Jeju Olle Trails Hike, 6 days

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.

A perfect itinerary for Olle first-time hikers who wish to sample the olle trails of Jeju Island. This multi-day hiking itinerary will take you to the southern beautiful coast to sample walk 3 trails on its Olle Trail Network covering 42.6 KM. Each route has its own unique charms.

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.

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. Encounter the true Jeju and finer details while hiking the 3 recommended trails in this itinerary.

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: 6 days

Season: Daily departures (except Tuesdays & Thursdays) from March to November

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 2+ – Beginner Plus, 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.
~ Walk Olle Trail 5 – with the most beautiful view of Jeju’s southern coast.
~ Attempt Olle Trail 6 – considered the trail that showcase sampling bits of the Ille Trail network.
~ Hike Olle Trail 7 – with exotic scenery of the coastal cliffs and filming location of popular K drama Jewel In The Palace.
~ Sightseeing tour of Jeju City on a Hop-On Hop-Off bus.
~ FREE Olle Passport.

Day 1 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: Jeju Astar Hotel or similar

Day 2 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: Breakfast

Stay: Pension Stay

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

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 3 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. Do 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.

Meal: nil

Stay: Casa Loma Hotel or similar

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

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 are a 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 4 Olle Trail 7 Hike

Route 7 is the longest trail among the 3 olle trails. It is a coastal Olle passing through Beophwan Port and finishing at Wolpyeong.

The village at Beophwan Port harvests the most seashells, abalones, sea cucumbers in Jeju and is well known for its unique traditions of the Haenyeo Jeju’s famous woman divers). The village was designated as a ‘Haenyeo Village’ in 2004.

Hike along the beautiful Oedolgae known for its outstanding scenery. See the breathtaking rock spire of Oedolgae and its surrounding cliffs. The large rock standing all alone in the ocean in front of Sammae-bong is said to have been made about 1.5 million years ago after a volcanic explosion. See the most exotic scenery of coastal cliffs. This area was also a filming location of the ever popular 2003 historical Korean Drama – Jewel In The Palace (Dae Jang Geum).

Continue along Olle hikers’ all-time favorite ecology trail – Subong-ro. The trail is built solely by a former Olle Ranger, Mr. Subong Kim. He made walking path with a hand shovel on the path only goats used to walk. The rugged and wild ‘Dumeonimul- Seogeon-do (island)’ route was once un-walkable, but staffs and volunteers of Jeju Olle handpicked stone by stone off the trail and improved it into a new coastal path. This is the most challenging part of the route.

The walk terminates as you arrive at Wolpyeong Village. From here, you may book a taxi to take you back to Jeju City or take the public bus transportation – depending on your completion time.

Meal: Breakfast

Stay: Jeju Astar Hotel or similar

Hiking Duration: est. 6 – 7 hours Hiking Distance: approx. 17.6 KM

Elevation Gain: est. 347 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 5 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: Jeju Astar Hotel or similar

Day 6 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

~ 4 nights accommodation on twin sharing basis with private bathroom;

~ 1 night accommodation (twin sharing or dormitory-style) with shared bathroom;

~ 4 breakfasts;

~ luggage transfers from day 2 to day 4;

~ 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;

~ 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 Hike, 6 days