An important note on Jeju’s updated bus system and this blog post
From August 2017, Jeju Island implemented a new city and intercity bus system. It increased the number of buses in service, while simplifying the routes, fees and numbering system.
Consequently, the contents of this previously published blog post may have changed. We therefore would kindly request that you consult this page for new bus maps in English on VisitJeju.net, and this page on our blog for a chart of the old and new bus route numbers.
If you read Korean, then the province’s official bus system website is a useful and up-to-date resource. We hope you’ll enjoy your travels on Jeju Island!
Throughout Jeju Island, there are about 360 hills called ‘oreum.’ These oreum were first formed through volcanic eruptions many years ago. Therefore ‘Geomunoreum,’ in Jeju refers to the oreum and it has been designated as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage.
Geologically oreum carries a grand merit, where only Jeju could embrace as its very own distinctiveness, called ‘gotjawal’.
As you view the picture below, the crater is at the center of Geomunoreum, which is surrounded by ridgelines. Due to volcanic activity, the lava flowed along the northeastern coastal slopes and created the unique landform. Therefore, Geomunoreum has three main trekking courses: crater, ridgeline, and the lava path.
In order to preserve Geomunoreum and its plant species, visitors must make reservations in advance. There are 300 visitors per day, so upon entrance, hiking sticks as well other trekking equipment are strictly prohibited.
All of the trekking courses at Geomunoreum are unpaved road,
however for the safety of many visitors they created wooden trails.
▲ Geomunoreum topographic map
▲ Blossomed Hydrangea
To promote Geomunoreum, the event runs from July 8th to August 5th and within these months, visitors could drop in without any reservations.
In addition, the lava trail is open only during this time of the event and permanently closed afterwards.
▲ Opening event (In the middle, Jeju’s governor Woo Geun Min)
▲ Many gathered for the opening event
▲ Visitor’s pass to Geomunoreum
▲ Schedules for different trekking courses
There are two main trekking courses for this event, the Tae-Geuk trail (crater and ridgeline) and the lava trail. To complete, crater trail takes about 2 hours, ridgeline about 1 hour 30 minutes, and lava trail about 2 hours and 30 minutes.
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▲ Ridgeline trail
▲Warning
Because Geomunoreum is Korea’s national designated cultural property, illegally trespassing or picking plants and animals are outlawed.
▲ Information about the lava gorge
▲ One of the trails
▲ Tunnel Encampment of the Japanese Army
It says, “This is a tunnel encampment built by the Japanese Army during the Pacific War.
About ten Japanese army tunnels have been discovered on Geomunoreum so far.”
▲ Air vents
It says, “Air vents are loose openings between large rockfalls or rocks from which air escapes. The air emitted from the air vents remain at a constant temperature, so explorers often stop to enjoy cool air in the summer and warm air in the winter.”
For today’s event, we only visited the crater trail. But, definitely planning to visit the other two trails very soon. We highly recommend you to visit Geomunoreum a.s.a.p.!
Directions
– Jeju International Airport–> Take a bus toward Pyoseon and get off at Seonheul 2-ri (Geomunoreum) (approximately 30 minutes)
– 700m between Seonheul 2-ri (Geomunoreum) and the Geomunoreum Tourism Information Desk
Address
Jeju Special Self-Governing Province Jeju-si Jocheon-eup Seonheul-ri San(Mt.)102-1
Inquiries
Korea Travel Phone +82-64-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
For more info +82-64-728-4185 / +82-64-784-0456 (Korean)
Jeju Tourism Organization Travel Blog 