Darabi Oreum – Hiking the Queen of Jeju’s Volcanic Hills
When it comes to oreum hikes in Jeju, there are plenty to choose from—but Darabi Oreum stands out above the rest. Often referred to as “the queen of oreums,” Darabi offers breathtaking crater views, manageable trails, and one of the most photogenic summit experiences on the island.
I visited Darabi Oreum on the last day of my Jeju trip, and I still can’t believe I almost skipped it. The weather was picture-perfect, the clouds were dramatic, and the scenery left me in awe.
📍 Where is Darabi Oreum?
Darabi Oreum is located in Gasi-ri, Pyoseon-myeon, in eastern Jeju Island. It’s close to other famous nature spots like Saryeoni Forest Trail and Gimnyeong Beach, making it easy to include in a one-day itinerary.
- Elevation: 342 meters
- Parking: Free and spacious (no restroom on-site!)
- Time to summit: Approx. 20 minutes one way
🛑 Tip: Be sure to use a restroom before arriving—the oreum itself does not have any toilet facilities.
🚶♂️ Trail Options: Which Path to Take?
From the parking lot, the trail begins through a wooden-fenced path that might look like a dead end at first—but don’t be fooled. It’s the actual entrance.
Shortly after starting the hike, you’ll come across a fork:
- The left path leads to the summit via a forested stair trail. It’s shaded and scenic but includes steps.
- The right path is a gentle loop trail that’s more open, but ends with a steep slope to the top.
✅ Recommended route: Hike up via the left trail and descend via the right trail. This way, you avoid stressing your knees on the stairs during descent.
🏞 What Makes Darabi So Special?
Darabi Oreum is famous for its three volcanic craters, shaped like a horseshoe, and six surrounding peaks that create a unique landscape. As you hike up, you’ll notice wild azaleas and irises, especially in spring. In fall, the hill is blanketed with silver grass (eoksae), waving in the breeze—no wonder it’s called the queen of oreums.
The final steps to the summit are lined with wooden stairs. As you ascend, the view begins to open up. You can see distant oreums, the sea on a clear day, and the rolling volcanic ridges of Jeju.
The summit has several view points:
- The main peak has a clear view into the volcanic crater.
- A fire watch tower sits on the secondary peak, which is also worth the short detour.
- The ridge trail wraps around and leads to the descending path.
No matter which direction you look, Jeju’s natural beauty unfolds beneath your feet.
📷 What You’ll See
- Crater views from the top
- Constantly shifting skies (Jeju’s weather changes fast!)
- Rolling silver grass in autumn
- Wildflowers blooming in spring
- Peaceful oreum trails without the heavy tourist crowds
I was lucky enough to visit when the weather was perfect—blue skies with dramatic clouds drifting across the island. It was like walking through a painting.
🌸 A Bit of Botanical Beauty
On the trail, I spotted a unique violet flower. Curious, I used a smartphone lens app and found out it was a Korean iris (gaksibutkkot). One of the unexpected joys of hiking in Jeju is finding wildflowers you won’t see anywhere else.
🧭 Travel Tips for Darabi Oreum
- Start your day at a nearby beach like Gimnyeong and hike Darabi in the afternoon.
- No toilets—stop at a café or gas station before arriving.
- Wear comfortable hiking shoes (some parts are steep).
- Bring water and a camera—this oreum is extremely photogenic.
- Best times to visit: April–June (spring flowers), September–October (silver grass season)
💬 Final Thoughts
Darabi Oreum isn’t just another hill—it’s a place that captures the essence of Jeju. Quiet, wild, and beautiful. The climb is short but rewarding, the views are wide and open, and the feeling at the top is one of stillness and wonder.
If you’re putting together a Jeju itinerary and want a hike that’s not too long, not too crowded, but deeply memorable, make sure Darabi Oreum is on your list.
📍Darabi Oreum (따라비오름)
San 62, Gasi-ri, Pyoseon-myeon, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do, South Korea
