Jeju Olle Trail : The Best Courses & How to Book Your Hiker Stay

If you’re dreaming of an escape that combines volcanic coastlines, hidden emerald forests, and the warmth of local village life, the Jeju Olle Trail is your ultimate destination. For those of us living in Korea, “Olle-ing” has become more than just a hike; it’s a therapeutic ritual that proves you don’t need a car or a massive budget to see the very best of Jeju Island. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the most scenic routes, essential 2026 updates for travelers, and how to master the trail as a solo adventurer or a nature enthusiast.

1. The Spirit of Olle: Why It’s Perfect for Everyone
2. Safety First: Using the Jeju Olle Foundation Site
3. No Car, No Problem: Budget-Friendly Logistics
4. Course 1-1: The Enchanting Udo Island Loop
5. Top Pick: Course 7 – The Scenery All-Star
6. Top Pick: Course 10 – History and Mountains
7. Hiker’s Rest: Finding and Booking Your Stay
8. Seasonal Survival Guide: 2026 Weather Tips

The Spirit of Olle: Why It’s Perfect for Everyone

Honestly, the biggest mistake people make when visiting Jeju is thinking they have to drive everywhere. While the coastal roads are beautiful, the “real” Jeju is tucked away where cars can’t go. The word “Olle” comes from an old Jeju dialect meaning a narrow path leading from a house to the main street. Today, it represents a massive 437-kilometer network of 27 courses that circle the entire island.

You might feel pressured to walk the whole thing, but let me tell you—most of us locals don’t. We pick the “highlight reels.” Whether you are a solo traveler looking for safety and solitude, a couple seeking a romantic stroll, or a photography buff chasing that perfect volcanic sunset, there is a specific course tailored for you. It’s accessible, it’s cheap, and it’s arguably the most authentic way to experience the island’s soul.

💡 Note: If you are interested in the deeper cultural and cinematic side of Jeju, you can also check out our Jeju Deep Dive: A Viewer’s Guide to ‘When Life Gives You Tangerines’, which explains the island’s unique history and landscapes featured in the hit K-drama.

Safety First: Using the Jeju Olle Foundation Site

Before you even pack your bag, there is one website that should be your “North Star.” The Jeju Olle Foundation (사단법인 제주올레) is the official body that maintains every inch of the trail. Since Jeju’s weather can be unpredictable and some coastal sections may undergo maintenance or temporary closure due to safety, always check their status updates.

Visit www.jejuolle.org to see real-time trail closures, detour maps, and the latest news. This is especially important in 2026, as some sections are being updated with new eco-friendly pathways. You can also find the “Jeju Olle Passport” sales points here, which is essential for collecting your completion stamps at the start, middle, and end of each route.

No Car, No Problem: Budget-Friendly Logistics

One of the best things about the Olle Trail is how incredibly wallet-friendly it is. If you’re tired of the rising costs of car rentals and insurance in 2026, the trail is your best friend. Jeju’s public transportation system has seen major upgrades recently, specifically targeting hikers. The main coastal buses—Route 201 (East) and Route 202 (West)—run frequently and stop near almost every major Olle trailhead.

By using the bus, you avoid the hassle of “looping back” to your car. You can start at Point A, finish at Point B miles away, and simply hop on a bus back to your guesthouse. It’s sustainable, stress-free, and lets you spend your money where it matters: on incredible local seafood and peanut ice cream.

Course 1-1: The Enchanting Udo Island Loop

If you want to experience an “island within an island,” I cannot recommend Course 1-1 on Udo Island enough. It is a tiny, emerald gem off Jeju’s east coast that feels like stepping back in time. Walking the 11.3km loop takes you past white coral beaches, dramatic black lava cliffs, and emerald pastures where horses graze peacefully. It’s a place where the air tastes like salt and the pace of life slows to a crawl.

To reach this paradise, you’ll need to take a ferry from the Seongsan Pohang Passenger Terminal. Ferries are frequent, usually running every 30 minutes starting from 8:00 AM. However, the most critical thing to remember is the “Last Ferry” back to the main island, which typically departs Udo between 5:00 PM and 6:30 PM depending on the season. In 2026, you can check live schedules via the “Jeju Olle” app or the official Jeju Port website.

📌 Local Note: You don’t need to pre-book tickets as a hiker, but you must bring your physical passport or ID card. It is a legal requirement for the ferry manifest, and they will not let you board without it. The 15-minute ride itself is a highlight, offering a majestic view of Seongsan Ilchulbong rising from the ocean.

Top Pick: Course 7 – The Scenery All-Star

If you only have one day to hike, I always tell my friends to head straight to Course 7. Starting in Seogwipo, this 17.6km stretch is the “all-star” of the Olle system. It captures everything that makes Jeju iconic: dramatic basalt cliffs, turquoise waters, and the famous Oedolgae Rock, a 20-meter tall sea stack that looks like it was carved by the gods.

As you walk, you’ll pass through Soggol, a unique spot where fresh valley water meets the salty sea. It’s a popular place for locals to dip their feet during the warmer months. Keep an eye out for the Beophwan-pogu area; this is a great spot to see the Haenyeo (women divers) in action. In 2026, many local diving communities have opened small, sustainable snack stalls right on the path where you can try fresh sea squirt or abalone caught just minutes before.

Top Pick: Course 10 – History and Mountains

For those who love a mix of mountain views and historical depth, Course 10 (Hwasun to Moseulpo) is unbeatable. This 15.6km route offers the absolute best vantage points of Sanbangsan Mountain, a massive bell-shaped volcanic dome. The geological formations at Yongmeori Coast are breathtaking, but please note this specific section is often closed during high tide—check the official Olle website before you head out!

As you move along the coast, the trail takes a somber but important turn through the Altteureu Airfield. Here, you can see remnants of Jeju’s modern history, including Japanese aircraft hangars from the colonial era. It’s a powerful reminder of the island’s resilience, set against a backdrop of peaceful potato fields and the sparkling East China Sea.

Hiker’s Rest: Finding and Booking Your Stay

If you’re planning to hike for more than one day, your choice of accommodation is key. For the most authentic experience, look for “Olle Stay” (올레스테이). These are hiker-specific accommodations often managed or certified by the Foundation. They are clean, affordable, and full of fellow travelers who share your passion for the trail.

• How to Book: For Olle Stay and local guesthouses (Minbak), using apps like Naver Maps or Kakao Maps is the most reliable way in Korea. Most have “Instant Book” features now.
• Advance Reservations: During the peak seasons of Spring (April-May) and Autumn (October-November), you should book at least 2-3 weeks in advance. For the quieter winter months, a few days’ notice is usually fine.
• Location Strategy: I recommend booking a stay in Seogwipo City for courses 6 through 9, and Seongsan for courses 1 and 2. This minimizes your travel time to the trailheads.

Seasonal Survival Guide: 2026 Weather Tips

Jeju is beautiful year-round, but your preparation must change with the seasons. 2026 has seen a particularly breezy spring, so windproof gear is non-negotiable.

Season	Vibe	Essential Gear
Spring	Canola & Cherry Blossoms	Light layers, windbreaker
Summer	Emerald Seas (Hot!)	Extra water, salt tablets, cooling towels
Autumn	Silver Grass & Clear Skies	The best hiking shoes you own
Winter	Camellias & Snow-capped Hallasan	Thermal base layers and neck gaiter

The Jeju Olle Trail isn’t just a walk; it’s a way to reconnect with yourself at a human pace. Don’t rush to finish the whole island. Pick a course, stop at a village cafe for some tangerine juice, and enjoy the “slow travel” life that makes Jeju so special. Happy trails!

Korean Culture portal KCulture.com

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