The term "Olle-gil," or Olle Trail, is a Jeju specialty that refers to paths that are well-suited for walking and were developed as trekking routes. The route is mostly along the coast and connects to forests and Oreums (volcanic cones), making it an excellent place to spend time relaxing and taking in the scenery. There are now 26 courses, the first of which is located east of Jeju on Course 1. Let's look at some travel tips for the Olle Trail and the main Olle courses where you won't want to miss Jeju's amazing natural scenery.
Good to know before heading to the Olle Trail
Check the homepage before the trip
The Olle Trail route may change as a result of weather and construction-related issues. Let's check out the homepage before leaving. The detour is marked with two orange ribbons that are hanging.
What should I wear?
Let's dress comfortably and light. However, because there are numerous grassy forest roads, it is preferable to wear long sleeves and long pants. I suggest hiking boots or trekking shoes for footwear. If you take a summertime stroll along the beach course, let's pack sandals separately.
What should I prepare?
Essentials include sunscreens, insect repellents, band-aids, water, snacks, umbrellas, and trash bags, among other things. If this is a remote course, let's pack a lunch. Chocolates and tangerines make good light snacks.
Making memories with Jeju Olle Passport
A travel certificate the size of a passport called a "Jeju Olle Passport" can be used to stamp prepared stamps for every course. If you stamp each one, you'll receive a medal and a certificate of completion. Two birds with one stone, as there are discounts on a variety of tourist attractions.
Use luggage transfer service for your heavy bags
Let's use the luggage transfer service if you would prefer to walk but are uncomfortable carrying your bag. They come to you and place your bags where you want them. It costs roughly ₩10,000 for each carry-on bag.
How can I find the path?
Let's look for blue and orange ribbons hanging from branches or phone poles in the center of the course. You won't get lost if you pay close attention to the ribbon. Jeju boasts numerous theme roads in addition to the Olle Trail. These roads have different guide ribbons, so proceed with caution!
Walking on the Olle Trail together
If you are afraid to walk the Olle Trail by yourself, let's apply for the "Free Walk Together Program." Academy alums lead the way as they meander down the Olle Trail. In addition, there are other programs like Clean Olle and Street Companion.
Jeju's first Olle Trail
Olle course 1
It is the representative route that marked the beginning of Jeju Olle and the first Olle Trail to be constructed in the east of Jeju. The course begins at Malmi Oreum and ends at Gwangchigi Beach after going through Seongsan Ilchulbong Tuff Cone and Seongsan Al Oreum. Because it includes Seongsan Ilchulbong Tuff Cone, a popular tourist destination in Jeju, it is well-liked. You can quickly take in the expansive views of Siheung-ri field, Seongsan Ilchulbong Tuff Cone, and Udo Island from the summit of Malmi Oreum. It is also advised that visitors who wish to enjoy the seaside begin their journey along the Jongdalri Coastal Road. Because the road is level, it is simple to walk in this wheelchair-accessible area.
Reference: www.facebook.com/jejuolletrail/photos/pcb.3432674596806029/3432659770140845/?type=3&theater
Key spots
Malmi Oreum, Seongsan Al Oreum, Jongdalri Coastal Road, Seongsan Ilchulbong Tuff Cone, Gwangchigi Beach
Do not miss!
· Eating abalone porridge at Ojo Haenyeo's house
· Taking in the sunrise at Seongsan Ilchulbong Tuff Cone
· Savoring the Lava Geological Beach at Gwangchigi
Estimated duration & a level of difficulty
4-5 hours (15.1 km) / All of the sections are paved, making it simple for anyone to walk, with the exception of the Oreum course.
Course tip
· There is a course to climb Oreum, so please wear comfortable trekking shoes.
· It's best to visit Gwangchigi Beach right on low tide! Green lava land is visible when the water is gone.
Course image
Reference: TRIPLEKorea
Difficult, but a plenty of things to enjoy
Olle course 7
Numerous off-road sections make the course challenging, but its popularity stems from its inclusion of well-known landmarks like Oedolgae and Cheonjiyeon Falls. In particular, let's not ignore the Seogwipo Chilsipnisi Park waterfall observatory. The reason for this is that the Cheonjiyeon Falls is visible from above. The Oedolgae Observatory is visible as you leave the park. The Oedolgae is surrounded by an Olle Trail, which is amazing because it allows you to view various parts from various perspectives. At the end of Dombenang-gil Road, Daeryun-dong is home to the Story Mailbox. It's also a good idea to take a break and send yourself a postcard that will arrive a year later.
Reference: www.facebook.com/jejuolletrail/photos/a.662001130540070/3365897500150406/?type=3&theater
Key spots
Cheonjiyeon Falls, Seogwipo Chilsipnisi Park, Oedolgae, Subong-ro, Beophwan Port, Olleyo Shelter 7, Wolpyeong Port
Do not miss!
· Visiting Seogwipo Chilsipnisi Park Waterfall Observatory
· Walking to Seogeon in time for the low tide
· Using the Daeryun-ding Story Mailbox to write a postcard.
Estimated duration & a level of difficulty
5-6 hours (17.6 km) / There are lots of gravel and off-road roads, which means it uses a lot of energy and wears out your feet quickly.
Course tip
It is advised to visit Seogeondo Island in time for low tide! Owing to the fluctuating tides, Moses' miracle can be seen on Seogeondo Island. A sea path leads to the island when the water recedes two or three times daily.
Course image
Reference: TRIPLEKorea
Fantastic Olle Trail with a human touch
Olle course 6
Along with the natural world, there are local villages to enjoy. It begins at the Soesokkak Estuary and continues to Jeongbang Falls and Seogwipo Maeil Olle Market. The course starts off flat and with a small incline because it is wheelchair accessible. After that, you reach Seogwipo City Center after taking in the beauty of Socheonji Lake and Jeongbang Falls. It is a well-liked route because it passes through Lee Jung Seob Street and Seogwipo Maeil Olle Market and is packed with food and attractions. At the arrival point, there is an Olle Tourist Center where you can get information about the Olle Trail and have a little break.
Good to Know!
Due to safety concerns, Jejigi Oreum, which was initially a part of Olle course 6, will be temporarily removed as of July 11, 2024. You can walk straight to Bomok Port from Geujikoji rather than hiking up to Jejigi Oreum.
Reference: www.facebook.com/jejuolletrail/photos/a.662001130540070/3365897500150406/?type=3&theater
Key spots
Soesokkak Estuary, Socheonji, Castle of Sora, Jeongbang Falls, Lee Jung Seob Street, Seogwipo Maeil Olle Market
Do not miss!
· Exploring food at Seogwipo Maeil Olle Market
· Savoring Jarimul-hoe (raw fish in cold broth) at Bomok Haenyeo's house
Estimated duration & a level of difficulty
3-4 hours (11 km) / The distance is short so there is no burden. There is a level, non-sloping wheelchair section at the start of the course.
Course tip
There is Seogwipo Maeil Olle Market at the arrival point, so you don't need to pack a lunch box ahead of time.
Course image
Reference: TRIPLEKorea
Find various ports and lighthouses
Olle course 4
It is a course that connects large and small ports from Pyoseon to Namwon, and the coastal road section is long, allowing you to enjoy the sea of Jeju to your heart's contents. Lighthouses installed in each port, such as Danke Port and Sinheung-ri Port, are also good photo opportunities. The route from Altosan Gopang to Sinheung-ri Port runs through Jeju Village. There is a road next to the village hall and a private house where you can see directly into the lives of the residents. As you walk along the coastal road, you will notice a lot of cute cafes on the side. A small café is a good place to relax for a while.
Reference: www.facebook.com/jejuolletrail/photos/pcb.2729200063820156/2729199890486840/?type=3&theater
Key spots
Pyoseon Beach, Danke Port, Marine Corps Road, Sinheung-ri Port, Deokdol Port, Taeheung-ri Port, Namwon Port
Do not miss!
· Taking pictures with various lighthouses in the background
· Taking a rest at a cafe on the coast
Estimated duration & a level of difficulty
5-6 hours (19 km) / There is no climb on the course, and the uphill road is short, but it requires a lot of stamina due to its length.
Course tip
There are a few shops before you return to Sinheung-ri Port from Songcheon. So bring water or drinks in advance.
Course image
Reference: TRIPLEKorea
The end of the Olle Trail course
Olle course 21
It is the final section of the Olle Trail in the east of Jeju. Through Tokkiseom Island and Jimmybong Peak, it travels from the Haenyeo Museum to Jongdalbadang. Jeju Village, fields, Oreum, and the sea are evenly distributed, making it an Olle-gil that allows you to see different aspects of Jeju. You can walk to Byeolbangjin, Tokkiseom, and Hado Beach while admiring the sea. When you reach the top of Jimibong Peak at the end of the course, you will have panoramic views of Udo Island, Seongsan Ilchulbong Tuff Cone, and the Jeju Sea. You can also see Malmi Oreum, which is the starting point of Olle course 1.
Reference: www.facebook.com/jejuolletrail/photos/a.511619088911609/1987926521280851/?type=3&theater
Key spots
Haenyeo Museum, Tokkiseom Island, Jongdal Badang, Jimibong Peak, Jongdal Port, Jongdal Beach Shelter
Do not miss!
· Visiting Tokkiseom Island in the summer
· Climbing to the top of Jimibong Peak
Estimated duration & a level of difficulty
3-4 hours (11.3 km) /Except for Jimibong Peak, there is no uphill road, and the section is short, allowing for easy walking.
Course tip
· Tokkiseom Island is Korea's only native habitat for Crinum Lilies, and the island is covered in white flowers during the summer.
· The hiking trail to Jimibong Peak is well maintained, but it is difficult to climb due to the steep slope. Don't worry, there's a detour around Jimibong Peak that doesn't involve climbing to the top.
Course image
Reference: TRIPLEKorea
Walk along a beautiful coastal trail
Olle course 5
This course takes you through Namwon Keuneong Coastal Scenic Site, which is one of Korea's most beautiful coastal trails. A walkway is built on a 15-meter-high rocky cliff, allowing visitors to view the open sea from a dizzying height. It provides a different experience than the existing coastal walkway because you can see the sea scenery while walking through the wooded tunnel with warm temperate forests. Furthermore, the forest path in the shape of the Korean Peninsula, which is naturally formed of trees and seas, is a representative photo spot of the Olle course 5.
Reference: shutterstock.com
Key spots
Namwon port, Namwon Keuneong coastal scenic spot, Wimi camellia colony, Soesokkak Estuary
Do not miss!
· Looking for the sight of the Korean Peninsula at Namwon Keuneong Coastal Scenic Site
· Observing camellia flowers in the winter camellia community
Estimated duration & a level of difficulty
4-5 hours (13.4 km) / There is a rocky road in the middle, but the road is flat without passing through the Oreum, making it suitable for anyone to walk.
Course tip
The recommended season is winter, and camellia flowers bloom from November to February. Camellia flowers in full bloom can be found in the Wimi camellia colony.
Course image
Reference: TRIPLEKorea
One lap along the Olle Trail
Olle course 10-1
It is a course to explore the entire Gapado Island. Gapado Island has the lowest altitude of any Korean island, at only 20 m above sea level. As a result, the course is so simple that you can travel the entire section in a wheelchair. You can see the sea from Sangdong Port to the front of the Natgolchangi, which leads to the course that crosses Gapado Island. Again, the sea can be seen from Gaeum Juricoji to Gapa Security Center, the arrival point. The distance is 4.3km, the shortest of the Olle Trails, and two hours is sufficient to complete the course.
Good to Know!
Gapado Island takes about 10 minutes by boat from Unjin Port.
Reference: www.facebook.com/jejuolletrail/photos/pcb.3788017441271741/3788000681273417/?type=3&theater
Key spots
Sangdong Halmangdang, Keunwangdol, Gaeom Jurikoji, Keunongjinmul, Gapado green barley field
Do not miss!
Enjoying the Green Barley Festival in April and May
Estimated duration & a level of difficulty
1-2 hours (4.3 km) / There is no uphill road, making it simple for men and women of all ages to navigate. It also has a wheelchair section for each section.
Course tip
· We recommend going between April and May when green barley is at its peak and greenest! The Gapado Green Barley Festival takes place during this time.
· Restaurants are gathered at the Sangdong and Gapa ports.
Course image
Reference: TRIPLEKorea
Olle Trail recommended by difficulty
The most important factor to consider when choosing Olle Trail is the course difficulty! We'll introduce the Olle course according to its difficulty.
. Easy: Because the course is short, it is best to walk with a light heart.
Neutral: The route is lengthy, but the roads are well-paved.
· Difficult: There are many off-road and steep Oreums.
· Very difficult: The uphill and downhill sections are repeated, requiring a great deal of physical strength.
Easy ★★☆☆☆
- Jeju Olle Course 6Attraction · Jeju(Seogwipo)
- Jeju Olle Course 10 - 1Attraction · Jeju
- Jeju Olle Course 14 - 1Attraction · Jeju
- Jeju Olle Course 21Attraction · Jeju(Jocheon/Guzwa)
Neutral ★★★☆☆
- Jeju Olle Course 1Attraction · Jeju(Seongsan/Udo)
- Jeju Olle Course 1-1Attraction · Jeju(Seongsan/Udo)
- Jeju Olle Course 2Attraction · Jeju(Seongsan/Udo)
- Jeju Olle Course 4Attraction · Jeju
- Jeju Olle Course 5Attraction · Jeju
- Jeju Olle Course 7Attraction · Jeju(Seogwipo)
- Jeju Olle Course 7 - 1Attraction · Jeju(Seogwipo)
- Jeju Olle Course 8Attraction · Jeju
- Jeju Olle Course 10Attraction · Jeju(Jungmun)
- Jeju Olle Course 12Attraction · Jeju
- Jeju Olle Course 13Attraction · Jeju
- Jeju Olle Course 14Attraction · Jeju
- Jeju Olle Course 15 - AAttraction · Jeju(Aewol/Hallim)
- Jeju Olle Course 16Attraction · Jeju(Aewol/Hallim)
- Jeju Olle Course 17Attraction · Jeju(Aewol/Hallim)
- Jeju Olle Course 18Attraction · Jeju(Jeju city)
- Jeju Olle Course 19Attraction · Jeju(Jocheon/Guzwa)
- Jeju Olle Course 20Attraction · Jeju(Jocheon/Guzwa)
Difficult ★★★★☆
- Jeju Olle Course 3Attraction · Jeju(Seongsan/Udo)
- Jeju Olle Course 9Attraction · Jeju(Jungmun)
Very difficult ★★★★★
- Jeju Olle Course 18 - 1Attraction · Jeju