JEJU OLLE GIL TRAIL - YOUR ULTIMATE HIKING GUIDE

Jeju Island is a real gem. It is a must-see if you visit South Korea. And we are not the only ones thinking that way, even UNESCO said so. And how amazing it would be if you visited Jeju by walking all around the island. Oh wait, it’s actually possible, and it’s called the Jeju Olle Gil Trail.

Hiking the 425km Jeju Olle Gil Trail is a fantastic experience.

Visiting Jeju at a slower pace will allow you to see the island from different angles, fully soak yourself in its natural beauty, and meet many friendly locals.

Jeju Olle Gil Trail is composed of different routes circling the island. In this guide, we will provide you with all the information you need to start your unforgettable adventure in Jeju.

In a Nutshell

– If you don’t know Jeju yet, the island was designated as a biosphere reserve.
– In 2007, the island became a UNESCO World Heritage Site. And finally, in 2010, it was certified Global Geopark.
– The Jeju Olle Gil Trail will allow you to discover this beautiful island. Culture, food, fishing, museums, volcanoes, beaches, forests, fields, agriculture … You will discover Jeju Island from a completely different perspective!

All You Need to Know About the Jeju Olle Gil Trail

Overview of Jeju Olle Gil Trail?

Jeju is made up of many different landscapes, this trail will allow you to see all aspects of this island. It’s up to you to decide whether to do it in full or just a few routes.

Indeed, you can’t hike the whole trail in just a day! Jeju Olle Gil is 425km long ! The trail is divided into 26 stages. Each has a different level of difficulty, length, elevation, landscape, it’s up to you to choose according to what you want to see.

Three are rated difficult, four easy, the others have an average level. However, the courses are on average 16 km. The shortest takes about an hour and the longest can take up to eight hours. It is therefore very important to plan your route. On the Jeju Olle website (in English), you can take a close look at each of the circuits, their difficulty, travel time, characteristics and tourist attractions.

To complete the whole trail, assuming you only do 1 stage per day, it will take you 26 days. However, expect a bit longer as there are many things to see on the way, and you may want to take some day off to enjoy the beach or other activities. If you only want to hike certain routes, it is also possible. Our favorite routes are #1, #1-1, #2, #5, #14, #20, #21.

Description of each stage of the Jeju Olle Gil Trail

Stage 1: Siheung – Gwangchig

Distance: 15.1 km
Time to complete: 4 to 5 hours
Level: Medium

The route #1 is actually one of the most scenic one. If you were to pick only one stage of the Jeju Olle GIl trail, we would recommend this one. This road passes through the mythical Seongsan Ilchulbong and you can also see Udo Island in the background. Also Gwangchigi Beach is really stunning. The patchwork of different colors, makes this place magical.

Stage 01-1: Udo Island

Distance: 11.3 km
Time to complete: 4 to 5 hours
Level: Medium

The Jeju Olle Gil trail proposes additional route or sub-route if you want to explore more of Jeju. This one, we also highly recommend, as it brings you around the gorgeous Udo Island. Visiting Udo island was one of our favorite things to do while traveling to Jeju.

Check out our full post here related to Udo

Stage 2: Gwangchigi – Onpyeong

Distance: 15.2 km
Time to complete: 4 to 5 hours
Level: Medium

This route of the Jeju Olle Gil Trail crosses Siksan-bong’s peak and Daesusan-bong’ peak. From there you can admire a beautiful view of Jeju coastline.

Near this trail, we actually love hiking in Seopjikoji. It is a gorgeous trail along the coast of Jeju. It is one of the best spots to admire the rugged coastline of Jeju and see some natural wonders which the island has plenty to offer.

You can check our full post here.

Stage 3: Onpyeong – Pyoseon

Distance: 20.9 km
Time to complete: 6 to 7 hours
Level: Hard

Two routes are possible here, one going along the coast and the other one inland which is much harder. This part of the trail is also very scenic showcasing the beautiful nature of Jeju.

Stage 4: Pyoseon – Namwoon

Distance: 19 km
Time to complete: 5 to 6 hours
Level: Medium

This route goes along the coast the entire time. This route is also a historical one, as this is the path that Jeju Haenyeos, the first female professional, used to get to the ocean.

Stage 5: Namwoon – Seosokkak

Distance: 13.5 km
Time to complete: 4 to 5 hours
Level: Medium

This route is one of the most beautiful coastal trails in Jeju, well even Korea! First you will go through traditional fishing villages, then camellia fields, a forest and of course the beautiful emerald Jeju sea all along. A beautiful trail and also one of our favorite part of the Jeju Olle Gil Trail.

Stage 6: Seosokkak – Seogwipo

Distance: 11 km
Time to complete: 3 to 4 hours
Level: Easy

This route is another coastal trail. It also goes through the city of Seogwipo. Seogwipo is actually a pleasant city to live in and is located on one of the best beaches in Jeju called Jungmun. But the highlight of the trail is definitely the stunning passage by the wonderful Cheonjeyeon waterfalls. A must-see in Jeju.

Stage 7: Seogwipo – Wolpyeong

Distance: 15.7 km
Time to complete: 4 to 5 hours
Level: Medium

The highlight of this trail is the breathtaking rock spire of Oedolgae and its surrounding cliffs. You will hike along the beautiful Oedolgae known for its outstanding scenery.

Stage 7-1: Seogwipo

Distance: 15.7 km
Time to complete: 4 to 5 hours
Level: Medium

This sub-trail or detour allows you to explore the city of Seogwipo in more detail but also to go a bit more inland across a small mountain. Going this trail will allow you to cross beautiful rice fields with the view of Hallasan Mountain in the backdrop (more info about the Hallasan here)

Stage 8: Wolpyeong – Daepyeong

Distance: 19.6 km
Time to complete: 5 to 6 hours
Level: Medium

For us the highlight of the trail is the beautiful Jungmun beach. If you have more time you can split this trail into 2 and spend a day surfing at Jungmun beach. On a good day, the waves are really great!

Another major highlight of this route is Joosang Jeolli where lava flowed to the ocean and formed those impressive lava columns.

Stage 9: Daepyeong – Hwasun

Distance: 6.7 km
Time to complete: 3 to 4 hours
Level: Hard.

Although quite short in terms of distance, it will still take you 3 to 4 hours to complete this route as it goes through Mount Wollabong. The good news is that you have a beautiful reward at the end of the trail since you will reach Hwasun Beach. Did you bring your swimwear??

Stage 10: Hwasun – Moseulpo

Distance: 15.6 km
Time to complete: 5 to 6 hours
Level: Hard.

This route combines, mountains, ports and beaches. A perfect day out! If you can select only a few trails during your trip to Jeju, we would also recommend this one. This part of Jeju is one of our favorite areas. It’s quieter than the rest of Jeju, wilder, and even more beautiful.

The highlight for us was Songaksan mountain. One of our favorite trails in Korea.

READ: We wrote a full post about Songaksan here, check it out.

Stage 10-1: Gapa-do

Distance: 4.2 km
Time to complete: 1 to 2 hours
Level: Easy

This is an alternative route as it brings you to the island of Gapado. You can already admire the island while around Songaksan. Gapado is only 0.84 square kilometers and is located 5.5 kilometers off the Jeju coast.

Low lying, the highest point is only 20.5 meters making the views from the flat barley fields to Jeju Island really stunning. What is unique about Gapado is that is a 100% carbon-free island, the first in the nation. It is also one of the southernmost island in Korea, besides its sister island of Marado.

Stage 11: Moseulpo – Mureung

Distance: 17.3 km
Time to complete: 5 to 6 hours
Level: Medium

This route starts in the city and ends up in a gorgeous forest. The highlight of this trail is the peak of Monseul Bong with its nice panorama. The trail goes along the coast at the start but the rest of it is mostly inland, which is also very nice in Jeju.

Stage 12: Mureung – Yongsu

Distance: 17.5 km
Time to complete: 5 to 6 hours
Level: Medium

this trail will bring you through three mountains: Noknambong, Suwolbong and Dangsanbong.

Stage 13: Yongsu – Jeoji

Distance: 15.9 km
Time to complete: 4 to 5 hours
Level: Medium

This route is very different from the other ones, as it is completely inland. It’s nice to see a different side of Jeju, in the lush vegetation and forest. At the end of the trail, you will arrive in the unique art village of Jeoji.

Stage 14: Yongsu – Jeoji

Distance: 19.1 km
Time to complete: 6 to 7 hours
Level: Medium

This route is part of our favorite trails. It goes through some of the highlights of Jeju. First you will pass through the very interesting cactus village of Wollyeongri, then head to one of the most beautiful beaches in Jeju, Geumneung and then via Hallim Park with it’s stunning garden, lava caves, and tulip fields (More info here about Hallim Park in Jeju).

Stage 14-1: Jeoji – Mureung

Distance: 9.3 km
Time to complete: 3 to 4 hours
Level: Easy

No one likes detours, however, this one is really worth it. If you want to see the amazing and vast green tea fields of O’Sulloc, make sure to go on this trail. The hike to the green tea fields of O’sulloc is relatively easy and worth the detour.

Stage 15 (A and B): Hallim – Gonae

Distance: 16.5 km
Time to complete: 5 to 6 hours
Level: Medium

Here you can choose between 2 routes depending on the desired elevation. A passage through the land or a passage on the coast and its gorgeous beaches.

We opted for the beach side (B), and even went surfing to Gwakji Beach one of the best surf spots in Jeju. This part of the trail is much easier as well. Part A is also very beautiful going through a forest and many fields.

Stage 16: Gonae – Gwangnyeong

Distance: 15.8 km
Time to complete: 5 to 6 hours
Level: Medium

This is an amazing route as it brings you first along the coast of Aewol to admire the emerald sea and then go more inland to the mid-mountainous area.

Stage 17: Gwangnyeong – Old Downtown of Jeju-si

Distance: 18.1 km
Time to complete: 6 to 7 hours
Level: Medium

This route brings you through the city of Jeju. Make sure to stop for a few pictures at Iho Tewoo Beach for the famous red and white pony lighthouses.

Stage 18: Old Downtown of Jeju-si – Jocheon

Distance: 19.7 km
Time to complete: 6 to 7 hours
Level: Medium

This trail go through he picturesque old downtown of Jeju, followed by breathtaking coastal sceneries to finish in Jocheon.

Stage 18-1: Chuja-do

Distance: 18.2 km
Time to complete: 6 to 8 hours
Level: Difficult

This sub-route will bring you to Chuja-so island. The island is located 45km from Jeju and is accessible by ferry from Jeju. The trail go all around the island and crosses a few peaks. The trail is beautiful as you can admire the blue ocean during the entire trail.

Stage 19: Jocheon – Gimnyeong

Distance: 19.4 km
Time to complete: 6 to 7 hours
Level: Medium

As we love the beautiful coast of Jeju, this route is one of our favorite one. Especially as it go through Hamdeok Beach, one of our favorite beach in Jeju. There are plenty of nice restaurants and coffee shops there. We wrote a full post here.

Stage 20: Gimnyeong – Hado

Distance: 17.6 km
Time to complete: 5 to 6 hours
Level: Medium

Another one of our favorite trail as it goes through some of the most beautiful beaches and you can admire Jeju emerald sea all along. Our favorite place in Jeju is Woljeongri. The village and beach of Woljeongri are so beautiful. We always use Woljeongri as our base in Jeju. You can check out our full post here.

Stage 21: Gimnyeong – Hado

Distance: 11.3 km
Time to complete: 3 to 4 hours
Level: Easy

First of all congrats if you reach that part of the trail already! I am sure by now you realized how beautiful Jeju is. For this route, we must admit that we cheated a bit. We rented 2 small e-scooter and finished it off in less than 1 hour.

However this trail is really gorgeous along the magnificent coastline of Jeju.

Important information about Jeju Olle Gil Trail

Jeju Olle Gil Trail Passport

You can buy a passport to stamp at several places on each route in order to keep a souvenir of this trail. There is also a small general map inside and information for each of route. It cost 20,000 won. Thanks to this passport, you will be entitled to reductions in certain restaurants, accommodation and places to visit.

If you fill out the passport entirely while doing the entire trail, you will be entitled to a certificate, a small medal and your name on the hall of fame.

You can purchase the passport at Jeju Olle Tourist Center, Ganse Lounge, Jeju Olle Trail Information Center (Located at the starting point of Route # 1, 4, 5, 7-1, 10, 11, 14, 14-1, 15, 16, 18-1, 19, 21).

Signposts guiding the Jeju Olle Trail

Ganse: is a symbol of Jeju Olle Trail and is shaped after the ponies of Jeju. The name comes from the old Jeju dialect meaning a slow lazybones. In order to enjoy the Jeju Olle Trail it is best to waslk slowly just like the Jeju pony that strolls amongst the island’s green grassland.

Wooden Arrows: there are placed at crossroads with Blue and Orange colors. The blue arrows indicate the way forward and the orange arrows indicate the reverse direction.

Other famous trails in Jeju

Hallasan Mountain

Are you a hiking enthusiast? You’ve chosen the right destination: Jeju Island is full of paths to explore! The must-hike? Take on Mount Halla (or Hallasan), the highest point on the island (and even the highest peak in South Korea with its 1,950 meters above sea level). This national park offers different trails, with varying distances and levels of difficulty.

2 very nice hikes lead to the top of the volcano. The first part is done in the forest and therefore with a fairly limited view. However, on the second part, the hike is magnificent! This is clearly the best hikes to do in Jeju. Be prepared, this is not a hike for beginners, as it can be very steep and it will take you the entire day for a round trip. For us it took 8.5 hours! Our longest hike to date…

Here is our full post our hike to the top of Hallasan.

Songaksan

Songaksan Mountain is located in the southernmost point of Jeju. Hiking in Songaksan is one of our favorite things to do in Jeju. The trail is going around the volcanic mountain alongside the coast, making it a beautiful spot to admire the gorgeous nature that Jeju has to offer.

From Songaksan you can see Gapado and Marado islands, you can admire the Hallasan Mountain in the middle of Jeju and the impressive Sonbangsan Mountain. We actually really like this part of the island. It is wilder that the rest of Jeju.

This hike is very easy and suitable for the whole family. It takes less than 2 hours to complete the hike around Songaksan and it’s totally worth it! We loved it.

Here is our full post about Songaksan

Seopjikoji

Seopjikoji is a gorgeous trail along the coast of Jeju. It is one of the best spot to admire the rugged coastline of Jeju and see some natural wonders which the island has plenty to offer.

Seopjikoji is located on the east side of Jeju Island. Seopji means “a narrow piece of land” in the local dialect, and koji means “a promontory”.

We actually drove to Seopjikoji after our hike to Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak. It’s just a few minutes drive from it. We really wanted to check it out, as usually the trails on the coastline of Jeju are really beautiful. We love watching the ocean and the waves crushing against the volcanic cliff. And Seopjikoji is probably one of the best spot to do just that!

The shoreline is covered with volcanic red rocks and pebbles, and many of the rocks are of strange and spectacular shapes.

Check out our full post here.

In conclusion

Jeju is an exquisite island that should be on your list of things to see in Asia. Jeju is the ideal place to explore and travel as its indigenous culture mixes well with the island scenery. The island boasts beautiful seas, waterfalls, cliffs, hundreds of oreums (small inactive volcanoes), caves, and lush forests.

One of the best ways to immerse yourself in this beauty is by taking it slow with the Jeju Olle Gil Trail. The trail is often ranked one of the best things to do in Jeju.

Make sure to check out all our other recommendations about Jeju, here.

2 Comments

Jeong-Ju Han says:

July 4, 2023 at 9:27 pm

Hi~quick question about accomodations. Do you have a site for booking accomodations? What was the average price? Or where did you usually stay? I am so used to just calling, messaging, booking.com or hostelworld, but often find that it is not as easy to find information or even make budget friendly bookings as a foreigner/tourist. ^^;
Best regards,
JJ

1. A Fun Couple says:
  
  July 7, 2023 at 10:22 pm
  
  Hi Jeong-Ju Han. Booking.com or Agoda works fine in Korea. No problem for foreigners 🙂