A travel style you can’t afford to miss: 26 Jeju Olle Trails

▲ The “Olle Trails” have gained popularity in Jeju, South Korea in recent years, promoting hiking as a way to discover the island. Pictured is the sign for Olle Route 6. (Photo / Reporter Chen Ziying)

Reporter Chen Ziying / Comprehensive Report

Jeju is known as the honeymoon island in South Korea, exuding a unique vibe of relaxation and nature. And the must-know way to explore Jeju is through “Olle walking,” which means taking a comfortable hike along rural paths. This walking journey connects Jeju’s seas, volcanic mountains, fields, forests, and villages—walking the Olle Trails allows you to take in the island’s stunning scenery.

 
 
▲ The Olle Trails go deep into fields, beaches, woodlands, and local homes. (Photo / Reporter Chen Ziying)


▲ The healing Olle Trails have helped some elderly people rediscover the meaning of life. (Photo / Reporter Chen Ziying)

Read more>>>Elderly man reignites hope for life: The most healing travel style on Jeju’s “Olle” Trails

The term “Olle,” translated from the Jeju dialect, means “a path from your doorstep to the main road.” It conveys the enthusiasm for hiking and the beauty of slow living. The 21 Olle trails that encircle Jeju Island and the 5 additional routes that pass through nearby islands and woodlands make up a total of 26 trails spanning 425 kilometers. According to the Korea Tourism Organization, an average of 3,000 domestic and international travelers visit daily to hike their favorite Olle routes. Along the way, besides enjoying beautiful scenery, visitors can also watch art performances, experience carrying water buckets, walk along circular stone walls, and explore other traditional Jeju cultural activities. Local women’s associations prepare meals for hikers, village children perform special shows in the Jeju language, or visitors may join farming classes hosted by local youth.

The 5th “2014 Jeju Olle Hiking Festival” was held during the most ideal hiking season of autumn, from November 6 to 8, along Jeju Olle Routes 17, 18, and 19. This year’s festival, themed “Sharing the Journey Together!” aimed to provide a chance for families, friends, and colleagues who are usually busy and rarely get together to share meaningful moments. Participants included hiking groups from South Korea, Japan, China, Singapore, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan. For detailed event information, please visit the Jeju Olle Hiking Festival website (www.ollewalking.co.kr).

 

▲ The 5th “2014 Jeju Olle Hiking Festival” was held during the most ideal hiking season of autumn, from November 6 to 8, along Jeju Olle Routes 17, 18, and 19. (Photo / Provided by the Korea Tourism Organization)