Today marked the beginning of Chuseok, one of South Korea’s biggest holidays, often called Korean Thanksgiving. Traditionally, families gather to honor their ancestors, share songpyeon, and celebrate the harvest. Since we were temporarily living on Jeju Island to explore the island, we didn’t have any relatives to visit here, as all our family lives in Seoul. So we decided to celebrate Chuseok in our own way, by chasing the first sunrise of the holiday.
Traveling during Chuseok can be challenging. The roads are crowded, popular attractions are packed, and finding a quiet spot is nearly impossible. That’s why we started our day at dawn, making our way to Saebyeol Oreum, a volcanic hill known for its scenic hiking trails and stunning sunrise views.
We arrived around six in the morning, hoping to reach the peak before the sunrise at 6:35. The trail was short but steep, and every step had our hearts racing and lungs working overtime.
We practically sprinted to the top to set up our cameras, arriving just ten minutes before sunrise, completely drained. Even at that hour, other early risers, both travelers and locals were already making their way up, showing just how popular this spot is for catching the first light.
We made a funny mistake. The sun actually rises over the sea first, so from the mountain’s peak, it didn’t appear until 6:51 AM. Technically, we didn’t need to rush up the trail, but having that extra time let us find a great spot and set up our cameras perfectly for the best shot. We waited a little longer for the sun to appear, and it was absolutely worth it.
The view was nearly perfect, though the air was a bit hazy, maybe from morning fog, clouds, or even yellow dust. Still, the experience felt magical. We’re already planning to come back during the peak season of Korean silver grass (억새), when the skies are clearer and the scenery is at its best.
After soaking in the sunrise and capturing drone shots, we descended as more hikers began their climb. Saebyeol Oreum is popular because of its well-maintained trail and panoramic views. From the peak, you can see Mt. Hallasan standing tall, the sparkling sea, and other volcanic hills dotted across the island. Before leaving, we checked the silver grass, which wasn’t yet in full bloom, giving us a perfect reason to return in a couple of weeks. On our way to the next spot, we stopped at a horse farm, where some horses were grazing. We snapped a few photos before continuing our exploration. Our next destination was part of our Korean silver grass tour, which we’ll share in detail in a future blog post.
The final adventure for the day was completing our Hallasan hiking challenge. Having already climbed six of the seven main trails, we decided to finish with Seokgulam Trail. This short and easy trail leads to the serene Seokgulam Hermitage and passes by the Jeju 4·3 Memorial Cemetery, honoring the victims of the tragic Jeju 4·3 incident. The walk is peaceful, surrounded by nature, and perfect for reflection and remembrance.
Because it was Chuseok, parking was a challenge. The trail only has a small parking area for about ten to twelve cars, and visitors to the cemetery often use it as well. Starting early proved wise. Once on the trail, the walk was calm, with many visitors quietly paying respects to loved ones. Despite the holiday crowds elsewhere on the island, we completed the hike successfully and returned home by lunch to avoid traffic.
This Chuseok was unlike any other we’ve celebrated. Instead of family rituals, we found beauty in nature, reflection, and adventure. From the breathtaking sunrise at Saebyeol Oreum to the quiet remembrance at Seokgulam Trail, the day was filled with new experiences and moments to treasure. The weather was kind to us — no rain, just a slight haze — and the sights were unforgettable. This holiday reminded us that Chuseok is not only about family and tradition but also about gratitude, reflection, and making meaningful memories, even far from home.