Jeju Olle Trails 106KM Challenge Hike, 10 days

A challenge itinerary for hikers who wish to accomplish a century kilometre walk of Jeju Island. This multi-day hiking itinerary will pass through the eastern and southern beautiful coast over 7 trails on its Olle Trail Network covering 106 KM. Each route has its own unique charms.

The best way to travel Jeju Island is to hike the Jeju Olle Trail as it affords any hikers experiences often missed with the speed of a vehicle brings. By hiking the trail, walkers get to appreciate the many views and cultural variety of the island.

The Jeju Olle Trail is a network of hiking trails comprises of 27 routes circumference Jeju Island with 437-KM of walks with various degree of challenge.

The word ‘olle’ means the small alley leading to the house from the street – as the dialect of Jeju.Jeju Olle Trail is for any hiker.

Encounter the true Jeju and finer details while hiking the eastern and southern parts of the island over 7 trails. Enjoy both nature and culture of the island by travelling on foot. The network affords to those who wish to walk as much as they want. Broken trails connected, long lost trails found, and vanished trails were recalled completing the circuit route.

This hiking trip involves walking and hiking for up to 7 hours a day, or less depending on your pace. The walks and hikes should not be underestimated as it can be challenging if you have not been hiking regularly despite having the required hiking experience. A good level of fitness and good health is required as you will be walking for 3 consecutive days. You need to carry a daypack of around 3 – 5 KG and should be prepared for potential variable weather conditions.

This is a Self-Guided trip.

Duration: 10 days

Recommend: Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday departures

You need to have a spirit for adventure, independence and self-management on this self-guided trip.

Activity	Hiking, Self-Guided
Country	Korea
Hiking Grade	Grade 3 – Intermediate
Season	03 – March, 04 – April, 05 – May, 06 – June, 07 – July, 08 – August, 09 – September, 10 – October, 11 – November

Itinerary

Highlights
~ Admire Jeju’s spectacular southern coast;

~ Olle Trail 1 & 1-1 – the east coast of Jeju Island & Udo Island;

~ Olle Trail 2 – where the story of the marriage of 3 Gods is told;

~ Olle Trail 3A – the challenge yet beautiful mountainous walk;

~ Olle Trail 4 – the Haenyeo Olle Trail, looking back at the lives of Jeju heanyeos;

~ Olle Trail 5 – with the most beautiful view of Jeju’s southern coast;

~ Olle Trail 6 – considered the trail that showcases sampling bits of the Ille Trail network;

~ Sightseeing tour of Jeju City on a Hop-On Hop-Off bus;

~ FREE Olle Passport.

Day 01 Arrive Jeju Island

Welcome to Jeju Island! Upon arrival, take a taxi at rank to your hotel which is just a short ride away.

After check in, the rest of the day is yours to explore at leisure. Official check-in time is 2.00 PM.

Meal: nil

Stay: hotel, Jeju City

Day 02 Olle Trail 1 Hike

Jeju’s first Olle trail connects Oreums to the ocean. The walk begin shortly over 2 oreums* (Malmi Oreum and AI Oreum) and overlooks an evergreen field with a panoramic view of Seongsan Ilchulbong (peak) and U-do Island from afar. The green fields with Jeju’s signature black stone wall resemble a patchwork of colourful cloth.

Then pass Jongdal-ri old salt flat and Siheung-ri coastal road and you will arrive at Sumapo Beach with an impressive view of Seongsan Ilchulbong (peak) up close. Finally, the colour of the ocean and algae covered rocks at Gwangchigi Beach is simply stunning. The last attraction on the walks – Sumapo Port is where horses grown in Jeju were sent to the mainland back in Joseon Dynasty.

Terminate today’s hike at 12.1 KM mark and check in to your hotel which is close to Seongsan Harbour Ferry Terminal.

Meal: Breakfast

Stay: hotel, Seongsan

Hiking Distance: 12.1 KM approx. (Route 1 total = 15.1 KM) Hiking Duration: 5 – 6 hours approx.

Accumulated Elevation Gain: est. 233 M

Note: walk on a mixture of undulating terrains consisting of (not limited to) paved footpaths/roads, nature trails, rock paths, boardwalks, flights of steps etc. There are 2 oreum climbs averaging an elevation gain of 80 – 100 M ascent each.

*oreum = extinct volcano

Day 03 Olle Trail 1-1 Hike

Walk to Seongsan Harbour Ferry Terminal to take a ferry to U-do Island where Olle Trail 1-1 route is located.

Shaped like as if a cow is lying down, Udo demonstrates the essence of Jeju’s scenery with endless green fields, black stone walls, and lighthouses. The largest of the 62 atolls surrounding Jeju Island, U-do offers a trail with a magnificent view of the indigo ocean throughout the year. Hiking alongside the old stone walls that are still preserved in their original form, enjoy wide variety of landscape, from seaside walk to farm road with the rye, barley and peanuts growing on the trail.

The last part of the hike brings you up to Udo’s tallest hill (132.5 M). Udo-bong sits at the top of a cliff, created with layers of stone pieces. It is just so rewarding and comforting to look at the vast grassland and indigo-blue seas beneath.

As you return to the harbour ferry terminal, take the ferry back to Seongsan.

Meal: Breakfast

Stay: hotel, Seongsan

Hiking Distance: 11.3 KM approx. Hiking Duration: 5 – 6 hours approx.

Accumulated Elevation Gain: est. 164 M

Note: walk on a mixture of undulating terrains consisting of (not limited to) paved footpaths/roads, nature trails, rock paths, boardwalks, flights of steps etc.

Day 04 Olle Trail 2 Hike

Complete the remaining last 3 KM walk of Olle Trail 1 and you will arrive at the stamping station to start Trail 2.

Starting at Gwangchigi Beach, the trail passes 2 peaks and a monument pond to a small beach in Onpyeong-ri. Continue across the field along inland water and peaceful mountain path. On the top of Daesusan-bong (peak), enjoy panoramic views of the eastern coastline of Jeju Island.

The route passes around a pond that has a special place in Jeju mythology. According to the myth, three gods (the founders of Jeju Island) married three princesses Byeokrangguk. They had their wedding ceremony near the pond, so the pond was named Honinji (wedding pond).Just a little distance away is a honeymoon cave, apparently a place for newlyweds. There are 3 different caves inside the honeymoon cave.

Walk a little bit more past the final stamping station of Trail 2 and beginning of Trail 3 to get to the accommodation (no earlier than 4 PM) for the night.

Meal: Breakfast

Stay: pension, Seongsan

Hiking Distance: 14.7 KM approx. Hiking Duration: 5 – 6 hours approx.

Accumulated Elevation Gain: est. 231 M

Note: walk on a mixture of undulating terrains consisting of (not limited to) paved footpaths/roads, nature trails, rock paths, boardwalks, flights of steps etc. There are 2 oreum climbs with an elevation gain of 30 M & 124 M respectively.

Day 05 Olle Trail 3A Hike

In order to achieve 100 KM of hike, embark on route 3A today. It is also the longest distance and most challenging trail to cover in the whole itinerary.

Walk along the shore and see basalt stone towers, known as Jeju’s traditional lighthouses. Long time ago, fishermen poured fish oil to light up before heading out to the ocean and turn it off upon return.

The trail is quiet in the mid mountainous area. The old stonewalls and wild shrubs add elegance to it. Somewhat hushed yet unique scenery. Tong Oreum and Dokja-bong (peak) flaunt the original charm of Jeju’s oreums. It is an easy climb with an open view of the surrounding. The locals raise horses there.

Continue on a camellia path, a mandarin path, and other kinds of walking paths in Samdal-ri to Kim Young Gap Gallery Dumoak. He took beautiful photographs of Jeju until the last day of his life, and some of his works are on display at the gallery.

Check in to the accommodation no earlier than 4 PM.

Meal: nil

Stay: pension, Seongsan

Hiking Distance: 20.9 KM approx. Hiking Duration: 7 – 8 hours approx.

Accumulated Elevation Gain: est. 313 M

Note: walk on a mixture of undulating terrains consisting of (not limited to) paved footpaths/roads, nature trails, rock paths, boardwalks, flights of steps etc. Tong oreum is 143 M tall and Dokja-bong is 160 M high.

Day 06 Olle Trail 4 Hike

The coastal Olle starts at the shiny beach which cover almost half of the journey. There are sashimi houses and fish farms along the coastal road. Past the Haenyeo (woman divers) changing room and cross the ‘Ganeungae’ named after its structure where the ocean narrows down into a thin strand. You will reach Sehwa-2ri, the fishing village. The old name for Saehwa-2ri is Gama-ri. ‘Gamari Haenyeo Olle’ is the path where Jeju Haenyeos, apparently the world’s first female professionals, used to get to the ocean.

Jeju Olle has rebuilt the forest path that continues afterward, after 35 years. The Marine Corps lent a hand in building this path, so it is also known as the Marine Trail.

Check in to the accommodation no earlier than 4 PM.

Meal: nil

Stay: pension, Seogwipo City

Hiking Distance: 19 KM approx. Hiking Duration: 6 – 7 hours approx.

Accumulated Elevation Gain: est. 168 M

Note: walk on a mixture of undulating terrains consisting of (not limited to) paved footpaths/roads, nature trails, rock paths, boardwalks, flights of steps etc.

Day 07 Olle Trail 5 Hike

Route 5 starts at the busy Namwon Port which is a large village with good transportation network, shops and eateries. Take a taxi to the starting location is the fastest option. Alternatively, you may wish to take the local public bus transportation to Namwon which requires a little navigation adventure by using local mobile application (app).

Start the walk along the coastal road which is one of the most beautiful coastal trails in Korea. The Keun-ung (hill) Scenic Walk to Soesokkak where freshwater meets the seawater and you get the most beautiful view of Jeju’s southern coast.

Do make stops along the way to admire and appreciate the scenery. Take breaks in the cafes that are uniquely decorated in designs of their own.

It is particularly pleasant to hike through the forest of subtropical plants towards the ocean. Hearing the waves while hiking is an unforgettable experience. Camelia habitat is a must-stop on this route.

Check in to your accommodation (no earlier than 4 PM) when you finally arrive at Soesokkak.

Meal: nil

Stay: pension, Seogwipo City

Hiking Distance: 13.4 KM approx. Hiking Duration: 5 – 6 hours approx.

Accumulated Elevation Gain: est. 142 M

Note: walk on a mixture of undulating terrains consisting of (not limited to) paved footpaths/roads, nature trails, rock paths, boardwalks, flights of steps etc.

Day 08 Olle Trail 6 Hike

Embark on Olle Trail 6 today. The route goes along the coast and through forested paths before we see urban sights again as we approach Seogwipo City. Pass through the seaside walk while enjoying the exquisite scenery of Soesokkak. Immerse into the panoramic view of the deep blue ocean at the two lighthouse landmarks. At Bomok Port, enjoy a view of Seop-seom (island) just off the coastline. Walk the garden trail at Seogwipo KAL Hotel and the Honeymoon House Observatory forested trail.

You may visit to Jeongbang Waterfall before we reach Lee Jung Seop Street – named after Korean genius painter Lee Jung Seop who sought refuge on Jeju Island during the Korean War. Visit the largest traditional market in Seogwipo City, the Maeil Olle Market. You can find many local produces of Jeju Island in this market.

Finally, arrive at the Jeju Olle Foundation Headquarter which is also the ending point of route 6. Show your Olle Passport to the staff at the Jeju Olle Headquarter to collect your well-deserved 100-KM achiever’s stamp.

Then visit the tourist centre to grab some souvenirs to commemorate your olle walks. For those who do not wish to shop, we recommend visiting the Jeju Olle Pub and try ‘JESPI,’ Jeju’s craft beer made with volcanic water and clean barley.

You may book a taxi to take you back to Jeju City or take the public bus transportation – depending on your completion time.

Meal: nil

Stay: hotel, Jeju City

Hiking Distance: 11.6 KM approx. Hiking Duration: 4 – 5 hours approx.

Accumulated Elevation Gain: est. 256 M

Note: walk on a mixture of undulating terrains consisting of (not limited to) paved footpaths/roads, nature trails, rock paths, boardwalks, flights of steps etc. There is an oreum climb averaging an elevation gain of 69 m ascent. For those who do not wish to climb, there is option to skip it.

Day 09 Jeju City

Enjoy a relaxing day exploring the places of interest of Jeju City on a Hop-On Hop-Off sightseeing bus. Highlight visits are (not limited to): Dongmun Traditional Market, Gwandeokjeong Pavilion (former Jeju Government Office), Tapdong Square , Yongduam Rock & its Suspension Bridge, Eoyeong Coastal Road, Iho Tewoo Beach, Jeju Folk 5-Day Market, Black Pork Restaurant Street and Halla Arboretum.

If time permits, stop by pedestrianised Chilsungro Shopping Town and Jungang Underground Shopping Mall for some retail therapy.

Meal: Breakfast

Stay: hotel, Jeju City

Day 10 Depart Jeju Island or extension

Rest and relax until it is time to depart for the airport. Take a taxi from the hotel which is just a short ride away to the airport.

The official check out time is 12.00 PM.

Meal: Breakfast

Inclusions

~ 5 nights accommodation with private bathroom;

~ 4 nights accommodation with shared bathroom;

~ 5 breakfasts;

~ luggage transfers on day 2 and from day 4 to day 8;

~ FREE Olle Passport;

~ Jeju City Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing 1-Day tour pass.

Exclusions

~ air travel to Jeju Island, South Korea;

~ meals not specified in the itinerary;

~ visa arrangement, if required;

~ K-ETA application, if required;

~ all transportation;

~ personal travel insurance;

~ expenditure of personal effects;

~ anything not specified in the itinerary and trip inclusion.

Important Notes

~ Non – refundable deposit, 30% of the total tour value is required at the time of booking. Full or balance payment is 60 days prior to departure.

~ Should you require a visa to enter Republic of Korea, it is your responsibility to obtain such document before departure. Check your entry requirement and apply your visa HERE if you require.

~ All visitors are now required to sign up for Korea Electronic Travel Authorisation before your departure. An application fee will be levied at the time of application. Apply HERE.

~ Please only book your air ticket to Jeju Island, South Korea when you have been informed to do so.

~ Our utmost priority is always the safety of the hikers. Therefore inclusion of the itinerary may be altered due to (not limited to) bad weather, local conditions, accommodation book out, the skill levels of the hikers and/or other unexpected circumstances beyond our control. We reserve the right to make changes necessary and there will be no refund should you decide to discontinue with the trip.

~ Because hiking requires a certain level of cardio and stamina exertion, it is not suitable for participants with chronic and/or acute disease. Please consider your physical condition before booking. Hikers must ensure they are medically and physically able to hike/walk.

~ Trip grading is an indication of the difficulty of the activities included. Preparation and engaging in regular exercise to maintain good physical condition and active lifestyle prior to the trip will be most beneficial in ensuring you have full enjoyment of the trip. We are glad to discuss your concerns and answer your queries.

~ All hikers are strongly encouraged to be appropriately dressed in the right footwear (covered hiking high cut shoes) and attire suitable for hiking.

~ If hikers presents difficulty in completing the ride of the day, we strongly discourage the hiker from continuing for the day with top priority on the safety of the hiker (and travel companions) in mind. The hiker can fast track to the next accommodation making use of public transportation (where available) or booking private transfer at hiker’s own expense. Hikers can use mobile applications such as Google Search, Google Map, etc. to source for fast-track options.

~ Hiker may choose to terminate the hike early during any time of the planned cycling day or make it a rest day, and fast track to the next accommodation by making use of public transportation (where available) or booking private transfer at hiker’s own expense. Should the hiker wish to partake in other activities or sightseeing on the rest day, it will be at the hiker’s own expense. Hikers can use mobile applications such as Google Search, Google Map, etc. to source for fast-track options.

~ There is no refund for uncompleted hiking distances or missed inclusions.

~ Option to extend your stay in Jeju Island or other parts in South Korea.

~ Purchasing comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended. See HERE for details.

~ By making a payment to Travel Wander LLP, you (and on behalf of the rest of travelling companions) acknowledge that you have read, understood and agree to Travel Wander’s Booking Conditions and Other Important Information: Cancellation and Amendment, Modes of Payment, Privacy Policy, Indemnity Policy, and Terms & Conditions.

Jeju Olle Trails 106KM Challenge Hike, 10 days