[One Day Walk] Jeju Olle Trail Course 1, 'Siheung-Gwangchigi Olle'

Jeju Olle Trail, which was first established in September 2007, consists of a total of 27 courses. Among them, the first course, ‘Siheung Gwangchigi Olle,’ was the earliest to open and has a total length of 15.1 km, taking about 5 hours to complete. The word Olle, a Jeju dialect term, refers to a very narrow alley-like path connecting the street to a house. This course starts from the Siheung-ri bus stop in Seogwipo City, Jeju, and leads to Gwangchigi Beach, one of the famous sunrise spots.

The first course connects the single volcanic cone ‘Orem’ and the sea. After passing through green fields and climbing Malmi Orem and Al Orem, you can see Seongsan Ilchulbong, Udo Island, fields, and the sea all at once. The fields, surrounded by black stone walls unique to Jeju, clustered together, catch the eye.

Although the first course is quite long, the entire route is paved, making it easy for beginners to walk. Especially, the 4.6 km section from ‘Jongdalli Old Salt Field’ to ‘Seongsan Gapmun Entrance’ is wheelchair accessible. This section is composed of a coastal road, which is considered the longest and most beautiful coastal road in Jeju Island.

Jeju Olle Trail is also conducting a global project in collaboration with overseas walking travel groups, designating one course or section for joint promotional marketing. Jeju Olle can be found in 13 world-famous walking destinations that have formed ‘Friendship Trails’ with nine countries including Canada, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Lebanon, Turkey, Japan, Taiwan, and Australia.

Jeju Olle Trail Course 1. (Photo by Jeju Olle official website)

Among these, the first course marked the first anniversary of the ‘Friendship Trail’ agreement with Spain’s world-famous Santiago Pilgrimage Trail last September. To commemorate this, a scallop shell monument, the symbol of the Santiago Pilgrimage Trail, was erected on the first course. The Santiago Pilgrimage Trail also features the Ganse, the trail marker of Jeju Olle.

Jeju Olle was designed from the start ‘for walkers.’ Walking along paths in nature allows one to reflect on oneself and heal both body and mind. Since it connects village to village, exploring traditional markets and hidden ‘must-visit restaurants’ in each village adds an element of fun.