There is no shortage of hiking opportunities on Jeju-do. The most challenging is the ascent up the island's (and South Korea's) highest peak, Hallasan -- a round-trip trail to the peak takes about 9 hours. There are four major trails on the mountain, but only two actually go to the peak. You can get information on trails at the visitor's info booth at the entrance to Hallasan National Park. But for easier hikes, there are 368 secondary volcanoes on the island (all of them extinct, of course), including Wollan Crater, Yongnuni Crater, Sonja Crater, Byando Crater, and Tarabi Crater. There are plenty of coastal trails to choose from as well, including Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak) and the Dragon's Tail trail.
A group of volunteers, who call themselves the Jeju Olle exploration team, led by a retired journalist, have discovered and renovated walking trails on the Seogwipo side of the island. Since September 2007, over a dozen trails (covering over 200km/124 miles) have been opened. The Jeju Olle Trails (olle is the Jeju word for the road that connects your front door to the street, loosely translating to "Will you come . . . "; www.jejuolle.org/eng) are generally scenic walking roads that explore the best little-known parts of the island. The trails all lead into each other, so those with the luxury of time can explore half the island's coasts and extinct volcanoes on foot.
Siheung to Gwanchigi Beach (Route 1) -- Starting at Siheung Elementary School, this trail climbs up to the extinct volcanoes Malmi Oreum and Al Oreum, with views of Seongsan Ilchulbong and U-do. Then, it continues along the salt fields of Jongdal-li to Siheung-li (you may want to stop at the Siheung Haenyeo Jip, tel. 064/782-9230, for a seafood lunch), past Seongsan Gapmun, Sungsan shijang, Dongamsa, and ends at Gwangchi Beach. The 15km (9.3-mile) route takes 5 to 6 hours.
Gwanchigi to Onpyeong (Route 2) -- From Gwangshi Beach, this road climbs up Siksan-bong (peak) through Ojo-li Village along the coast and inland to Goseong Village. Then, it climbs up to Daesusan-bong past an old cemetery, then around the legendary Honinji ("Wedding" pond) and down to Onpyeong Port. The 17km (11-mile) route takes 5 to 6 hours.
Onpyeong to Pyoseon (Route 3) -- Beginning at Onpyeong Pogu, this trail goes up to the great views from Tong Oreum and Dokjo-bong. Then, it leads to Samdal-li, past Kim Young-gap Gallery (an elementary school that's been converted into a gallery for the now-deceased photographer), and down to Bada Mokjang (a beachside livestock farm). The road continues through Sincheon Village and Baegopeun "Hungry" Bridge" to Pyoseon Beach. This 22km (14-mile) route takes 6 to 7 hours.
Pyoseon to Namwon (Route 4) -- From the port, the trail goes down to Gatneup (marsh) to Nubeureum. In Gama-li, you can stop and enjoy some fresh seafood from the haenyeo, then continue past Geomunmeoje to Tosan New Village. Then head up to Mang Orum and pass the Gseoseunsaemi (fresh water springs) to Yeongcheonsa. The trail heads down, passes Samseokgyo (bridge), and goes to Taheung and Namwon Port. The 23km (14-mile) route takes 6 to 7 hours.
Namwon to Soesoggak (Route 5) -- This is the best route for seaside views. Starting from Namwon, the route takes you along small villages past the Sea Lie Research center, inland through the Camellia plant community, past Jobae Museul Koji to Wimi hang (harbor). Then, it continues along the shore through Gongcheonpo (a beach known for its black sand) past Mangjang Port, ending at Soesoggak estuary. The 15km (9.3-mile) route takes 5 to 6 hours.
Soesoggak to Oedolgae Rock (Route 6) -- Starting at Soesoggak, this trail takes you through Seogwipo-si. The road goes past Bomok and Gudumi Ports past Geomeunyeo and the KAL and Paradise hotels. Then, it goes past Sojeongbang falls, Sora Seng, the gallery of painter Lee Joong-seop, and Cheonjiyeon falls, and curves around to end at Oedolgae. The 14km (9-mile) route takes about 5 hours.
Oedolgae to Wolpyeong Pogu (Route 7) -- Another seaside course, this route goes past Beop-hwan Pogu (port) and Poonglim Resort to get to Wolpyeong Pogu. This 15km (9.3-mile) route takes 4 to 5 hours.
Wolpyeong to Daepyeong Pogu (Route 8) -- This coastal route continues through palm tree forests and garlic fields to Daepo Pogu and Jusangjeolli (a formation of stone pillars created when the lava erupted from Hallasan and reached the seawater). This route, which was used only by local divers, ends at Daepyeong Port. This 18km (11-mile) route takes about 5 to 5 1/2 hours.
Daepyeong to Hwasun Beach (Route 9) -- This shorter route is perfect for a half-day hike. It goes from the port up to Molijil and down along the coast to Hwanggaecheon (stream), past the Hwasun Prehistoric Sights. From there, you can choose to go up through the valley to Jinmoreu Dongsan around Gasegi Village and down to Dongha-dong (village), or just take the shortcut from Hwasun to Dongha-dong and around to Hwasun Beach. This 15km (9.3-mile) route takes 4 to 5 hours.
Hwasun to Moseulpo (Route 10) -- This seaside trail follows the edges of the land going past salt fields and dipping into the small peninsula where Songaksan sits. This is the first time this route has been accessible to the public, and the view from Songaksan is pretty spectacular. The 15km (9.3-mile) route, which ends at Moseulpo, takes 5 to 6 hours.
Moseulpo to Mureung (Route 11) -- One of the few inland-only trails, it leads from Moseulpo past Jeju-do's largest cemetery and various historic sites, to end at the Jeju Culture and Ecology Experience Village in Mureung 2(i)-li. This 20km (12-mile) route takes 6 to 7 hours.
Mureung to Hangyeong (Route 12) -- This trail completes the connection between Seogwipo and Jeju cities, going through fields and along the coast, passing parasitic cones and ending at Jolbuam Rock at Yongsu Pogu (port). This 18km (11-mile) route takes 5 to 6 hours.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
