Jeju Olle Trail for Beginners: Which Route Should You Walk First?

If you have never walked the Jeju Olle Trail before, start with Route 7 or Route 6 on the south coast near Seogwipo. Route 6 is short and easy, Route 7 is the classic coastal walk past Oedolgae Rock, and both start or end near the Jeju Olle Travel Center, so buses, food and places to stay are close by. If you want a gentle route with big views on the east side, Route 1 toward Seongsan is another good first choice.

What the Jeju Olle Trail is

Jeju Olle is a network of long-distance walking routes that loops around Jeju Island, with a few extra routes on small islands and inland. "Olle" comes from the Jeju word for the narrow stone-walled path that leads from the street to a family's house. The main loop is made of 21 numbered routes plus several sub-routes, and together they cover roughly 430+ km. A single route is usually 10–20 km, about 4–7 hours at a relaxed pace.

You do not need to be a hiker. Most of the trail follows coastal paths, village lanes, farm roads and small volcanic hills called oreum. It is walking, not climbing, though some routes include steep sections and rocky beaches.

The best routes for a first walk

Route 6: the easiest start (about 11 km)

Route 6 runs from Soesokkak, a river mouth with clear green water, west along the coast into Seogwipo town and ends at the Jeju Olle Travel Center. It is flat, short and passes cafes, a market area and waterfalls in town, so you can stop whenever you like. It is a good choice if you only have half a day or are not sure how much walking you enjoy.

Route 7: the classic coast (about 17.6 km)

Route 7 starts at the Jeju Olle Travel Center and heads west to Wolpyeong. It is one of the most popular routes on the whole trail, known for sea cliffs, Oedolgae Rock, pebble beaches and views of Beomseom Island. It is longer and has some rocky stretches, so plan for most of a day. You can shorten it by walking only the first part (to Oedolgae and a bit beyond) and taking a bus back.

Route 1: oreum views on the east side (about 15 km)

Route 1 was the first route of the trail. It climbs two small oreum early on, with wide views over fields, stone walls and Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak), then follows the coast toward Gwangchigi Beach. It suits walkers who are staying around Seongsan or want to combine the walk with Udo Island (Route 1-1) on another day.

Route 10: beaches and history in the southwest (about 15.6 km)

Route 10 goes from Hwasun Beach past Sanbangsan and Songaksan to Moseulpo. The scenery is dramatic, but parts can be exposed to wind and include sand and rocks. It is a nice second route once you know your pace.

How to follow the trail

The trail is marked well, but you have to know what to look for:

• Blue and orange ribbons tied to trees, fences and poles. You will see them every few hundred meters.
• Arrows painted on walls and roads. Blue arrows point in the standard direction of the route; orange arrows point the other way if you are walking in reverse.
• Ganse, small pony-shaped markers. The head points the way to go. The name comes from a Jeju word for a slow, lazy person, a gentle reminder to take your time.

If you have not seen a ribbon for a while, go back to the last one. Naver Map or Kakao Map works better than Google Maps for walking directions in Korea; our Naver Map vs Kakao Map guide explains the difference.

The Olle passport and stamps

Many walkers carry the Jeju Olle passport, a small booklet you stamp at the start, middle and end of each route. Stamp boxes are often shaped like ganse. It is optional but fun, and it is a nice souvenir even if you only walk one or two routes. Check the official Jeju Olle website for where to buy one and for the latest route information, closures and detours.

Getting to the start by bus

You can reach every route by public bus. Seogwipo is the easiest base for Routes 6 and 7: buses from Jeju City and the airport stop in town, and local buses run along the coast. Because routes are one-way, the usual plan is to take a bus to the start and walk back toward your hotel, or walk and then catch a bus home from the end point. Our guide to getting around Jeju without a car covers T-money, routes and apps.

Buses in rural parts of Jeju can be infrequent, so check the time of the last bus from your end point before you set off.

When to go

Spring (around April–May) and autumn (around October–November) are the most comfortable seasons, with mild temperatures and clear days. Summer is hot and humid with strong sun and occasional typhoons. Winter is mild compared with mainland Korea, and tangerines and camellias make the south coast lovely, but the wind can be strong and cold. On any day, check the weather: coastal sections may close or reroute in storms.

What to bring

• Comfortable walking shoes with good grip; rocky beaches and wet stones are common.
• Water and a snack. Some stretches pass shops and cafes, but not all.
• Sun protection and a windproof layer, in every season.
• A charged phone, and a small power bank.
• A bag for your rubbish; bins can be hard to find along the coast.
• Cash or a card for village shops and buses.

Safety and trail manners

Much of the trail passes through farms, private fields and villages. Stay on the marked path, close gates, do not pick tangerines or other crops, and keep your voice down in residential lanes. Women walking alone are common on the Olle, but it is still smart to tell someone your route, avoid finishing after dark and not take unmarked shortcuts. In an emergency, call 119.

As Hana from POPORO CITY puts it: "Follow the pony, not the clock."

Quick tips

• First time? Route 6 for a half day, Route 7 for a full day.
• Start in the morning so you finish before buses thin out.
• Walk in the standard direction (blue arrows); the markers are easier to spot that way.
• Split long routes in half; nobody checks if you skip a section.
• Check the official site for detours before you go.

FAQ

Do I need a guide or tour for the Olle Trail?

No. The routes are well marked and free to walk. Many people walk alone or in pairs using the markers and a map app.

Which Olle route is the easiest?

Route 6 is generally considered the easiest: about 11 km, mostly flat, ending in Seogwipo town.

How long does one route take?

Most routes take about 4–7 hours at a relaxed pace, including short breaks. Shorter routes like Route 6 take around 3–4 hours.

Can I walk the Olle Trail in winter?

Yes. Jeju's south coast is relatively mild, but wind can make it feel cold. Dress in layers and avoid stormy days.

How do I get to Jeju in the first place?

Most visitors fly from Seoul or Busan; ferries also run from some ports. See flight or ferry to Jeju.