Beginners Can Reach the Top in 5 Minutes — Try Abu Oreum
A round crater wrapped in cedar forest
Today GYULI would like to introduce Abu Oreum, located in Jeju City. Jeju is said to be home to over 360 oreum, both big and small, and among them, Abu Oreum is said to stand out as a place even first-time oreum climbers can take on without much worry. Its slope is said to be gentle and even on every side, making it less like a tough climb that leaves you out of breath and more like a light stroll, according to many accounts. If you've been hesitant to try climbing an oreum for the first time, or you're looking for a spot that's easy to walk with kids or older family members, read on to the end. GYULI still remembers that Abu Oreum was the very first oreum climbed back when just starting out on oreum hikes.
How Easy Is 'Gentle on Every Side,' Really?
Among Jeju's many oreum, quite a few are said to have 'two faces' — gentle on one side and steep on the other. Even Gaksibawi Oreum, which GYULI introduced earlier, is said to have a gentle north side and a fairly steep south ridge. Abu Oreum is said to be a bit different from oreum like that. No matter which direction you choose to climb, the slope is said to stay evenly gentle, which is why it's often introduced as an oreum you can climb comfortably without worrying much about which way to go.
Because the slope is so gentle, the time it takes to reach the summit is also said to be short. It's said you can reach the top in roughly 5 to 10 minutes, so you don't need to gear up with sturdy hiking boots — ordinary, comfortable sneakers are said to be enough for many people. It's said to be especially recommended for those trying an oreum climb for the first time, or anyone who wants to take in Jeju's oreum scenery in a short amount of time.
A Round Crater and Cedar Forest Waiting at the Summit
Reaching the summit of Abu Oreum, you're said to find a round, sunken crater — the gumburi left by past volcanic activity. Jeju's oreum are each said to have differently shaped craters, and Abu Oreum's is said to stand out for the cedar trees planted densely around its rim. Many accounts describe the sight of green cedar wrapping around the round crater as striking, and some say it feels like standing in the middle of a giant round arena.
It's said to be quite a special view for how short a climb it takes to get there. The cedar forest is said to show different shades of green depending on the season, so the mood is said to shift a little depending on when you visit. Walking a loop around the crater along the summit ridge is also said to be one way people enjoy Abu Oreum. Many say the view from the summit feels different every time, depending on the season and weather, which is part of why some visitors come back again and again without getting tired of it.
It's strange, in a good way — climbing for just 5 minutes, and yet such a different view opens up in front of you. I feel that every time I climb Abu Oreum.
— 🍊 GYULIA Beginner-Friendly Oreum Worth Pairing With It — Yongnuni Oreum
On the eastern side of Jeju, there's said to be another oreum with a gentle slope like Abu Oreum, one that's easy for beginners too. That's Yongnuni Oreum. This oreum is also said to have a gentle, short slope that's easy for people of any age to walk, and it's said to take around an hour to look around. After climbing Abu Oreum in just 5 to 10 minutes, going on to walk Yongnuni Oreum as well could be a great addition to your plans.
Both oreum are often said to be recommended for beginner hikers, so if you've felt unsure where to start with oreum climbing, planning a day that pairs Abu Oreum with Yongnuni Oreum could be a good idea. Walking just these two short oreum is said to be enough to get a real feel for the charm of Jeju's oreum.
A Few Things Worth Knowing Before You Go
Since Abu Oreum takes little time and has a gentle slope, it's said you don't need much in the way of gear. That said, since it's an outdoor climb, how it feels is said to change quite a bit with the weather and season, so it's worth bringing a hat and water to block the sun in summer, and a windproof jacket in winter.
Like many of Jeju's oreum, Abu Oreum is also said to be open at all times, without a set entry fee or opening hours. That said, signage and site conditions are said to shift a bit depending on the season, so it's worth checking recent visitor reviews once more before you go. Walking the summit ridge section slowly in comfortable shoes should let just about anyone make the trip without much trouble. Many visitors are said to drive near the oreum and then walk up from there, so it's worth thinking ahead about how you'll get there too.
GYULI's Tip · Abu Oreum is said to have a gentle slope on every side and to take about 5 to 10 minutes to reach the summit, so even first-time oreum climbers can take it on without much worry. That said, since it's an outdoor climb, conditions can change with the weather, so dress for the season, wear comfortable shoes, and take the summit ridge section slowly.