Yongnuni Oreum (Korean: 용눈이오름; Hanja: 龍眼岳; 龍遊岳; 龍臥岳) is an oreum (small extinct volcano) in Gujwa, Jeju City, Jeju Province, South Korea.[1][2]
Yongnuni Oreum | |
---|---|
![]() Part of the oreum (2018) | |
Highest point | |
Elevation | 247.8 m (813 ft) |
Coordinates | 33°28′34″N 126°49′22″E / 33.4762°N 126.8229°E |
Dimensions | |
Area | 0.404264 km2 (0.156087 sq mi) |
Geology | |
Mountain type | Cinder cone |
![]() |
Toponymy
editIt is generally agreed that the oreum's name means "dragon lying down"; the oreum is said to resemble such. An alternate theory for the name is that it means "dragon's eye"; viewed from the sky it is said to resemble such.[1][2]
The pronunciation of the oreum's name has evolved over time, and the Hanja used to write it has also changed in response. An archaic name for the oreum is possibly Yongnoni Oreum (용논이오름), rendered as Yongyuak (용유악; 龍遊岳) in Hanja.[1][2] As it became pronounced as "Yongnuni Oreum", the Hanja changed to Yonganak (용안악; 龍眼岳). The name Yongwaak (용와악; 龍臥岳) was also used as a translation of "Yongnuni"; it also means "dragon lying down".[1]
Description
editThe oreum is horseshoe-shaped, and opens to the east. It has three peaks, mostly centered on its northeastern side.[3] It is a cinder cone, and has a summit elevation of 247.8 m (813 ft),[1][2] although it is around 88 m (289 ft) above the surrounding area.[4] It occupies an area of 404,264 m2 (4,351,460 sq ft).[2] The oreum is considered beautiful, and has fragrant fields of grass and flowers.[1] The oreum is located in an area densely populated with other oreums.[1]
It is considered to have a gradual incline and to not be very tall, and thus is popular for family hikes on its trails.[1][4] It is considered one of the most popular oreums for visitors on the eastern side of Jeju.[5] At the top is a scenic view of the area, which includes views of the mountain Seongsan Ilchulbong and island Udo.[6][5] There is a parking lot, restrooms, and a store at its trailhead.[4] Visitors are required to not dispose of trash on the mountain and to only walk on the trail.[4]
It had a significant increase in popularity in 2017, after it appeared on a popular variety show.[5] After experiencing heavy visitor traffic, from February 1, 2021 to January 31, 2023, pedestrian access to the oreum was restricted, for the sake of environmental protection.[3][7][4] A fine was put in place for anyone who entered the oreum during this time.[5] The trail's course was changed, and a soft coconut fiber mat was laid down on the trail. One reporter claimed that this new trail took around an hour to complete, round trip.[4] The Jeju government announced in 2024 that it was pursuing further policies to protect the environment on the oreum.[7][8]
References
edit- ^ a b c d e f g h 김, 태호, "용눈이오름 (龍눈이오름)", Encyclopedia of Korean Culture (in Korean), Academy of Korean Studies, retrieved 2024-07-11
- ^ a b c d e 오, 창명. "용눈이 오름 - 디지털제주문화대전". Encyclopedia of Korean Local Culture. Retrieved 2024-07-11.
- ^ a b "Yongnuni Oreum Volcanic Cone". www.visitjeju.net. Retrieved 2024-07-11.
- ^ a b c d e f 손, 민호 (2023-07-27). "'색다른 세상' 눈앞에 펼쳐졌다…2년반만에 돌아온 용눈이오름". JoongAng Ilbo (in Korean). Retrieved 2024-07-11.
- ^ a b c d 오, 재용 (2023-06-28). "탐방로 훼손으로 폐쇄됐던 제주 '용눈이오름' 7월부터 다시 개방". The Chosun Ilbo (in Korean). Retrieved 2024-07-11.
- ^ 전, 지혜 (2023-12-31). "'갑진년' 용두암·용눈이오름 가볼까…제주 용 관련 지명은". Yonhap News Agency (in Korean). Retrieved July 11, 2024.
- ^ a b 송, 은범 (2024-02-28). ""유명해지고 싶지 않아"…'용눈이'도 이래서 망가졌는데". Maeil Business Newspaper (in Korean). Retrieved 2024-07-11.
- ^ 박, 미라 (2024-02-28). "용눈이오름 또 아프지 않게…제주 '관리지표' 만든다". Kyunghyang Shinmun (in Korean). Retrieved 2024-07-11.