What Is the Jeju Olle Trail?
The Jeju Olle Trail (제주올레길) is a network of 26 interconnected walking routes that circle Jeju Island along its coastline and through its countryside. "Olle" is the Jeju dialect word for the narrow pathway between a house and the main road — a metaphor for the trails that connect villages, beaches, forests and volcanic landscapes around the island.
Founded in 2007 by journalist Seo Myung-sook after she was inspired by Spain's Camino de Santiago, the trail now stretches 437 kilometers in total. Each route averages 15-20 kilometers and takes 5-7 hours to walk. The entire circuit takes roughly 3-4 weeks to complete, though most visitors pick a handful of routes.
The Olle Trail is a walking trail, not a running trail. It is designed to be enjoyed at a slow, contemplative pace. Wear comfortable walking shoes, not running shoes.
All 26 Routes at a Glance
| Route | Distance | Time | Difficulty | Highlights |
|---|
| 1 | 15.1 km | 4-5 h | Moderate | Siheung Beach, Malmi Oreum |
| 1-1 | 12.8 km | 3-4 h | Easy | Udo Island loop, lighthouse |
| 2 | 15.2 km | 4-5 h | Moderate | Sunrise coastal cliffs, Onpyeong |
| 3 | 20.9 km | 6-7 h | Hard | Namwon coast, Pyoseon Beach |
| 4 | 22.7 km | 7-8 h | Hard | Pyoseon to Namwon, oreum climbs |
| 5 | 14.3 km | 4-5 h | Moderate | Soesokkak Estuary, forest paths |
| 6 | 14.4 km | 4-5 h | Moderate | Seogwipo waterfront, Oedolgae Rock |
| 7 | 17.6 km | 5-6 h | Moderate | Seogwipo harbor to Jungmun, best coastal views |
| 7-1 | 15.1 km | 5-6 h | Moderate | Sanbangsan, Yongmeori Coast |
| 8 | 19.8 km | 6-7 h | Hard | Jungmun to Daepyeong, Jusangjeolli Cliff |
| 9 | 11.5 km | 3-4 h | Easy | Daepyeong to Hwasun, peaceful coast |
| 10 | 15.6 km | 5-6 h | Moderate | Hallasan mountain views, Songak Mountain |
| 10-1 | 8.5 km | 2-3 h | Easy | Gapado Island, wind and stone walls |
| 11 | 17.3 km | 5-6 h | Moderate | Moseulpo to Mureung, southwestern coast |
| 12 | 17.5 km | 5-6 h | Moderate | Yongsu to Jeoji, tangerine orchards |
| 13 | 15.9 km | 5-6 h | Moderate | Jeoji to Hallim, inland paths |
| 14 | 19.2 km | 6-7 h | Hard | Hallim to Hanllim Park, Hyeopjae Beach |
| 14-1 | 18.2 km | 5-6 h | Moderate | Jeoji alternative, tea plantations |
| 15 | 19.2 km | 6-7 h | Moderate | Hallim to Gonae, northwestern coast |
| 16 | 17.2 km | 5-6 h | Moderate | Gonae to Gwakji, sunset views |
| 17 | 18.2 km | 5-6 h | Moderate | Gwakji to Iho, Jeju City approach |
| 18 | 19.5 km | 6-7 h | Moderate | Jeju City waterfront, Yongduam Rock |
| 18-1 | 18.0 km | 5-6 h | Moderate | Airport to Jocheon, northern coast |
| 19 | 18.7 km | 6-7 h | Moderate | Jocheon to Gimnyeong, wind farms |
| 20 | 17.6 km | 5-6 h | Moderate | Gimnyeong to Hado, lava fields |
| 21 | 10.2 km | 3-4 h | Easy | Hado to Seongsan, Sunrise Peak views |
Best Routes for Beginners
If you are new to long-distance walking or have limited time, these routes offer the best reward-to-effort ratio.
Route 7 — Seogwipo Waterfront
Starting at Oedolgae Rock and winding along the Seogwipo coast, Route 7 delivers dramatic cliff views, the Seogwipo harbor area, and ends near the Jungmun resort zone. The path is well marked and mostly flat with only gentle ups and downs. It is widely considered the single best introduction to the Olle Trail.
Route 10 — Hallasan Views
Route 10 heads inland and climbs to a viewpoint on Songak Mountain with panoramic views of Hallasan and the southern coast. It is more demanding than Route 7 but the mountain scenery is unmatched on any other Olle route.
Route 1-1 — Udo Island
A self-contained loop around Udo Island, reachable by ferry from Seongsan. Flat terrain, emerald water, peanut ice cream stops and a lighthouse at the high point. One of the easiest and most enjoyable routes.
Route 7 followed by Route 1-1 is a perfect two-day Olle introduction. Stay overnight in Seogwipo after Route 7 and ferry to Udo the next morning.
Best Routes for Experienced Hikers
Seasoned walkers looking for a challenge should consider these longer, more demanding routes.
- Route 3 (20.9 km): Coastal cliffs and volcanic rock along the southeast. Long but spectacular.
- Route 4 (22.7 km): The longest route with multiple oreum (volcanic cone) climbs.
- Route 8 (19.8 km): Passes Jusangjeolli Cliff and involves significant elevation changes.
- Route 14 (19.2 km): Northwestern coast with Hyeopjae Beach as the reward at the end.
The Stamp & Passport System
The Jeju Olle Foundation operates a stamp passport system that adds a collectible element to the walk. Buy an official Olle Passport at the Jeju Olle Visitor Center in Seogwipo, select convenience stores, or the Olle website.
- Passport cost: ₩2,000.
- Each route has 2-3 stamp boxes at the start, middle and end.
- Stamps are free — just press the stamp into your passport at each box.
- Complete all 26 routes and you receive a completion certificate and commemorative badge.
- The ganse (Jeju pony) ribbons tied to posts and trees mark the trail — follow the blue and orange arrows.
Stamp boxes are small wooden posts along the trail, usually at bus stops, cafes or trailhead markers. They are occasionally missing or damaged. Take a photo of each stamp as backup.
Best Seasons to Walk
The Olle Trail is walkable year-round, but some seasons are significantly more comfortable than others.
| Season | Temperature | Conditions | Rating |
|---|
| Spring (Apr-May) | 12-20°C | Mild, wildflowers, canola fields in bloom | Excellent |
| Summer (Jun-Aug) | 25-33°C | Hot, humid, occasional typhoons | Fair |
| Autumn (Sep-Nov) | 10-22°C | Crisp air, silver grass on oreums | Excellent |
| Winter (Dec-Feb) | 1-8°C | Cold, windy, fewer crowds | Good (dress warmly) |
April and October-November are the sweet spots. April has canola flowers and mild temperatures; October brings silver grass (억새) on the volcanic cones and cool, clear skies.
| Item | Cost |
|---|
| Olle Trail access | Free |
| Olle Passport | ₩2,000 |
| Completion badge | Free (with full passport) |
| Bus between route start/end points | ₩1,200-3,000 per ride |
| Taxi between route start/end points | ₩8,000-25,000 |
| Accommodation along the trail | ₩40,000-120,000 per night |
| Trail lunch (convenience store / local restaurant) | ₩5,000-12,000 |
The Olle Trail is one of the most affordable long-distance walks in Asia. There are no entry fees, and route start/end points are connected by Jeju's public bus network.
- Download the Jeju Olle app (available in English) for GPS maps and route descriptions.
- Carry cash — many small villages along the trail have no card payment facilities.
- Water and snacks are essential. Some routes pass through areas with no shops for 10+ kilometers.
- Start early to finish before dark, especially on routes over 17 km.
Emergencies anywhere in Korea: 112 police, 119 fire/medical, 1330 for the 24/7 KTO tourist helpline (free, English/JP/CN/ES).
What Is the Jeju Olle Trail?
The Jeju Olle Trail (제주올레길) is a network of 26 interconnected walking routes that circle Jeju Island along its coastline and through its countryside. "Olle" is the Jeju dialect word for the narrow pathway between a house and the main road — a metaphor for the trails that connect villages, beaches, forests and volcanic landscapes around the island.
Founded in 2007 by journalist Seo Myung-sook after she was inspired by Spain's Camino de Santiago, the trail now stretches 437 kilometers in total. Each route averages 15-20 kilometers and takes 5-7 hours to walk. The entire circuit takes roughly 3-4 weeks to complete, though most visitors pick a handful of routes.
The Olle Trail is a walking trail, not a running trail. It is designed to be enjoyed at a slow, contemplative pace. Wear comfortable walking shoes, not running shoes.
All 26 Routes at a Glance
| Route | Distance | Time | Difficulty | Highlights |
|---|
| 1 | 15.1 km | 4-5 h | Moderate | Siheung Beach, Malmi Oreum |
| 1-1 | 12.8 km | 3-4 h | Easy | Udo Island loop, lighthouse |
| 2 | 15.2 km | 4-5 h | Moderate | Sunrise coastal cliffs, Onpyeong |
| 3 | 20.9 km | 6-7 h | Hard | Namwon coast, Pyoseon Beach |
| 4 | 22.7 km | 7-8 h | Hard | Pyoseon to Namwon, oreum climbs |
| 5 | 14.3 km | 4-5 h | Moderate | Soesokkak Estuary, forest paths |
| 6 | 14.4 km | 4-5 h | Moderate | Seogwipo waterfront, Oedolgae Rock |
| 7 | 17.6 km | 5-6 h | Moderate | Seogwipo harbor to Jungmun, best coastal views |
| 7-1 | 15.1 km | 5-6 h | Moderate | Sanbangsan, Yongmeori Coast |
| 8 | 19.8 km | 6-7 h | Hard | Jungmun to Daepyeong, Jusangjeolli Cliff |
| 9 | 11.5 km | 3-4 h | Easy | Daepyeong to Hwasun, peaceful coast |
| 10 | 15.6 km | 5-6 h | Moderate | Hallasan mountain views, Songak Mountain |
| 10-1 | 8.5 km | 2-3 h | Easy | Gapado Island, wind and stone walls |
| 11 | 17.3 km | 5-6 h | Moderate | Moseulpo to Mureung, southwestern coast |
| 12 | 17.5 km | 5-6 h | Moderate | Yongsu to Jeoji, tangerine orchards |
| 13 | 15.9 km | 5-6 h | Moderate | Jeoji to Hallim, inland paths |
| 14 | 19.2 km | 6-7 h | Hard | Hallim to Hanllim Park, Hyeopjae Beach |
| 14-1 | 18.2 km | 5-6 h | Moderate | Jeoji alternative, tea plantations |
| 15 | 19.2 km | 6-7 h | Moderate | Hallim to Gonae, northwestern coast |
| 16 | 17.2 km | 5-6 h | Moderate | Gonae to Gwakji, sunset views |
| 17 | 18.2 km | 5-6 h | Moderate | Gwakji to Iho, Jeju City approach |
| 18 | 19.5 km | 6-7 h | Moderate | Jeju City waterfront, Yongduam Rock |
| 18-1 | 18.0 km | 5-6 h | Moderate | Airport to Jocheon, northern coast |
| 19 | 18.7 km | 6-7 h | Moderate | Jocheon to Gimnyeong, wind farms |
| 20 | 17.6 km | 5-6 h | Moderate | Gimnyeong to Hado, lava fields |
| 21 | 10.2 km | 3-4 h | Easy | Hado to Seongsan, Sunrise Peak views |
Best Routes for Beginners
If you are new to long-distance walking or have limited time, these routes offer the best reward-to-effort ratio.
Route 7 — Seogwipo Waterfront
Starting at Oedolgae Rock and winding along the Seogwipo coast, Route 7 delivers dramatic cliff views, the Seogwipo harbor area, and ends near the Jungmun resort zone. The path is well marked and mostly flat with only gentle ups and downs. It is widely considered the single best introduction to the Olle Trail.
Route 10 — Hallasan Views
Route 10 heads inland and climbs to a viewpoint on Songak Mountain with panoramic views of Hallasan and the southern coast. It is more demanding than Route 7 but the mountain scenery is unmatched on any other Olle route.
Route 1-1 — Udo Island
A self-contained loop around Udo Island, reachable by ferry from Seongsan. Flat terrain, emerald water, peanut ice cream stops and a lighthouse at the high point. One of the easiest and most enjoyable routes.
Route 7 followed by Route 1-1 is a perfect two-day Olle introduction. Stay overnight in Seogwipo after Route 7 and ferry to Udo the next morning.
Best Routes for Experienced Hikers
Seasoned walkers looking for a challenge should consider these longer, more demanding routes.
- Route 3 (20.9 km): Coastal cliffs and volcanic rock along the southeast. Long but spectacular.
- Route 4 (22.7 km): The longest route with multiple oreum (volcanic cone) climbs.
- Route 8 (19.8 km): Passes Jusangjeolli Cliff and involves significant elevation changes.
- Route 14 (19.2 km): Northwestern coast with Hyeopjae Beach as the reward at the end.
The Stamp & Passport System
The Jeju Olle Foundation operates a stamp passport system that adds a collectible element to the walk. Buy an official Olle Passport at the Jeju Olle Visitor Center in Seogwipo, select convenience stores, or the Olle website.
- Passport cost: ₩2,000.
- Each route has 2-3 stamp boxes at the start, middle and end.
- Stamps are free — just press the stamp into your passport at each box.
- Complete all 26 routes and you receive a completion certificate and commemorative badge.
- The ganse (Jeju pony) ribbons tied to posts and trees mark the trail — follow the blue and orange arrows.
Stamp boxes are small wooden posts along the trail, usually at bus stops, cafes or trailhead markers. They are occasionally missing or damaged. Take a photo of each stamp as backup.
Best Seasons to Walk
The Olle Trail is walkable year-round, but some seasons are significantly more comfortable than others.
| Season | Temperature | Conditions | Rating |
|---|
| Spring (Apr-May) | 12-20°C | Mild, wildflowers, canola fields in bloom | Excellent |
| Summer (Jun-Aug) | 25-33°C | Hot, humid, occasional typhoons | Fair |
| Autumn (Sep-Nov) | 10-22°C | Crisp air, silver grass on oreums | Excellent |
| Winter (Dec-Feb) | 1-8°C | Cold, windy, fewer crowds | Good (dress warmly) |
April and October-November are the sweet spots. April has canola flowers and mild temperatures; October brings silver grass (억새) on the volcanic cones and cool, clear skies.
| Item | Cost |
|---|
| Olle Trail access | Free |
| Olle Passport | ₩2,000 |
| Completion badge | Free (with full passport) |
| Bus between route start/end points | ₩1,200-3,000 per ride |
| Taxi between route start/end points | ₩8,000-25,000 |
| Accommodation along the trail | ₩40,000-120,000 per night |
| Trail lunch (convenience store / local restaurant) | ₩5,000-12,000 |
The Olle Trail is one of the most affordable long-distance walks in Asia. There are no entry fees, and route start/end points are connected by Jeju's public bus network.
- Download the Jeju Olle app (available in English) for GPS maps and route descriptions.
- Carry cash — many small villages along the trail have no card payment facilities.
- Water and snacks are essential. Some routes pass through areas with no shops for 10+ kilometers.
- Start early to finish before dark, especially on routes over 17 km.
Emergencies anywhere in Korea: 112 police, 119 fire/medical, 1330 for the 24/7 KTO tourist helpline (free, English/JP/CN/ES).