Ever Heard of This Oreum? Meet Gwae Oreum, Right Next to Jeju's Famous One

Jeju has oreum that are widely known by name, but there are also quiet ones that even locals often pass by without knowing much about. Gwae Oreum, which GYULI wants to introduce today, is said to be one of those — located in Bongseong-ri, Aewol-eup, Jeju City. Right next door, though, sits Saebyeol Oreum, said to be famous for its silver grass in fall and its fire festival in winter. It was surprising for GYULI too, realizing two oreum in the same neighborhood could have such different levels of fame. Today, let's slowly go through the story of Gwae Oreum, a quiet spot that hasn't been widely talked about.

Where Is Gwae Oreum?

Gwae Oreum is said to be located around Mount (San) 41, Bongseong-ri, Aewol-eup, Jeju City, Jeju Special Self-Governing Province. It's also listed in the Korea Tourism Organization's records of Jeju's various oreum, so pinpointing its location on a map isn't difficult. That said, specific details like the exact trail to the summit, how long it takes, or the oreum's height don't seem to be widely documented yet. So rather than stating unconfirmed numbers outright, this piece focuses on where Gwae Oreum sits and what kind of oreum it's said to be.

Bongseong-ri, where Gwae Oreum sits, is said to be a neighborhood on Jeju's west side where oreum are especially clustered together. Saebyeol Oreum, just nearby, is often talked about as one of Jeju's representative oreum, known for silver grass covering its ridge in fall and its fire festival in winter. Gwae Oreum, by contrast, is said to remain a name barely known, far from that kind of fame. The fact that such a quiet oreum sits right beside a famous one makes you realize all over again just how densely packed with oreum, big and small, Jeju really is.

Why It's Fine Not to Be Famous

GYULI actually finds herself drawn more to these lesser-known oreum. Famous ones already have plenty of information and photos from all the visitors who've been there, but quiet ones like Gwae Oreum feel like they're still holding their ground at their own pace. Not being crowded is said to be part of the charm of an oreum like this too.

That said, having little information available can feel like a downside — but looked at another way, it also means the place hasn't been touched by too many hands yet. That does mean there are things worth checking and preparing for on your own before visiting, and we'll come back to that in more detail a bit later.

The Story Behind the Word 'Oreum'

In Jeju, the word oreum is said to refer to small volcanic cones formed by volcanic activity. Rising up big and small around Hallasan, the island's major volcano, each of these oreum is said to carry its own shape and story — some are known for silver grass, some for the form of their crater, and others, like Gwae Oreum today, are said to simply hold their ground quietly without much of a label.

It's also said to be one of the traits that shape Jeju's oreum landscape — that lesser-known oreum like this sit tucked in among the famous ones. Once you know that each oreum carries its own name and story, passing by an unnamed oreum somewhere on Jeju probably won't feel quite so ordinary anymore.

Before You Head to Gwae Oreum

Since Gwae Oreum is said to not yet have widely known trail or facility information, if you're planning a visit, it's worth checking the latest details first through official channels like Jeju City Hall or the Korea Tourism Organization. Once you're there, it's also a good idea to carefully look around for signage or markers, and locate the trailhead first.

Using the road toward nearby Saebyeol Oreum as a reference point can help you find your way. For an oreum with less information available, it's said to be safer to visit during daylight hours with plenty of time to spare, and ideally with someone else along. Rather than pushing ahead through anything uncertain, it seems best to check the situation and decide as you go.