Today marked the beginning of Chuseok, one of South Korea’s most important holidays, often referred to as Korean Thanksgiving. Traditionally, families gather to honour their ancestors, share songpyeon, and celebrate the harvest. As we were temporarily living on Jeju Island to explore its landscapes, we had no relatives to visit here, with our family based in Seoul. So, we chose to celebrate Chuseok in our own way, by setting out to catch the first sunrise of the holiday.
Travelling during Chuseok can be rather challenging. The roads are crowded, popular attractions are busy, and finding a quiet spot is nearly impossible. That is why we began our day at dawn, making our way to Saebyeol Oreum, a volcanic hill known for its scenic trails and stunning sunrise views.

We arrived at around six in the morning, hoping to reach the peak before sunrise at 6:35. The trail was short but steep, and each step set our hearts racing and our lungs working hard.



We practically sprinted to the top to set up our cameras, arriving just ten minutes before sunrise, completely drained. Even at that early hour, other early risers, both travellers and locals, were already making their way up, a clear sign of how popular this spot is for catching the first light.

We later realised we had made a rather amusing miscalculation. The sun rises over the sea first, meaning it did not appear from the mountain’s peak until 6:51 AM. In hindsight, there was no real need to rush the ascent, yet the extra time allowed us to choose our spot carefully and set up our cameras with intention. We lingered a little longer, waiting for the moment, and when it finally came, it was entirely worth it.


The view was nearly perfect, though the air carried a slight haze, perhaps from morning mist, low cloud, or even a touch of yellow dust. Even so, the experience felt rather magical. We are already planning to return during the peak season of Korean silver grass (억새), when the skies are clearer and the scenery is at its finest.


After taking in the sunrise and capturing a few drone shots, we began our descent as more hikers made their way up. Saebyeol Oreum is particularly popular for its well-maintained trail and sweeping panoramic views. From the peak, you can see Mt Hallasan rising in the distance, the glistening sea, and other volcanic hills scattered across the island.



Before leaving, we checked the silver grass, which had yet to reach full bloom, giving us a reason to return in the coming weeks. We made a brief stop at a nearby horse farm before continuing our journey. Our next destination formed part of our Korean silver grass tour, which we will share in a future post.

The final chapter of the day brought us to the completion of our Hallasan Seven Trails challenge. With six routes already behind us, we reserved the Seokgulam Trail as our last. Though short and unassuming, the path carries a quiet significance, leading to the serene Seokgulam Hermitage and passing by the Jeju 4·3 Memorial Cemetery, a place dedicated to the memory of those lost in the tragic Jeju 4·3 incident. Surrounded by nature, the walk felt unhurried and reflective, offering a moment of stillness at the end of a long and meaningful day.
Because it was Chuseok, parking near the trail entrance was limited, so arriving early gave us a better chance of securing a space. Once on the trail, the atmosphere felt calm and respectful, a quiet contrast to the busy holiday elsewhere. We completed the walk without difficulty and were back home by midday, ahead of the traffic.
This Chuseok was unlike any we have celebrated before. Instead of following familiar family rituals, we found beauty in nature, in quiet reflection, and in the spirit of adventure. From the breathtaking sunrise at Saebyeol Oreum to the stillness of remembrance along the Seokgulam Trail, the day was filled with new experiences and moments to treasure. The weather was kind to us, with no rain and only a light haze, and the views were unforgettable. It served as a gentle reminder that Chuseok is not only about family and tradition, but also about gratitude, reflection, and creating meaningful memories, even when far from home.
