Slow travel is in vogue—take a spring stroll in Jeju!

▲The emergence of the Jeju Olle Trails has greatly transformed the travel style of Jeju Island. By walking, you can deeply appreciate the beauty of Jeju’s mountains and seas. (Photo / Jeju Tourism Organization)

Tourism Center / Comprehensive Report

When traveling in Jeju Island, South Korea, “Olle” is probably the most frequently heard word. In the Jeju dialect, “Olle (Olle)” refers to the narrow alleys and lanes that lead from the main road to one’s doorstep. It’s not only a pathway connecting hidden homes to open spaces but also a road leading to a broader world. If you connect all these “Olles,” it means Jeju is connected to every corner of the world.

The Olle Trails — The World’s Most Beautiful Path of Peace
The creation of the Jeju Olle Trails was initiated by a woman with a journalism background. Ms. Seo Myeong-sook, then the editor-in-chief of a current affairs weekly magazine, had reached the peak of her career after 25 years in the news industry. Exhausted and in dire need of rest, she traveled to Europe and completed the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage in October 2006.

Guided by the belief of “making life better for locals,” upon returning to her hometown of Jeju Island, she resolved to create a hiking trail loved by walkers around the globe. Since the opening of the first Olle Trail route in September 2007, and through years of development, there are now as many as 26 Olle routes across Jeju Island, spanning a total of 422 kilometers, connecting some of the most beautiful paths.

26 Routes — Changing the Way People Travel in Jeju
The introduction of the Jeju Olle has significantly transformed the island's travel style. In the past, popular sightseeing spots that were mostly accessed by car are now increasingly enjoyed on foot via the Olle Trails, allowing visitors to deeply savor the beauty of Jeju’s mountains and seas. These 26 routes link together crystal-clear seas, forests, fields, hillsides, and small villages, offering travelers a variety of enjoyable nature experiences. Among the most popular are Route 1, which lets you enjoy views of Seongsan Ilchulbong—one of the New7Wonders of Nature—and the vast blue ocean; Route 4, which offers the pleasure of coastal drives and mountain hikes; and Route 6, where you can try rafting, forest walks, and take in the scenery of Dindang Rock Coast—all highly sought-after hiking routes.

Slow Down — Play and Rest Along the Way
The charm of the Olle Trails lies in their lack of fixed start or end points—you don’t have to follow a set route or pay an entrance fee. Each hiking trail takes between 2 to 7 hours. Just bring drinking water, food, and your guidebook, wear comfortable sneakers and a long-sleeved top, break away from the rushed pace of daily life, and stroll or rest at your own pace, in any direction you like. You can fully enjoy the beautiful scenery and experience a fresh, healthy hiking trip in Jeju.

※ Currently, TransAsia Airways offers direct flights to Jeju, taking just 100 minutes to arrive with ease. In partnership with 12 travel agencies, packages such as the “Jeju Flight + Hotel Free & Easy 4/5 Days” and “Jeju Group Tour 4/5 Days” are available. Travelers who register and depart between February 10 and March 31, 2014, will receive a free plush toy (one per person).

For related itineraries, please contact major travel agencies such as Darong, Sanfu, Cola Tours, Pwes, Jingcheng Tianxia, Southeast Travel, Easypass, Ezfly, Lion Travel, Shinchen, Canxing, and BMW.

For more travel information, please search “Relaxed Trips to Jeju.”