VISIT JEJU

Seopjikoji is a small cape that juts out from the easternmost point of Jeju. It’s well-known for its lighthouse, cliffs, and the fields in the middle that fill with canola flowers in spring. The highlight for runners is the circular path that goes all the way around the island. It’s only around 3.5km so it’s a good route for those who want to get a quick run in before a hard day’s sightseeing. One of the highlights is the views of Seongsan Ilchulbong, one of Jeju’s most famous sites. You’ll also go past black rock beaches and the Glass House—a building designed by renowned architect Tadao Ando. Be aware that the area can get busy, and the path is narrow in places. If you want to run uninterrupted, consider doing so in the morning or evening when there are fewer visitors. 

Bijarim Forest is home to around 2,800 nutmeg yew trees, each of which is between 500 and 800 years old. The path that goes through the forest is notable due to the volcanic scoria rock that gives it a deep red color. The entire route is well-marked out, which is convenient for runners. The trail’s highlight is an old tree that is thought to be one of the area’s first. At just 2.2km, the trail is short, although there is an extension that takes the total route up to 3.2km. If you feel the need for a break, there are benches, so you take a rest in the shade. As with the Seopjikoji trail above, Bijarim is a popular tourist spot, and it does get busy with walkers. There’s also a daily limit to the number of people that can enter the forest of 1,300. It’s best to head there early if you want to guarantee a spot. 

The first two paths in this article are relatively flat. Those looking for a challenge should consider running on some of Jeju’s 368 oreum—the volcanic hills that dot the island. One of the best spots for running or walking up oreum is in an area called Gasi-ri, which is where the 10km route of the 2019 Jeju International Trail Running Competition was held. Central to the area is the Jjolbeun Gammajanggil Trail—a 10km path that goes past some of the area’s main attractions. The route is well defined, with plenty of signposts that direct visitors through the sparse area. Keunsaseumi Oreum and Ttarabi Oreum are two of the path highlights. Running up these volcanic cones is a challenge due to how steep they are. But you get clear views out over the surrounding countryside from the top, which makes the struggle worthwhile. It’s possible to run on these hills as part of the trail or make a separate trip to visit each one. The route to the top of Keunsaseumi Oreum is around 1.3km from the car park. It starts on relatively flat ground, although you’ll soon hit the bottom of the oreum, at which point there is a steep climb to the 125-meter-high summit. There are steps to the top, which makes the journey accessible. Part of the path goes through the thick forest covering the oreum but closer to the top, this makes way for less dense vegetation, allowing for spectacular views over the surrounding countryside. If you want to explore the area but would rather a less intense run, there is also a path that goes around the base of the oreum. Ttarabi Oreum is a short drive from Keunsaseumi Oreum, and there is a car park close to the bottom of the hill. The path winds around the oreum before another steep climb. Once you reach the top of the hill, you come out of the forest, and you’ll see that the oreum has several peaks and a path that travels over each one. Here you get incredible uninterrupted views around the surrounding area and out as far as Hallasan Mountain in the center of the island. Once you’ve finished your run, it can be a good idea to check out the area’s other big attraction: Jeju Horse Park. Here you’ll find a museum with exhibits related to the history and culture of the area, as well as plenty of horse-inspired art. There is also a horse farm where you can pet and feed the animals, as well as a riding experience track. 

Ttarabi Oreum: San 63, Gasi-ri, Pyoseon-myeon, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do 

Keunsaseumi Oreum: Address: San 68, Gasi-ri, Pyoseon-myeon, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do

Find Out More About Ttarabi Oreum Volcanic Cone: www.visitjeju.net/u/5nf

Find Out More About Keunsaseumi Oreum Volcanic Cone: www.visitjeju.net/u/5ng

Jeju Horse Park
Address: 381-17 Noksan-ro, Pyoseon-myeon, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do
Contact: 064-787-0960
Business Hours: 9 a.m. until 6 p.m.
Admission: Horse Riding Experience from KRW 12,000 / Feeding Experience KRW 3,000
Website: http://www.jejuhorsepark.co.kr/