[One Day Walk] Experiencing the Charm of the Small Island Gapado on Jeju Olle Course 10-1

Jeju Island not only encompasses Jeju itself but also governs 62 diverse islands. While well-known islands like Udo and Marado exist, Gapado, located southwest of Jeju Island, has recently been gaining attention. Jeju Olle Trail Course 10-1 follows Gapado, allowing visitors to fully experience the charm of this small island.

Gapado, with an area of only 0.84㎢, was named because the shape of the island resembles a stingray. It is a flat island without a single hill, with its highest point only 20 meters above sea level, making it known as the lowest inhabited island in Korea. In contrast, Jeju Island has Hallasan, the highest mountain in South Korea, standing at 1,947 meters above sea level, so it is unique that the highest and lowest islands coexist. Especially in spring, the vast fields of blue barley create a spectacular view.

Since Gapado, the stage for Course 10-1, is a small island, the course length is relatively short at 4.2 km. Even walking slowly, it can be fully explored in two hours, and the entire route is flat enough to be wheelchair accessible, making it a place to comfortably soothe the body and mind tired from walking the long Olle Trail. The course starts from Sangdong Port, passing through Naetgolchaengi, Gapado Elementary School, Gaeumjuri Cape, and Keunongjinmul, ending at Gapachian Center.

Starting from Sangdong Port and heading west to Naetgolchaengi, the path follows the west coast of Gapado, allowing visitors to enjoy the sea. Naetgolchaengi refers to a small ditch or groove in a path or mountain valley, and specifically, it means the place where the ditch water flows into and meets the sea.

Afterward, the route turns northeast again, crossing through the center of Gapado, including Gapacho and Gapado Telephone Office, until reaching Somang Observatory. As the highest point on Gapado, it is designed to offer a panoramic view of the entire island. After reaching Gaeumjuri Cape, the course continues along the east coast, passing Keunongjinmul and ending at Gapachian Center, concluding today's course. It is good to have a meal around Gapapo Port area or return to Sangdong Port for dining.