VISIT JEJU

Olle Trail 10-1 is a path around Gapado Island, an island off Jeju’s southwest coast. The trail is an easy walk because it is both short and incredibly flat. Its flatness is due to Gapado being the lowest-lying island in Korea. The path is designed to be accessible by wheelchairs. Being easy to navigate doesn’t mean the path is boring, though, and there is plenty to see. The trail first hugs the island’s rocky coast before cutting through the stone wall-lined fields in the middle. Hikers also get views out over the Jeju mainland as well as the chance to explore Gapado village. The island is known for its barley, and spring time visitors will see lush fields of the famous crop. There’s even a festival that runs in April and May when the crop is at its peak. Hiking on such a small island is a unique experience, and the ease of the path makes it a great opportunity to relax and clear your head in the refreshing sea breeze. To get to Gapado, you have to head to Woonjin Port and then take a ferry to the island, which takes around 10 minutes.

Olle Trail 6 is an 11km-long path that finishes in Seogwipo City. While it is over double the length of the Gapado Island path, it is still one of the shortest Olle Trails. It is a relatively flat route that mostly takes place on well-paved roads. There is also a 3.3km stretch at the start of the trail that is wheelchair accessible. The route makes up for its short length by taking in some of Jeju’s most popular sights. It starts at Soesokkak Bridge, providing walkers with excellent views of the estuary. It then travels along the Seogwipo Coast, past a volcanic hill called Jejigi Oreum, and onto Socheonji, a coastal rock pool that is hidden from the rest of the sea. You’ll also pass Jeongbang Falls, although you’ll need to make a slight detour to see the waterfall. The path then turns into Seogwipo City, going past Lee Jung-seop Street and Maeil Olle Market, before ending up at Jeju Olle Tourist Center. The path is super convenient for people staying in or visiting Seogwipo City. The central location also provides a great opportunity to finish your walk with some food or drinks in the city, or visit some of Seogwipo’s sites such as Cheonjiyeon Waterfall or Saeyeongyo Bridge. 

Seogwipo Forest of Healing is a selection of forest paths located around a 16-minute drive from Seogwipo City. The forest is known for its wide variety of vegetation, including its cypress trees, which have an average age of over 60. The area has 10 different routes that range from between 0.6km and 2.1km. It’s possible to combine courses if you want to go on a longer hike. The paths are all well-maintained and relatively flat, which makes them easy to navigate. The area has plenty of other activities to help you relax. The barefoot healing road is a short stretch of forest that is designed to be walked without shoes so you can feel nature between your toes. There are also several cypress wood loungers you can spend some time lying down on in the middle of the forest. The center also offers various relaxing forest therapy programs. These last three hours and, depending on which one you choose, include activities such as forest meditation and stretching. Before heading to the forest or attending a program, you must reserve a place online using the link below. 

Bulgeun Oreum Recreational Forest is a selection of four short forest trails built around Bulgeun Oreum Volcanic Cone and the surrounding woodland. The area has a strong natural ecosystem and visitors can see mulberry grass, maple trees, oak trees, and even roe deer. The path leading to the top of the hill is 1.7km long. While it involves a climb, it is well paved and stairs leading to the top make it as accessible as possible. Another highlight is the 1.1km barrier-free path. This is a flat trail through the forest surrounding the oreum that has been designed to be accessible for wheelchairs. The longest trail is a 6.7km forest trail that takes around two hours to complete. The recreational forest is located between Jeju City and Seogwipo City, meaning visitors staying on either side of the island have easy access. If you want to spend a relaxing night in the forest, the center has various accommodation options and a forest campsite.