Jeju Winter Hike, 6 days

The perfect guided itinerary for hikers who wish to experience the hiking trails of Jeju Island during the winter season. This actively-pack itinerary will take you walking along beautiful coastal routes, hiking lesser-visited forested parks, sampling 2 Olle Network trails and hiking the snowy trails around Mount Halla.

Jeju island, the largest island in South Korea, was formed approximately 2 million years ago by the eruption of an underwater volcano. It is known for its volcanic landscape of craters, picturesque coastal sceneries and plenty of natural walking and hiking trails.

This hiking trip involves walking and hiking up to 6 to 10 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. You need to carry a daypack of around 3 – 5 KG and should be prepared for potentially variable weather conditions.

Trip Duration: 6 days

Interested in this trip? Itinerary can be customised according to your needs. < MAKE AN ENQUIRY > and our Active Travel Specialists will get in touch with you.

Itinerary

Trip Highlights
~ Walk along the vibrant Dodu-dong Rainbow Coastal Road for a chance to catch Haenyeo divers in action;

~ Hike to the summit of Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site;

~ Visit Seongneup Folk Village, preserved the village life of Old Jeju with living residents up to today;

~ Walk the picturesque coastal routes of Olle Trail 8 and 10;

~ Visit O’sulloc Green Tea Museum to learn more about green tea culture in Jeju;

~ Admire the beautiful camellia flowers and other seasonal faunas at Camellia Hill;

~ Experience hiking on snowy trails inside Mount Halla National Park;

~ Enjoy the tranquillity of Saryeoni Forest as you hike through the lesser-explored route;

~ FREE Olle Passport.

Day 1 Arrive Jeju

Welcome to Jeju Island! Upon arrival, meet and greet with our local Guide and transfer for breakfast.

The Dodu-dong Rainbow Coastal Road is where the sea and sky stretch out seemingly forever. Considered one of the hottest spots on Jeju Island for some picture moments, there are many cafes, and restaurants nearby.

Seongsan Ilchulbong has long been considered one of the top scenic destinations in Korea, designated a Natural Monument in Korea as well as the UNESCO World Natural Heritage List. It attracts millions of visitors a year, many of whom climb to the top for the breathtaking panoramic view of the ocean, Udo Island, Hallasan Mountain, and the volcanic landscape of the east.

Visit Seongneup Folk Village, which preserves the living site of the people of old Jeju and has been designated as an Important Folklore Cultural Heritage. Up to today, there are still villagers living in the folk village and the village residents act as volunteer guides to show visitors the village. The Saw-leaf Zelkova and Japanese hackberry in the centre of the village are worth taking time to see.

The day ends at the Dongmun Traditional Market where you can get to sample all sorts of Korean street food as you explore the various alleyways.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch

Stay: hotel, Jeju City

Day 2 Olle Trail 10

The first olle trail of the trip begins at the Hwasun Golden Sand Beach and ends at Hamo-ri in Daejeong-eup. The route passes by Sseokeun-dari, Hwangwoochi Beach, Sanbang-san and Songak-san. See the magnificent figure of Sanbang-san at the beginning of the route and the small island communities of Mara-do and Gapa-do in the distance.

As you pass Sanbangsan Mountain to the north, see the Yongmeori Coast, a rock formation that looks like a dragon jumping into the sea. The sandstone layers here have built up over tens of millions of years. There is a replica ship built here to commemorate the shipwreck of the Dutch explorer Hamel and his time on Jeju Island.

Along the last section Songsaksan Dulle-gil Trail, see superb coastal scenery and stand a chance to see horses, goats, and wildflowers up close.

Pass the coastal town of Sagye, be sure to turn around to catch a spectacular view of Mount Halla and Sanbang behind you.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Stay: hotel, Seogwipo City

Hiking Distance: 15.6 KM approx. Hiking Duration: 6 hours approx.

Day 3 O’sulloc Green Tea Museum – Camellia Hill – Oedolgae Rock – Cheonjiyeon Waterfall – Maeil Olle Market

Visit the O’sulloc Green Tea Museum, a place of culture where tradition and modern east and west are harmonised, and a nature-friendly resting area. It is good to experience everything about green tea to understand the traditional tea culture of Korea and green tea.

Visit the 20-hectare Camellia Hill Park which holds some 6,000 camellia trees and over 500 different species of wildflowers, trees, and other plants, like hydrangeas.

Oedolgae Sea Stack sits not far from the shores of Sammaebong Peak in Seogwipo. It is an amazing rock 20 meters in height and is estimated to have formed approximately 1.5 million years ago.

The water of Cheonjiyeon Falls appears to fall from the heavens, giving it its name, meaning “sky connected with land.” The wooded area around the falls is home to the wild dampalsu trees, designated as Natural Monument, as well as a great variety of rare plants such as brambles, and songyeopnan as well as gusiljappam trees, sanyuja trees (Chinese lemon trees), and camellias.

Shop to your heart’s content at the Maeil Olle Market traditional market where you can find local produce such as Gim (dried seaweed), salted fish, side dishes, seafood, hallabong, tangerines, cheonhehyang, dried seafood, utensils, kimchi, and some olle trail souvenirs.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Stay: hotel, Seogwipo City

Day 4 Hallasan Snow Hike – 1100 Altitude Wetland – Saryeoni Forest

In the morning, proceed to Hallasan National Park. Depending on the weather and snowfall, trek a section of either the Eorimok Trail or Euseungsaengak Trail to enjoy the snowy scenery and experience snowshoe trekking that does not require high technical skillset.

Visit 1100 Altitude Wetland, located on the crater lake found on the top of an ‘oreum’, a secondary volcano on Hallasan Mountain. This Wetland is one of the few wetlands in the highland and represents such biodiversity in Korea. As a volcanic area, this Wetland plays a significant role in the Halla Mountain area, where water is scarce.

A 10 KM stroll through Saryeoni Forest walking trail this afternoon passes by Mulchat Oreum Volcanic Cone and Saryeoni Oreum Volcanic Cone. Its ending point is thick with neat rows of Japanese cedar trees. A variety of species of trees grow in the forest and is a favourite among local hikers due to its untampered landscape.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Stay: hotel, Seogwipo City

Hiking Distance: 15 KM approx. Hiking Duration: 5 – 6 hours approx.

Day 5 Olle Trail 8

On this Badang Olle (seaside walk), you will have the opportunity to hike past Jusangjeolli Cliff where lava flowed to the ocean has cooled down to form striking hexagonal columns of basalt and the Yerae Ecological Park full of seasonal flowers.

The route ends at Daepyeong-ri, a small village that delivers cosiness in harmony with the surrounding nature. Referring to the large field, the ocean meets the ridge of Andeok Valley, the village is also called Nandeureu. The scenery of the village Gunsan, the mountain overlooking the village, is gorgeous.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Stay: hotel, Jeju City

Hiking Distance: 19.6 KM approx. Hiking Duration: 6 – 7 hours approx.

Day 6 Depart Jeju

Rise early for the group transfer to the airport. The tour concludes when the transfer arrives at Jeju International Airport. Hotel check-out time is 12.00 PM.

Meal: Breakfast

Inclusions

~ return group airport transfer at designated timing;

~ 5 nights accommodation in Jeju;

~ 6 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners;

~ necessary hiking/sightseeing entrance fees;

~ service of an English-Speaking Hiking Guide and Korean Speaking Driver;

~ FREE Olle passport (one per hiker);

~ service of a Travel Wander Trip facilitator.

Exclusions

~ air travel to Jeju, South Korea;

~ meals not specified in the itinerary;

~ visa arrangement, if required;

~ K-ETA application, if required;

~ comprehensive personal travel insurance;

~ expenditure of personal effects;

~ tipping for Korean working team;

~ 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 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 (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.

~ Provision of meals during the trip showcases local authenticity, cuisine and food culture of the places we are visiting. All food allergies and dietary restrictions must be disclosed to Travel Wander at the time of booking. We will use reasonable efforts to accommodate special requirements or requests but this is not always possible given the nature of the destinations visited and availability of options. We cannot guarantee that dietary needs or restrictions can be accommodated. Travel Wander is not liable for failure to accommodate or fulfil such requests. Meal supplementary charges may be imposed to meet your dietary needs.

~ 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 shoes) and attire suitable for hiking.

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

~ 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.

Activity	Hiking
Country	Korea
Hiking Grade	Grade 2+ – Beginner Plus, Grade 3 – Intermediate
Season	01 – January, 12 – December

Jeju Winter Hike, 6 days