We began at Gueom-ri, where Route 15 wrapped up and the salty scent of the ocean welcomed us back like an old friend. The sun was already warm as we walked out of the village and onto the open coastal path. The terrain felt soft under our boots, and the sky looked unusually clear — the kind that makes you want to walk just a little farther than planned.
The sea was right there, deep blue and breezy, with basalt rock formations lining the coast like ancient sculptures. The trail meandered through fishing villages and palm-lined roads, where dogs lounged in the sun and orange crates stacked beside gates whispered that harvest season wasn’t far behind.
Midway through, we entered Aewol, one of Jeju’s most photogenic coastal neighborhoods. The mood shifted here — suddenly, we were walking past sleek glass-fronted cafés, seaside brunch spots, and couples in coordinated outfits posing against the view. We laughed a little, sweaty and dusty from the trail, and ducked into a casual spot for a quick iced Hallabong drink and a bathroom break. Trail life meets café life — that’s the Aewol blend.
Then came the highlight: the Handam Coastal Walk (한담해변 산책로) — a wooden path clinging to black volcanic cliffs, with waves crashing below and wind tugging at our hats. We slowed down here. Everyone does. It’s too beautiful not to. Jeju’s west coast isn’t wild and towering — it’s smooth, intimate, and rhythmic, like a lullaby you didn’t know you missed.
But Route 16 wasn’t done impressing us yet. The farther we walked, the quieter it got. No more cafés. Just raw coastline and the distant hum of fishing boats. And that’s when the idea hit us.