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Hiking the Jeju Olle Trail, South Korea

Hiking the Jeju Olle Trail, South Korea

August 7, 2020

Last Updated on March 11, 2024

Thinking of where to go in 2021? Hiking the Jeju Olle Trail is one of the best ways to experience the rural beauty and nature of South Korea.
Autumn is in full swing on the beautiful island of Jeju, South Korea as dried orange leaves are set against the backdrop of the turquoise sea. I have left the explosive capital city of Seoul to arrive in the calm and tranquility of Jeju Island.
It’s hard to believe I am in South Korea, after all, where are the neon lights and skyscrapers?
Jeju Island is a rare patch of South Korea bursting with nature, culture and heritage – its craggy coastline is lined with emerald bays and lapping beaches, while further inland are studded with ensconced waterfalls and green prairies. Having long gained a loyal following among South Koreans, Jeju is surprisingly empty of foreign tourists.

Hiking the Jeju Olle Trail, South Korea

Table of Contents

    • Hiking the Jeju Olle Trail
    • What is the Jeju Olle Trail?
    • Everyone is Welcome on the Jeju Olle Trail
    • Jeju: An Island with Unique Traditions tH
    • The People of Jeju Island
    • What I Love about Jeju Island
    • Brief History of Jeju Olle Trail
  • Jeju Island Travel Guide
    • How to Get to Jeju Island
      • By Plane
      • By Ferry
    • How to Get Around Jeju Island
    • Where to Stay on Jeju Island
      • Budget: Chason Hotel The Read
      • Midrange: Parksunshine Jeju
      • Luxury: The Shilla Jeju

Hiking the Jeju Olle Trail

The Jeju Olle Trail, a network of hiking routes that criss cross Jeju island. Jeju has long been a popular destination for the South Koreans, but it has surprisingly stayed off the international tourist radar.

The Jeju Olle Trail leads hikers along the pristine coastlines of Jeju, up into the oreum (a type of dormant, lateral volcano), past stone walls piled up with black basalt, and across green fields with wild flowers in full bloom.

Considered one of the best walking trails in the world, the Jeju Olle Trail gives peace, happiness and healing to those walking the trail. Since its first opening in September 2007, 21 courses and over 339km (210 miles) of routes have been made available to travelers.

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jeju hiking trail

What is the Jeju Olle Trail?

“Olle” comes from the old Jeju dialect, which refers to a very narrow alley or path from a street to a gate of a house. “Jeju Olle” meaning trail paths in Jeju, serve as trekking routes to connect Jeju to the world and beyond.

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Olle also holds another deeper meaning: as it sounds very similar to “would you come?” in the Korean language. “Jeju Olle” therefore also means, “Would you come to Jeju?”.

waterfalls in jeju island south korea

Everyone is Welcome on the Jeju Olle Trail

On average, each Jeju Olle Trail is 10-18 kilometers (6-11 miles) in length. The trails allow hikers the chance to explore Jeju’s coastline that varies rapidly from lowlands to highlands and back to lowlands again. These quick shifts in topography allow you to enjoy farmland and forests, fresh water ponds and ocean vistas, waterfalls and cliffs — all on a single journey.

Almost all the planned walks are estimated to take between 4 and 8 hours to complete. They are generally not too difficult, and almost anyone can complete them (including those without walking experience). There are no overly high altitudes to cover nor rugged stretches that require technical skills. There are absolutely no route fees.

jeju olle trail viewpoint hiking in jeju south korea

Jeju: An Island with Unique Traditions tH

Jeju Island was the first UNESCO World Heritage site in South Korea. The island is an excellent place for active travelers with a love for the outdoors. The natural landscapes are harmonized with beautiful sea, falls, cliffs, caves, and unique oreum.

All over Jeju island, you can find stone statues of the Dol Hareubang (reminiscent of the moai on Easter Island). Carved from the island’s porous volcanic rock, these mysterious guardians stand up to 3m (10 ft) high.

They’re easily recognisable thanks to their shape: the sculptures all have bulging, pupil-less eyes on a grim face, their hands rest atop their bellies, and all the sculptures wear mushroom-shaped hats that are often interpreted as phallic. Their origins are mysterious, but are often attributed to the island’s shamanic traditions.

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stone statues on jeju island south korea

The People of Jeju Island

On Jeju island, locals live by the “Sam Mu” (“Three Nothings”) – no beggars, no thieves, no gates. So you can imagine how peaceful, safe and laidback life must be on this island.

Jeju is also proud to be home to the Haenyo, also known as the women of the sea. These famous women divers, or Korean mermaids, often dive to depths of up to 20 meters (65 ft) without breathing apparatus, to collect seafood which they sell along the beaches.

There are stories about the diving women including Sulmundaehalmang (a grandmother from one of Jeju’s folk tales) and her descendants. Diving was the first profession for women in Korea and the Haenyo are some of the best free divers in the world.

women divers of jeju island

What I Love about Jeju Island

The natural landscapes of Jeju are one of the most stunning in the whole of South Korea. Fields surrounded by short stone walls and the volcanic oreum are unique to Jeju island. Waterfalls are dotted around the island, and some of the beaches off the island have the clearest water you’ll ever see.

These landscapes look completely different in each season. In spring, fields are filled with bright yellow-colored flowers; while summer sees the beaches shimmering in gold. In autumn, coffee-colored silver grass are in full bloom; and white snow covers the the peak of Mount Halla-san in winter.

Nature aside, Jeju island is also an epicurean paradise with the local delicacies including Jeju tangerine, tile fish soup, abalone porridge, and barbecued pork ribs.

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jeju island food korean food  korean food

jeju island beaches and stone statues

Brief History of Jeju Olle Trail

Suh Myung-Sook, the founder and president of Jeju Olle Foundation, used to an editor of a weekly newsmagazine.

Leaving her post as a reporter after 20 years of her service, she went on her own pilgrimage along the famous Camino de Santiago from France to Spain. Towards the end of her pilgrimage, she met a woman from England and made a promise together to share their peace and happiness on the road with their home countries.

When she came back to her hometown, Jeju, she was determined to create a trekking route that would show travelers her beautiful backyard. Together with some volunteers, she began to find and restore hidden paths, small routes inaccessible by cars and forgotten tracks. With their combined efforts, they created these new trails for hikers to explore their beautiful island in a meaningful way.

Today, the non-profit Jeju Olle Foundation continues to work hard in carving new routes all around the island. I hope you can join us in experiencing the beauty of Jeju Island through the trails.

jeju stone statues  hiking jeju in autumn

jeju hiking trail


Jeju Island Travel Guide

How to Get to Jeju Island

By Plane

The main gateway to Jeju is the Jeju International Airport, located on the northern part of the island. Flights from Seoul usually take just over 1 hour, and cost around US$150 return. From from the southern coastal city of Busan, it’s less than an hour.

Book Your Flights to Jeju

By Ferry

If you’re on a tight budget or have more time on your hands, there are also ferry services to Jeju. Depending on which port you board your ferry and which route it takes, it can take between 2-4 hours to reach Jeju. Check here for more details.

The ferry currently runs from five locations to Jeju:

  • Mokpo (Mokpo Port)
  • Haenam (Usuyong Port)
  • Wando (Wando Port)
  • Goheung (Nokdong Port)
  • Yeosu (Yeosu EXPO Cruise Terminal)

ferry to jeju south korea

How to Get Around Jeju Island

The island has a public transportation system, but it is a rural island after all and the best way to get around is to rent a car. Car rental is really affordable on Jeju Island, and prices range from USD 15 (≈16,000 Korean Won) for a compact two-passenger car to USD 20 (≈21,000 Korean Won) for a four-passenger car.

In order to rent a car in South Korea, you will need to have a valid International Driving Permit that you must obtain before your trip. If you’re visiting Jeju in summer, it’s best to book your rental car online ahead of time to avoid disappointment.

Note that Koreans drive on the right side of the road. Roads are signposted in both Korean and English, so don’t panic. All rental cars come equipped with a handy voice navigation system and GPS.

Search for Car Rentals on Jeju!

jeju island south korea

Where to Stay on Jeju Island

Most hotels are concentrated in Jeju City in the north and Seogwipo in the south. But if you are renting a car, I definitely recommend staying in the rural parts of the island to enjoy the nature and greenery.

Budget: Chason Hotel The Read

Centrally located in Seogwipo, the budget hotel is affordable and yet modern, comfortable and stylish. It is a business hotel, and has good connections to public transport. Check the rates.

Midrange: Parksunshine Jeju

Located close to Cheonjiyeon Waterfalls, Parksunshine Jeju has a quiet location with easy access to Seogwipo Port and the renowned Lee Jung Seop Street. Rooms are spacious, luxurious and feature panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows. Check rates here.

Luxury: The Shilla Jeju

I stayed at this beautiful 5-star hotel located just a 10-minute walk from the famous Jungmun Beach. It’s got modern features and a whole range of facilities, including both indoor and outdoor pools as well as an over-the-top kids play area. Check the rates here.

the shilla jeju - photo from booking.com

Are you planning to visit Jeju Island? Did my article spark your interest in hiking Jeju? Leave me a comment below if you have any questions!


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Nellie Huang

Nellie Huang is the founder of WildJunket. Originally from Singapore, Nellie has traveled to over 150 countries across 7 continents. As an accomplished travel writer, she has written for BBC Travel, CNN and Rough Guides. She is also the author of five travel books, including the latest Lonely Planet's Mexico guidebook. Read more about her here and follow her on Facebook and Instagram.

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The Comments

  • Kurt
    September 27, 2020

    Are there any youth hostels? Is camping allowed? Wild camping or in campgrounds? Any other budget or inexpensive lodging ideas?

    Reply
    • Nellie Huang
      Kurt
      September 28, 2020

      hi Kurt, yes there are loads of hostels as well as guest houses and inns near the trail. They’re really affordable with prices starting from $12/night. Check out hostelworld.com. There are official campsites along the Jeju Olle Trail, most of them on the beach. If you want to wild camp, there are no hard and fast rules about wild camping on Jeju. Basically if you leave no trace and camp away from urban areas, then you shouldn’t run into any problems. Good luck and hope you’ve found this useful!

      Reply
  • Jo
    April 8, 2021

    Is there a guide book for this hike, showing accommodation, food stops etc along the way?

    Reply
    • Nellie Huang
      Jo
      April 8, 2021

      hi Jo, this is the official website of the organisation that created the Jeju Olle Trail: http://www.jejuolle.org/trail/eng/. There are guidebooks on Jeju, but none focus on hikes in Jeju. Sorry that I can’t be of more help!

      Reply

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