Gunsan Oreum

Rising behind the seaside village of Daepyeong-ri in Andeok-myeon, Seogwipo, Gunsan Oreum reaches 334.5 m and is one of the biggest volcanic cones in south-western Jeju. A road climbs almost to the top, so with very little walking you get Hallasan, Sanbangsan, the sea and the Daejeong plain all in one view. It is the place to go when you want the big picture of south-west Jeju without a real hike.

A mountain shaped like a tent

The name Gunsan, "soldier mountain", is said to come from its outline, which looks like an army tent pitched on the plain. Local legend adds that a mountain flew over from China and landed here, and that it was first called Seosan. The cone is built from volcanic debris, measures about 8.1 km around and is thought to have first erupted some 917,000 years ago, which makes it one of the older oreum on the island. Two rocky knobs stand up on the summit like horns, and some people say the top looks like a dragon's head.

What you see from the top

• Hallasan: on clear days the summit of Jeju's highest mountain stands out sharply to the north-east.
• Sanbangsan and the sea: to the west is the bell-shaped Sanbangsan; to the south the coast runs towards Jungmun with open sea in the direction of Marado.
• The Daejeong plain: the wide farmland and villages of Andeok and Daejeong spread out below you like a map. Locals call this broad plain "Nandeureu".
• Deck and pavilion: a wooden viewing deck and a small pavilion on the ridge give you somewhere to sit out of the wind.
• Sunrise: the cone is also known for sunrises over the coast to the east.

On screen

In the 2023 drama Welcome to Samdal-ri, this is the trail the heroine Sam-dal walks after returning home at her lowest point, trying to find herself again. From the ridge you can take in the same south-west Jeju seaside scenery that sets the mood of the drama, and many fans come to see the location for themselves.

A good first oreum

Oreum is the Jeju word for the small volcanic cones scattered across the slopes of Hallasan. There are more than 360 of them on the island, and Gunsan is one of the larger ones, with one of the most open summit views. Gunsan Oreum car park and toilets sit close to the top, so it is an easy choice for first-time oreum climbers and families with children. If you have time, walk up from Daepyeong-ri village below instead: the fields and the sea open out a little more with every turn.

Tripto tips

• Time needed: from the village below, the footpath takes around 30 minutes; if you drive up to the car park near the summit, it is only a few minutes on foot. Allow 60–90 minutes to walk the ridge and take photos.
• Opening and fees: open all year, with no entry or parking fee. Some sections can be closed at times, so it is worth checking with the Jeju Tourist Information Center (+82-64-740-6000) before you go.
• Best time: clear mornings in autumn and winter, or sunrise. The ridge has almost no shade and is often windy, so bring a windproof layer.
• Getting there: public transport does not get close, so a rental car or taxi is the realistic option. The road up is a winding mountain lane, so drive slowly.
• Combine it with: Sanbangsan and the Yongmeori Coast are a short drive away, and Cheonjeyeon Falls lies to the east, so the cone fits easily into a day in western Seogwipo.