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Discovering the Fossilized Remnants of Oreums: A Hidden Gem on Jeju Island
Located off the southern coast of South Korea, Jeju Island is a treasure trove of natural wonders, boasting unique geological formations, lush rainforests, and sparkling black sand beaches. However, amidst this breathtaking scenery lies a fascinating phenomenon that few tourists are aware of: the Oreums, extinct mini volcanoes that are slowly being devoured by time.
The Oreums are a collection of numerous, small, volcanic domes scattered throughout Jeju Island, forming a captivating landscape of gently sloping hills, volcanic ash and cinder deposits, and crystal-clear water lakes. These diminutive volcanoes were once thought to have formed around 2.5 million years ago during a period of intense volcanic activity, with the island experiencing numerous eruptions due to its location on the Pacific Ring of Fire. Today, they stand as fossilized reminders of this turbulent past.
The term "Oreum" is derived from the Old English word for "heap" or "mound," which is apt considering the gentle, rounded profiles of these former volcanoes. Each Oreum ranges in size from a small mound to around 70 meters (230 feet) in height, with their bases often widening to up to 300 meters (1,000 feet). Despite their diminutive size, the Oreums offer an otherworldly environment, with thick, rust-colored soil, twisted roots, and twisted tree limbs.
The most striking aspect of the Oreums is the diverse range of flora that thrive in their unique soil. The ash and volcanic rocks provide an ideal setting for plants adapted to thrive in nutrient-poor, acidic environments. This biodiversity is particularly notable in the many endemic species found exclusively on Jeju Island. In fact, the Korean government has recognized the island as a biosphere reserve due to its exceptional plant diversity and endangered species.
As you wander through the Oreums, you will be struck by the tranquil atmosphere and eerie silence, a stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The eerie beauty of the landscape has inspired numerous Korean artists and writers, with many interpreting the Oreums as metaphors for life’s ephemeral nature or the eternal cycle of growth and decay.
To reach the Oreums, visitors can access a network of trails that crisscross the island. The most popular Oreum, Hallasan, offers stunning vistas of the surrounding landscape, as well as the chance to experience the unique environment up close. Visitors can also hike to the Oreum Maeil, where a peaceful lake provides a serene refuge from the elements.
For those seeking adventure, a trek to the Oreums is an excellent way to explore Jeju Island beyond the beaten path. Along the way, you can learn about the geological and biological significance of these former volcanoes and enjoy the untouched beauty of Korea’s volcanic past.
The Oreums are a poignant reminder that, even as we seek to understand and appreciate our planet’s ever-changing geology, the natural world holds many secrets waiting to be uncovered. As this ancient landscape continues to deteriorate, so too does its connection to Korea’s storied past, making visits to the Oreums all the more pressing.
The Oreums on Jeju Island are an unforgettable gem waiting to be discovered by curious travelers and nature lovers. With each step taken along the trails, one cannot help but be reminded of the eternal power and fragility of nature.
[Credit: National Geographic Image Collection, Lee Jaehyung/AFP, and Park Hwee-soon]