What is the "Olle" in Jeju? Information on the Route 1, 4, and 6

Jeju Island, with its unique, dramatic, and volcanic landscape, has long been a favorite holiday destination for Koreans, and it attracts an increasing number of international tourists every year. There are plenty of activities to do on Jeju Island such as cycling, horseback riding, sightseeing, or simply relaxing on the beach; however, for those travelers hoping to get away from it all and really explore this beautiful island, the newly opened Jeju “Olle” walking paths offer a unique opportunity. Over 200km of connected walking paths have been created, and divided into thirteen one-day walks. These paths take you all around the south coast of the island, past some of Jeju’s most beautiful spots, such as the Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak and Cheonjiyeon Falls. The paths will take you through mountainous regions, along the coast with its dramatic black lava cliffs and sparkling blue ocean, and to some of the most secret, remote spots on the island. Along the way you’ll get a chance to meet some of Jeju’s warm-hearted local people, as well as sample some of the island’s specialty dishes. A wonderful holiday would be to walk the full length of the “Olle” paths, but for those travelers with less time, Visitkorea would like to recommend routes 1, 4 and 6.

Before You Start: In order to make the olle walking paths as natural and as eco-friendly as possible, they were created by linking existing paths. Therefore, you will not find too many toilets or restaurants along the way. It is recommended that you bring your own snacks, drinks, a guidebook, comfortable shoes, and a long-sleeved water and wind proof jacket in case of sudden changes in the weather. We would also recommend that you print out information from this site to guide you on your route.     Route 1: A Panoramic View over the Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak (성산일출봉) and the Deep Blue Ocean   Route no.1 offers a good introduction to the olle walking paths, since the scenery on this route is varied, and it is not too strenuous. This route starts the grounds of a small local elementary school. The path will lead you to a spot where you can see the entire town and cows grazing in the meadow a short distance away. This route offers many scenic views over its surrounding areas. Curious Markings along the Olle Paths Do not look for the typical signposts to guide your way. Walkers on the olle paths are guided by blue arrows marked on the roads, or blue and yellow ribbons that are tied on tree branches or rocks. Route 1 Begins at the Siheung Elementary School (시흥초등학교) This is where the route begins, but please be aware that the students will have their classes between 9am and 5pm, so don’t enter the building or make too much noise during these hours. However, the school generously opens its restrooms for olle walkers.   Getting There From Jeju International Airport, take bus no. 100 or a taxi (15~20 minute ride) to Jeju Intercity Bus Terminal-> Take a bus bound for Seogwipo (via Seongsan) -> Get off at Siheung-ri (시흥리).   Malmi Oreum (말미오름, A Small Inactive Volcano) After following the yellow and blue ribbons for about 15-20 minutes you will reach what appears to be a steep hill, this is Malmi Oreum. However, the slope is not as steep as it initially appears, and when you reach the summit you are rewarded with a spectacular view. Spread out beneath you are green fields stretching down to the ocean and surrounded by the sparkling blue waves are Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak and Udo Island, two of the most famous sights of Jeju Island. Last Milestone of the Route: Gwangchigi Beach (광치기 해변) After six hours of steady walking, you will reach Gwangchigi Beach, the final destination of the first route. Six hours will feel much shorter than it actually is, as throughout the route you will enjoy views of endless green fields, forests, and oreums. The scenery at your final destination, Gwangchigi beach, will assure you that you made the right choice of route. The sight of the deep blue ocean turning almost violet as it blends into sky on the horizon will leave you speechless. This oceanic scene is a marvel— it’s impossible to describe it in words! What to Eat After all the fresh sea air and exercise you are sure to be hungry, there are plenty of seafood restaurants in this area serving the catch of the day. For walkers on the first route, we’d recommend the filling and tasty rice porridges made with abalone or clams, which are usually collected straight from the sea by the women divers of Jeju.   *Siheung House of Women Divers (시흥 해녀의 집, +82-64-782-9230): This restaurant is located close to the Seashell Museum and serves great abalone and clam rice porridges. *Ojo House of Women Divers (오조 해녀의 집, +82-64-784-0893): This place is located close to Seongsan Gapmun (성산갑문, Flood Gate) and serves decent abalone dishes. *Gwangchigi Beach Seafood Town: Located at the end of route 1, there are a number of restaurants that serve bowls of hot noodles and sea urchins as well as the local specialty of abalone rice porridge.     Route 4: A Walk along the Coast and a Light Climb   If you are one of those people who find it difficult to make up their minds, then route 4 is probably a good choice for you, since it includes a taste of all of the attractions of the olle walking paths. There is a beautiful walk along the coast as well as a panoramic view from the top of a hill. Special Tip for Route 4 Since some of route 4 is along the coast, it can get quite windy. Walkers are advised to bring along windstopper jackets. The Start of Route 4: Pyoseon Beach Resort (표선 해수욕장) This fourth route begins at Pyoseon Beach Resort, and the beach here is one of the most popular on Jeju Island. The beach has a crescent shape and at high tide the water is only 1m deep making it the perfect play area for children. The beach has strikingly white sand, which was originally made from clamshells, and walking along it in bare feet feels really good.   Getting There From Jeju International Airport take bus no.300 or a taxi (15~20 minute ride) -> At the Jeju intercity bus terminal take a bus bound for Pyoseon Intercity Bus Terminal (via Beonyeongro Road, 번영로) -> Get off at the Pyoseon Samgeori (표선 삼거리) bus stop-> Walk five minutes toward the Pyoseon Beach Resort, and you will find a grassy area.   Mang Oreum (망오름) About three hours walk from the start of the fourth route, you will reach the Mang Oreum. This is a 75m high hill whose pathway is strewn with small wild flowers. As you climb a little further, you will enter a thick forest where the fresh air is mingled with the scent of pines; it’s guaranteed to make anyone feel refreshed. At the summit of the oreum (a small inactive volcano) there is an old beacon mound, which dates back to the Joseon period (1392~1910). Fires used to be lit on the mound to send emergency messages, such as warnings of invaders approaching Korea. Last Destination of Route 4: Namwon Port (남원포구) / Keuneong Promenade (큰엉 산책로) Perhaps it is the sheer beauty of the Keuneong promenade that makes you feel less tired than you should be after a seven-hour walk. This area is the starting point of route five and is regarded as one of the most of beautiful pathways in Korea. In the past the locals named it ‘Keuneong’ because the area resembled a hill of gigantic rocks that was opening its mouth to swallow up the beautiful surroundings. The promenade winds its way along the coast where the waves crash against oddly shaped black lava rocks. This wild, picturesque promenade is a fitting ending to the day’s walk through some of Jeju’s most beautiful scenery. What to Eat Since it’s an island, Jeju’s restaurants are full of fresh seafood caught straight from the ocean. We suggest that hikers on route 4 try some Hanchimulhoe, raw mitra squid, which live only in the sea, and have a soft and chewy taste. The mitra squid are sliced and served with iced water noodles and soybean and red pepper pastes.   * Eochon Sikdang (어촌식당, Fishing Village Restaurant) (+82-787-0175): Located in the restaurant area in Dangke Port (당케포구), it mainly serves raw fish and fish stew. * Haevichi Resort Restaurant (해비치 리조트, +82-64-780-8000): Serves various dishes made from seafood. * Namchoknara Hoetjib (남쪽나라 횟집, +82-64-787-5556): Located relatively close to the Shine Ville Resort, this restaurant serves great fresh raw fish (hoe), seafood hotpot, and abalone hotpot.     Route 6: Take a Ride on a Teu Boat(테우) and Take a Refreshing Dip under a Waterfall   As well as walking, there are several other activities on the sixth route for walkers to enjoy. At the Soesokkak estuary (쇠소깍), visitors can take a ride on Jeju’s traditional wooden boat, which locally is called a “Teu”. The route also includes the Sojeongbang Falls (소정방 폭포), where walkers can enjoy splashing in the water on summer days, and visitors can make a stop off at the Lee Jung Seop Gallery (이중섭 갤러리) to appreciate the works of art. The route also takes you through an ecological park and a deep forest. Take a Ride on a Te-u Boat(테우) across the Soesokkak Estuary(쇠소깍)! The Teu boats travel along the Soesokkak estuary and are, perhaps, the slowest method of transportation in the world. The boat resembles a raft and moves manually by means of a rope, which is connected to the banks of the river. A typical trip on this unique boat will take between 40~50 minutes and is a good opportunity to relax and enjoy the scenery. (Fee: 5,000won for adults) The Starting Point of the Sixth Route: Soesokkak Estuary (쇠소깍) The Soesokkak estuary is a special place, as it’s where the freshwater of the river meets the ocean. The water here is crystal clear and even from far above, you can see right down to the bottom of the water. The water and the surrounding mountains and rocks are very picturesque. Taking a ride on a teu is a relaxing way to appreciate the beauty of the Soesokkak area before starting your walk.   Getting There From Jeju International Airport, take a Limousine bus for Seogwipo -> Get off at Seogwipo KAL Hotel -> Take a taxi to Soesokkak (쇠소깍, around 3,000won)   Lee Jung Seop Gallery (이중섭 갤러리) and the Eco-Park around Cheonjiyeon Falls (천지연 폭포) After a two-hour walk, you will come to the Lee Jung Seop Gallery and the eco park that surrounds the Cheonjiyeon Falls. This area is one of the highlights of route six, here nature and fine art can be appreciated simultaneously. The gallery can store your bags, so you are free to admire the works of art or relax with a cup of tea. In the eco park surrounding the Cheonjiyeon Falls, walkers will make their way through a thick forest that’s packed with wildlife and the charms of nature. Final Destination of the Route: the Oedolgae (외돌개) Seaside Promenade Compared to routes 1 and 4, the length of this route is slightly shorter, and you can reach this final destination in five hours. Oedolgae rock is a solitary rock with an unusual shape. According to legend, Oedolgae rock was actually once a woman, who waited in that spot for her husband to return from fishing, and when he never returned she turned into stone. The walk towards Oedolgae rock is not strenuous and offers pleasant views of the coast and the surrounding forest areas. What to Eat The sixth route has a variety dining options. Highly recommended is the Solbit Bada Teahouse located at the Oedolgae promenade at the end of your walk. The view from the windows of this teahouse resembles a painting, and the tea is natural and refreshing. During the winter season, this place serves sweet potatoes baked in the fireplace.     * Solbit Bada (솔빛바다):  This teahouse can be found on the Oedolgae seaside promenade, which is the end of the sixth route and the starting point for the seventh route. There is an outdoor terrace where walkers can enjoy a cup of tea on a fine day. During the winter season, sweet pumpkin and sweet red bean porridges are also served. * Bomokri Mulhoejip (보목리 물횟집): There are a number of restaurants serving raw fish (sashimi) in the Bomokhang Port (보목항) area, such as Eojinine Sikdang (어진이네 식당) and Haenyeouijip (해녀의 집). * Angeori Bakgeori (안거리 밖거리, +82-64-763-2552): Serves Boribap (steamed barley rice with vegetables), minimum of 2 servings and Bibimbap (steamed rice with an assortment of vegetables and meat), as well as other dishes. Article from KTO (Korean Tourism Organization) Contact for Jeju tour : Send E-mail