical eruptions, smaller “mini-volcanoes” popped up all over the island. These are Oreums. They define the Jeju skyline, offering 360-degree panoramic views of the emerald sea and the snow-capped peak of Hallasan. Climbing them is a spiritual experience for many locals, a way to “unpack” the deep volcanic history of the island while standing on a grassy ridge.

The Bus Traveler’s Bible: Routes and Navigation

The Jeju Tourist Shuttle Bus (No. 810) is specifically designed for hikers and nature lovers exploring the east. These buses loop through the inland area where the most iconic Oreums are clustered. For just 3,000 KRW, a day pass allows you to hop on and off as much as you like.

💡 Pro Tip: Do not rely on Google Maps in Jeju. For accurate, real-time bus locations and walking paths, you must use KakaoMap or Naver Map. Both have excellent English interfaces and are updated every minute with the island’s traffic conditions.

Tourist Shuttle Bus No. 810 Key Routes:

• 810-1 (Clockwise): Daecheon Transit Center → Geoseun Semi Oreum → Abu Oreum → Songdang-ri Village → Darangshi Oreum (South) → Yongnuni Oreum → Rail Bike → Darangshi Oreum (North) → Bijarim → Maze Land → World Natural Heritage Center (Geomun Oreum) → Daecheon.
• 810-2 (Counter-clockwise): Same stops as above, but in the reverse order.

Itinerary 1: The “Oreum Specialist” East Side Route

This 1-day itinerary is perfectly optimized for the No. 810 Tourist Shuttle. It’s designed for those who want to see the variety of Jeju’s volcanic shapes without the stress of driving.

• Morning (Abu Oreum): Start at the Daecheon Transit Center. Abu Oreum is famous for its circular crater and the “lonely tree.” It’s a very easy 10-minute stroll to the top.
• Midday (Darangshi Oreum): Known as the “Queen of Oreums,” this is a steeper challenge (30–40 mins) but offers an unparalleled view of the sunrise or early morning light over the eastern coast.
• Lunch (Songdang-ri): Get off at Songdang-ri. This village is the “capital” of Oreum culture, filled with cozy cafes and local eateries serving Jeju-style pork noodles.
• Afternoon (Yongnuni Oreum): Since its restoration and reopening, the “Dragon Eye” Oreum is a must. Its gentle, rolling curves are incredibly soothing.

The Driver’s Dream: Ultimate Freedom on Four Wheels

While the bus is efficient, renting a car is the “gold standard” for Jeju exploration. Having a car means you can chase the sunset, stop at a random roadside tangerine stand, or find a hidden trail that buses don’t reach. It turns a scheduled tour into a true local adventure.

Itinerary 2: The High-Efficiency Eastern Road Trip

With a car, you can combine Oreums with Jeju’s coastal landmarks in a single day. This route maximizes your time in the beautiful east.

Time	Activity	Local Insider Note
09:00 AM	Yongnuni Oreum Hike	The morning light is best for views of Seongsan Ilchulbong.
11:00 AM	Seongsan Ilchulbong	The iconic “Sunrise Peak.” It’s busy, but essential for first-timers.
12:30 PM	Haemul-ttukbaegi Lunch	Drive to Sehwa-ri for a fresh, spicy seafood hot pot.
02:30 PM	Bijarim Forest	A flat, healing walk through ancient nutmeg trees.
04:30 PM	Ttarabi Oreum	Catch the silver grass glowing in the golden hour.

Itinerary 3: The Golden West & Sunset Trail

If you prefer the west side of the island, focus on the dramatic ridges and the famous silver grass fields that turn the landscape into a golden sea.

• Saebyeol Oreum: The crown jewel of the west. The climb is short (20 mins) but steep. In autumn and early winter, it is covered in silver grass that glows brilliantly at sunset.
• Seowubong (North Coast): Located right at Hamdeok Beach, this “ocean-view Oreum” offers a stunning contrast between the emerald sea and the green volcanic hillside.
• The “Lonely Tree”: A short drive from Saebyeol, this isolated tree in a vast field is a favorite for local photographers seeking that perfect Jeju minimalist shot.

UNESCO Choice & Year-Round Hiking Guide

For the serious nature enthusiast, Geomun Oreum is non-negotiable. As a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site, it’s a protected ecosystem. You must book a reservation on the official website in advance, and a guide will accompany you to explain the unique lava tube system and primeval forest.

📌 Local Note on Year-Round Weather: Jeju’s climate is highly unpredictable due to its mid-ocean location and the elevation of Hallasan.

• Spring & Autumn: The most comfortable hiking weather (15-24°C), but localized rain can happen anytime.
• Summer: Extremely humid and rainy. Trails can be slippery; check the weather for typhoons.
• Winter: Coastal temperatures are mild (5-10°C), but the wind on top of an Oreum can be bone-chilling.
• Universal Rule: Always carry a lightweight windbreaker. Even if it feels warm at your hotel, the microclimate at an Oreum summit can be 5°C cooler with much stronger gusts.

Whether you’re navigating by the 810 bus or exploring in a rental car with your Naver Map ready, the Oreums of Jeju offer a peace and perspective you won’t find anywhere else in Korea. Pick an itinerary, pack your layers, and go find your soul on a Jeju hillside.

Korean Culture portal KCulture.com

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