Geomun Oreum

About this place

Geomun Oreum is a forested volcanic cone in the north-east of Jeju Island, South Korea, about 18 km in a straight line east of Jeju City. An oreum, in the Jeju dialect, is a small volcanic hill. It rises to 456.6 m and is estimated to have formed 200,000 to 300,000 years ago. Lava flowing from it created the Geomunoreum Lava Tube System, which in 2007 became part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site «Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes». The cone is shaped like a horseshoe opening to the north-east, with a long trench 80 to 150 m wide and 15 to 30 m deep, left where an underground lava tube collapsed. About 20 lava tube caves lie around it. Dense forest of pine and Japanese cedar covers its slopes, and its name may come from a word for «dark», after its dark soil or forest. It has been a Natural Monument since 2005. The main trail circles the crater and the hill's peaks, while another route follows the path of the old lava flow and opens only rarely. At the foot of the hill, the Jeju World Natural Heritage Centre explains the island's volcanoes and lava tubes. Visits must be booked in advance, daily numbers are limited, and walks are often led by local guides. The trail is earthen, with climbs and descents, so wear proper walking shoes and carry water.