Jeju Olle Trail
 | This article is written like a manual or guide. (January 2019) |
| Jeju Olle Trail | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Length | 437 km (272 mi) |
| Location | Jeju Island, South Korea |
| Trailheads | Route 1: Shiung-ri Route 21: Jongdali |
| Use | Hiking |
| Difficulty | Easy to Moderate |
| Season | All (heat advisory for July and August) |
| Months | All (particularly April, May, September, October) |
| Sights | UNESCO World Heritage Site Seongsan Ilchulbong, Sanbangsan Geopark |
Jeju Olle Trail (Korean: 제주올레길) is a long-distance footpath on Jeju Island, a special self-governing province off the southwest coast of South Korea.[1] The trail consists of 21 connected numbered main routes, 6 sub-routes, and a short spur that connects to Jeju International Airport. On average, the routes are 16 km in length and total 437 km.[2] They mainly follow Jeju's coastline and around its outlying islands, passing beaches, fishing villages, indigenous forest, tourist destinations, and urban centers.[3] The exact length and locations change over time as trails are modified or re-routed.[4] Jeju Olle Trail was envisioned and developed by former journalist Suh Myung-sook.[5]
History[edit]
Jeju Olle Trail was modeled after the Camino de Santiago, a UNESCO World Heritage site.[6] Suh Myung-sook, a native Jeju Islander and former journalist, followed this example and established the Jeju Olle Foundation, developing hiking trails that echo the spirit of the Santiago Pilgrimage route in South Korea. The Jeju Olle Foundation plans new routes for the Jeju Olle Trail, choosing the best walking paths, connecting them to create a route, making them more accessible, removing obstacles, and overseeing trail maintenance.[7]
Local Culture[edit]
Jeju Haenyeo Women Divers[edit]
The Jeju Olle Trail mainly runs along or near the coastline. Frequently, orange buoys (known as tewak) can be seen dotting the sea as the Jeju Haenyeo women divers harvest marine products. They do so without any diving modern equipment, electing instead to use masks, small nets and their endurance to catch just enough to be sustainable, ensuring that the marine ecosystem remains healthy. They were listed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2016 and as a South Korean Intangible Cultural Property from 2017 and are considered a proud symbol of Jeju Island.[8]
Jeju Stone Culture[edit]
Jeju Island's unique stone culture can be seen in its landscape, architecture, and traditions.[9] While hiking the Jeju Olle trail system, many examples of its stone culture can be seen. These include: Dol hareubang (Stone Grandfathers), which are iconic stone statues found throughout Jeju. They are carved from the island's basalt volcanic rock, and typically have a distinctive, smiling face, with bulging eyes and a rounded hat. They are placed at building entrances and bridges to ward off evil spirits and protect residents. Another feature are Jeju stone walls (doldam), which are built using the island's volcanic stones without any mortar. They rely on the careful placement of stones to create sturdy barriers surrounding homes, fields, and pathways, like the Olle trail. They provide protection against strong winds and roaming livestock.
Jeju Language[edit]
There are a number of words in the Jeju language that have an association with the Jeju Olle Trail, especially objects or locations one encounters on the trail.[10] These include:
- Ganse: Derived from ganse-dari or "slow idler". This is the main symbol of the Jeju Olle.
- Gotjawal: An old-growth forest of trees and vines that grow in volcanic rocky areas. Some of the Olle trails run through the Gotjawal.
- Halmang: Grandmother or the goddess in Jeju's foundation myth
- Gwangchigi: A broad and flat rock (bille)
- Hanon: Large plantation and the crater that provides water for an area
- Deok: A tall, large rock along the coast
- Altteureu: A vast plain
- Golchengyi: A shallow ditch at the side of the road
- Naetgolchaengi: Water flowing through ditches that eventually empties into the ocean
- Baeyeom: Snake
- Jimi: Land's end
Routes[edit]
Route 01: Siheung - Gwangchigi Olle (시흥-광치기 올레)[edit]
Total Distance: 15.1 km Total Time: 4 to 5 hours Difficulty: Medium
Jeju Olle's first route connects the island’s volcanic cones (known as oreum) to the ocean. The route starts near Siheung Elementary School and passes through an evergreen field, Malmi Oreum, and Al Oreum with a panoramic view of Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak and Udo Island.[11]
Route 1-1: Udo Island Olle (우도-올레)[edit]
Total Distance: 11.3 km Total Time: 4 to 5 hours Difficulty: Medium
Udo, the largest island that is part of Jeju Island, is named after its shape, which resembles a reclining cow. It offers a trail with scenic views of the ocean and landscapes, including seaside walks, farm roads, and fields of rye, barley, and peanuts. To get to Route 1-1 it takes 15 minutes by ferry from Seongsan Port.[12]
Route 02: Gwangchigi - Onpyeong Olle (광치기-온평 올레)[edit]
Total Distance: 16.6 km Total Time: 4 to 5 hours Difficulty: Medium
Route 02 begins at Gwangchigi Beach, passes peaks and ponds, and ends at a small beach. Hikers can enjoy views of Jeju Island's coastline from Daesusan-bong Peak. The route passes a pond with mythological significance.[11]
Route 03: Onpyeong - Pyoseon Olle (온평-표선 올레)[edit]
Total Distance: 20.9 km Total Time: 6 to 7 hours Difficulty: High
A quiet mountain route with old stonewalls and wild shrubs, Route 03 goes by Tong Oreum and Dokja-bong, showcasing Jeju's original charm. Walking paths in Samdal-ri lead to the Kim Young-gap Gallery Dumoak, displaying his beautiful Jeju photographs.[11]
Route 04: Pyoseon - Namwon Olle (표선-남원 올레)[edit]
Total Distance: 19 km Total Time: 5 to 6 hours Difficulty: Medium
This coastal route starts at the beach, crosses the Ganeungae and reaches Sehwa-2ri, a fishing village once called Gama-ri. The Gamari Haenyeo Olle is where Jeju Haenyeo diving women used to go to the ocean. Jeju Olle rebuilt the forest path here after 35 years with help from the ROK Marine Corps, so it is also known as the Marine Trail.[10]
Route 05: Namwon - Soesokkak Olle (남원-쇠소깍 올레)[edit]
Total Distance: 13.4 km Total Time: 4 to 5 hours Difficulty: Medium
Route 05 allows you to experience Jeju Island with all five senses, from the coast to the village. It includes Keun-ung (Hill) Walkway, Soesokkak Estuary, and camellia trees, providing a relaxing atmosphere. With support from the Marine Corps and Namwon-eup, the Jeju Olle Foundation has restored parts of the coastal trail. Hiking through areas with subtropical plants toward the ocean and hearing the waves is a memorable experience.[12]
Route 06: Soesokkak - Jeju Olle Tourist Center Olle (쇠소깍-제주올레 여행자센터 올레)[edit]
Total Distance: 11 km Total Time: 3 to 4 hours Difficulty: Easy
Route 06 starts at Soesokkak-dari (Bridge) and goes through downtown Seogwipo City. It continues to the Jeju Olle Tourist Center and passes landmarks like the Seogwipo KAL Hotel and Lee Joong-seop Cultural Street.[11]
Route 07: Jeju Olle Tourist Center - Wolpyeong Olle (제주올레 여행자센터-월평 올레)[edit]
Total Distance: 17.6 km Total Time: 5 to 6 hours Difficulty: Medium
Route 07 is a coastal trail from the Jeju Olle Tourist Center to Wolpyeong, passing by Oedolgae and Subong-ro ecology trail. Notably, the trail was painstakingly built by volunteers and staff.[11]
Route 7-1: Seogwipo Bus Terminal - Jeju Olle Tourist Center Olle (서귀포 버스터미널 - 제주올레 여행자센터 올레)[edit]
Total Distance: 15.7 km Total Time: 4 to 5 hours Difficulty: Medium
Route 7-1 starts at Seogwipo Bus Terminal, passes through the mountains, and ends at the Jeju Olle Tourist Center. Hallasan Mountain dominates the north, while the southern sea and Seogwipo stretch out to the south. The mid-mountain area features cliffs and warm-temperate forests. Rice fields in a crater add to the hike's allure, providing a delightful experience.
Route 08: Wolpyeong - Daepyeong Olle (월평-대평 올레)[edit]
Total Distance: 19.6 km Total Time: 5 to 6 hours Difficulty: Medium
Route 08 includes the hexagonal basalt columns of Jusangjeolli, Yerae Ecological Park, and Daepyeong-ri Village, where the ocean meets the ridge of Andeok Valley. There is a panoramic view of the region from the top of Gunsan Mountain.[11]
Route 09: Daepyeong - Hwasun Olle (대평-화순 올레)[edit]
Total Distance: 11.8 km Total Time: 3 to 4 hours Difficulty: High
Route 09 begins at Daepyeong-pogu Port, passes by the Moljil horse path, and continues to Gunsan Mountain and its scenic views. The route ends at Andeok Valley, a natural monument with a lush forest, stream, and caves.
Route 10: Hwasun - Moseulpo Olle (화순-모슬포 올레)[edit]
Total Distance: 15.6 km Total Time: 5 to 6 hours Difficulty: Medium
Route 10 runs from Hwasun Golden Sand Beach to Hamo-ri and passes by several beaches and mountains. It offers views of Sanbangsan Mountain, Marado Island, Gapado Island, and to the north, Hallasan Mountain.[12]
Route 10-1: Gapado Island Olle (가파도 올레)[edit]
Total Distance: 4.2 km Total Time: 1 to 2 hours Difficulty: Easy
Jeju Island boasts both the highest mountain—Hallasan Mountain at 1,950m—and the lowest-lying inhabited island, Gapado.[10] Of all the hiking trails of the Jeju Olle Trail, Gapado is known to be the easiest since it is almost completely flat). It is small enough that a leisurely two-hour stroll will suffice. A short ferry ride from Moseulpo Port is required.
Route 11: Moseulpo - Mureung Olle (모슬포-무릉 올레)[edit]
Total Distance: 17.3 km Total Time: 5 to 6 hours Difficulty: Medium
Route 11 leads hikers between modern and contemporary history. It follows an ancient path restored by the Jeju Olle Foundation and offers views of the southwest Jeju region. The hidden Gotjawal Forest of this area was introduced to the public by Jeju Olle.[11]
Route 12: Mureung - Yongsu Olle (무릉-용수 올레)[edit]
Total Distance: 17.5 km Total Time: 5 to 6 hours Difficulty: Medium
Route 12 is the first trail that joins Seogwipo City to Jeju City. It offers views of working fields, the ocean, and volcanic cones. Suwol-bong Peak, Dowon Pond, and Noknam-bong Peak, as well as the uninhabited and environmentally-protected Chagwido Island, are in sight along the route.[12]
Route 13 Yongsu - Jeoji Olle (용수 - 저지 올레)[edit]
Total Distance: 16.2 km Total Time: 4 to 5 hours Difficulty: Medium
Route 13 turns inland from the coastal path, offering hikers a woodland view. It passes through Yongsu-pogu Port, Yongsu Jeosuji reservoir and Nakcheon-ri Village, before continuing on through forests and past volcanic cones. Approximately 3 km of the trail was restored with the help of the 13th Special Air Force Brigade.[13]
Route 14 Jeoji - Hallim Olle (저지 - 한림 올레)[edit]
Total Distance: 19.1 km Total Time: 6 to 7 hours Difficulty: Medium
Route 14 takes you from the green Gotjawal Forest to the aquamarine ocean, passing rustic walls, villages, farms, streams, cacti habitats, and sandy beaches.
Route 14-1 Jeoji - Mureung Olle (저지 - 서광 올레)[edit]
Total Distance: 9.3 km Total Time: 3 to 4 hours Difficulty: Easy
Route 14-1 finishes at the O'sulloc green tea fields, passing through forests and farms. The highlight is reaching Mundoji Oreum's volcanic peak, offering panoramic views of mountains and forests.
Route 15 Hallim - Gonae Olle (한림 - 고내 올레)[edit]
Total Distance: 16.5 km Total Time: 5 to 6 hours Difficulty: Medium
Beyond the subtropical forest is this peaceful Olle trail. It passes through fields, woods, and a dirt road. Geumsan Park's forest path is the highlight, leading to Gonae-pogu port after passing the Gwa Oreum volcanic cone and the Dosegi Forest pathway.
Route 16 Gonae - Gwangnyeong Olle (고내 - 광령 올레)[edit]
Total Distance: 15.8 km Total Time: 5 to 6 hours Difficulty: Medium
Route 16 offers a picturesque journey encompassing the sea, traditional salt fields, serene forest, stone-walled villages, and charmingly rustic farmland.
Route 17 Gwangnyeong - Old Downtown of Jeju-si Olle (광령 - 제주원도심 올레)[edit]
Total Distance: 18.1 km Total Time: 6 to 7 hours Difficulty: Medium
Follow the forest path by Musucheon stream to the center of Jeju City, Jeju International Airport, and the dragon-like Yongduam Rock and Yongyeon Bridge.[10]
Route 18 Old Downtown of Jeju-si - Jocheon Olle (제주원도심 - 조천 올레)[edit]
Total Distance: 19.7 km Total Time: 6 to 7 hours Difficulty: Medium
Route 18 runs from the heart of old downtown Jeju City, past Sara-bong and Byeoldo-bong peaks, and passes by Jeju-hang (Port). Along the sea the path takes you to Sinchon Village and further east, on Route 19, is the ever-popular Iho Tewoo Beach, Dodu-bong Peak, and Gimnyeong Beach.
Route 18-1 Sangchujado Island Olle (상추자 올레)[edit]
Total Distance: 11.4 km Total Time: 4 to 5 hours Difficulty: High
Chujado Island is made up of 4 inhabited and 38 uninhabited islands. Mountains sit on the ocean like floating peaks. The view of the ocean and mountains changes from every angle on the island. It takes about an hour to get there by ferry from Jejuhang Port. Route 18-1 (Sang, meaning “upper”) and 18-2 (Ha, meaning “lower”) used to be one Olle Trail, but they’ve more recently been split into two because of their difficulty level and remote location.
Route 18-2 Hachujado Island Olle (하추자 올레)[edit]
Total Distance: 9.7 km Total Time: 3 to 4 hours Difficulty: High
Route 18-2 offers a view of mountains and villages from Sinyang-hang (Port) to Chuja-myeon Village Office. It continues up Jolbok-san and Daewang-san for a panoramic view of the ocean from the mountaintop. Pass Muk-ri Supermarket to enter a lush, untouched forest.
Route 19 Jocheon - Gimnyeong Olle (조천 - 김녕 올레)[edit]
Total Distance: 19.4 km Total Time: 6 to 7 hours Difficulty: Medium
Along Route 19 there is a range of captivating scenery, from fields to famous beaches like Iho Tewoo and Gimnyeong, farms, quaint villages, and more. Historical sites like Jocheon Manse Dongsan and Neobeunsungi April 3 Memorial Hall showcase Jeju's tragic history.[14]
Route 20 Gimnyeong - Hado Olle (김녕 - 하도 올레)[edit]
Total Distance: 17.6 km Total Time: 5 to 6 hours Difficulty: Medium
Jeju Olle's northeast coastal trail offers scenic views of the ocean and beaches, perfect for swimming. It also showcases the culture of the Jeju Haenyeo women divers, who you might even spot as they dive for marine products.
Route 21 Hado - Jongdal Olle (하도 - 종달 올레)[edit]
Total Distance: 11.3 km Total Time: 3 to 4 hours Difficulty: Easy
This trail from Gujwa-eup offers diverse scenery, including coastal roads and volcanic cones. It leads to Jimi-bong, on the easternmost part of Jeju Island, with panoramic views of the surrounding area. Route 21 finishes in the area near the start Route 01, completing the full circumference of the island totalling 437 km.[10]
Signage & Accessibility[edit]
Since the Jeju Olle is a trail system for hikers to walk freely and safely, the Jeju Olle Foundation offers several kinds of signage to help hikers with information about each route. Color-coded markers indicate the forward and reverse directions of each trail and are placed at strategic intervals along the trail. Engraved maps and trail details are affixed to sign-stones placed at the start of each trail.[10]
Ganse[edit]
The pony-shaped blue sculpture called ganse symbolizes both the trail and the Jeju Olle Foundation. Its name is derived from "ganse-dari," meaning "slow idler" in the Jeju language, thereby capturing the spirit of leisurely walking on the trail. The ganse serves as a guide to hikers, pointing them in the right direction at forked paths along the trail.[15]
Ribbons[edit]
Vibrant blue ribbons representing the ocean and orange ribbons symbolizing Jeju satsumas[16] are tied to trees and utility poles. to help hikers navigate the trail. Ribbons are hung at slightly above eye level and are easily visible at a distance.[17]
Arrows[edit]
The blue arrows, which can be found on the ground, stone walls, and utility poles, guide hikers. Orange arrows indicate the reverse direction of the trail. These arrows serve as crucial markers to ensure that hikers can find their way along sometimes forested or confusing sections of the trail.[11]
Detours and Hazard Signposts[edit]
Signposts are strategically placed in potentially hazardous areas or at temporary detour points along routes. Details include the detour route, a map, total time required, and distance. Detours are marked with two orange stripes to ensure that hikers can easily identify these alternative routes and stay on track.[10]
Wheelchair Accessible Area Signposts[edit]
The starting point of the wheelchair accessible area is marked with an 'S' on the ganse's saddle, while the finishing point is marked with an 'F'. To help wheelchair users navigate the trail, wheelchair stickers are placed on the blue arrows indicating forward directions (in a clockwise direction).[17] At present, Olle trails 1, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 10-1, 12, 14, and 17 have wheelchair accessible sections.[10]
Sign-stones for Jeju Olle Trail Starting Points[edit]
The starting and finishing points of each route are marked by sign-stones crafted from native basalt. At these points, hikers can find maps and course information for each route.
Stamp Stations[edit]
At the starting points, midpoints, and finishing points of each route, hikers will find a ganse-shaped stamp station. There is a stamp for each route that has a unique symbol. The head of the stamp post contains a stamp of each route and ink. A finisher's certificate and a medal are given to hikers who collect all three stamps for each route in their Jeju Olle Passport.[17] If they miss up to three mid-course stamps out of 27 courses, they are still eligible for a certificate of completion.[10]
Events and Activities[edit]
In addition to the administration and maintenance of the Jeju Olle Trail, the Jeju Olle Foundation hosts a number of events and activities to promote Jeju Island's cultural and natural heritages.[10] One of the largest annual events is the Jeju Olle Walking Festival which began in 2010.[18][19] It is held every autumn and attracts thousands of hikers to the island from the mainland and overseas. Over the course of three days, participants walk a selected set of three Olle walking trails. Residents hold musical and dance performances and serve local culinary dishes to participants.
International Awards[edit]
Jeju Olle Trail won the inaugural International Award at the 21st International Trails Symposium in 2013 for working diligently to develop trails since its founding in 2007.[20]
World Trails Conference[edit]
Jeju Olle Trail has hosted the International Trails Conference every year since its inception in 2010 and attracts trail experts from all over the world.[21]
Jeju Olle Foundation[edit]
The Jeju Olle Foundation is a non-profit organization responsible for building and operating the Jeju Olle Trail. The trail is a means to facilitate Nolmung (play), Simung (rest), Gulumung (walk), and togetherness, and to provide a sustainable development model. It works with local organizations and residents, volunteers, and donors, to create content and programs using the trail.[22]
See also[edit]
References[edit]
- ^ "Jeju Olle Trail Essential Planning Guide for the walking trail around Jeju Island in South Korea".
- ^ "Jeju Olle Trail Official Site (English)". Jeju Olle Foundation. Aug 31, 2022.
- ^ Baxter, Sarah (2023-05-17). "15 of the world's epic walking trails". Wanderlust. Retrieved 2024-05-21.
- ^ "올레길". terms.naver.com (in Korean). Retrieved 2020-11-06.
- ^ Thacker, Todd (September 2010). "Healing powers of an island trek". The Jeju Weekly.
- ^ "제주올레". www.jejuolle.org.
- ^ "JejuOlleOfficial". www.jejuolle.org. Retrieved 2020-11-06.
- ^ "UNESCO - Culture of Jeju Haenyeo (women divers)". ich.unesco.org. Retrieved 2024-05-29.
- ^ "Jeju Island's Stone Culture". www.visitjeju.net (in Korean). Retrieved 2024-05-29.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j "Jeju Olle English Guidebook (2023)". Jeju Olle. 2023-10-26. Retrieved 2024-05-24.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ a b c d e f g h "Jeju Olle". www.jejuolle.org (in Korean). Retrieved 2020-11-06.
- ^ a b c d "Jeju Olle Trail Part Two: Routes 2 to 7-1 Video & Guide". Going the Whole Hogg. 2019-10-29. Retrieved 2020-11-06.
- ^ "Jejuolle Trail". www.jejuolle.org. Retrieved 2024-06-05.
- ^ "Jejuolle Trail". www.jejuolle.org. Retrieved 2024-06-05.
- ^ "JejuOlleOfficial". www.jejuolle.org. Retrieved 2024-01-26.
- ^ https://www.nature.com/articles/nature25447
- ^ a b c Choi, Jade (2024-01-26). "2 Jeju symbols installed on Spanish pilgrimage route". Korea.net. Retrieved 2024-01-26.
- ^ KTO, Korea Tourism Organization. "Jeju Olle Walking Festival (제주올레걷기축제) : VISITKOREA". Jeju Olle Walking Festival (제주올레걷기축제). Retrieved 2024-06-03.
- ^ "Jejuolle Trail". www.jejuolle.org. Retrieved 2024-06-03.
- ^ "American Trails Announces 2013 National Trails Awards Winners at the 21st International Trails Symposium".
- ^ "World Trails Network". www.worldtrail.org.
- ^ "Jeju Olle Foundation". www.jejuolle.org. Retrieved 2024-06-04.
External links[edit]
- Jeju Olle English home page
- World Trails Network home page
- Jeju Olle Walking Festival
- Updated news and information about Jeju Olle Trail in English
- Jeju Olle official English trail guide