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For the global traveler looking for a unique destination, the olle walking paths on Jeju Island are highly appealing. These are 200km of connecting paths that will take travelers all along the
south coast of Jeju Island. The Jeju Olle, which were inspired by
the famous Pilgrim’s Trail in Spain, was made from the hidden,
forgotten routes of Jeju Island, which cars cannot access. The route will take you to forests, mountains, beaches, and
remote places and offer unrivalled views over Jeju’s unique,
dramatic, volcanic landscape.
With so many activities on offer in Jeju, it is not easy to say which is best, however the Jeju Olle walking paths must rank
highly. By the end of 2008, some 30,000 visitors have been to the paths, including a number of celebrities in Korea. They offer the chance to experience life at a slower pace and are a total escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Most of the paths are away from urbanized areas, and walkers are totally surrounded by nature and the tranquility. Some of the areas are almost untouched, since this is the first time some paths have been open to the public.
The paths are connected, so you can start your walk from where you finished the previous day. The route is divided into twelve sections, which will take you through along forests, beaches, and villages, where you can meet the warmhearted local people. We’ve provided an introduction to the paths, so you can choose which sections are best suited to you, or you can take a twelve-day trip and do all of them. Walking the Jeju olle paths will refresh you, inspire you, and leave memories you’ll never forget. |
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What Does the Term “Olle” Mean? |
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In the local Jeju dialect “Olle” was originally used to refer to the narrow path between the street and one’s doorstep. In the past, the word was quite commonly used, as children would often say, “let’s meet at the olle”. However, later this word came to be used more widely across Korea and the word came to mean the series of coastal walking paths in Jeju Island. The olle walking paths of Jeju start at the east point of the island and wind their way along the coast all the way to the island’s southwest point. The charms of the olle walking paths are their proximity to nature and the picturesque combination of the blue ocean, dark green forests, and the charming local villages.
☞ Visit the Jeju Olle Walking Paths Official Website |
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| The first of these walking paths opened in September 2007. As of March 2009, some 13 walking paths had been completed, 12 main paths and one “alpha” path. The walking paths collectively stretch to a length of approximately 216km. The olle are paths that have developed naturally over the years. They have been connected to each other using minimal human intervention. Depending on the pace of the individual or group, each route will take roughly four to six hours. Walking along these small paths that take you through the mountains and along the coast is the best way to experience the unique, startling beauty of Jeju Island. |
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< Courtesy of : JEJU OLLE > |
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Route 9: Daepyeong Port to Hwasun Beach Resort(Total 8.81km, 3-4 hour trip) |
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Although the ninth route is shorter, it is more strenuous and best suited for more intrepid hikers. The route starts off along the rocky cliffs, and then takes you through Andeok Valley. The nature in this region is wild, dramatic, and untouched, and the paths are not frequently used.
(* Follow the blue or orange ribbons) |
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Reaching the Baksugijeong Cliffs
There are two ways to reach the breath-taking Baksugijeong cliffs, which are located between Molgil and Joseun bridge. The first route is a steep and dramatic and is recommended for the more intrepid hikers. The second route is wider and flatter and is therefore recommended for children and the elderly or when the weather is poor. |
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Route |
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| Daepyeong Port (대평포구)-> Moljil (몰질: 416m)-> Joseundarigil Road (조슨다리 길: 1.38km)-> Baksugijeong (박수기정)-> Hwanggaecheon Entry (황개천: 3km)-> Hwasun Prehistoric Site (화순 선사유적지)-> Jinmoreu Hill (진모르 동산: 5.1km)-> Gasegi Village Olle (가세기 마을올레: 6.9km)-> Hwasun Beach Resort (화순 해수욕장) |
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