The Badang Olle continues past Yakcheonsa (Temple), the largest temple in the Orient, Beritnae Oreum, Jungmun Beach, Yerae Ecological Park, and Yeolli coastal road. It is a pity the route’s midpoint sit right inside Jungmun Tourist Complex, but the first and second half are both excellent.
Jeju Olle Tourist Center serves as both the official headquarters and a convenient information point for hikers.
We’ve been planning and preparing for this moment with excitement and care ever since we arrived on Jeju Island. This trek is one of our biggest goals here. After failing to summit Mt. Hallasan via its two main trails during the winter—due to continuous closures and severe weather—we became even more determined not to fail this time.
Just imagine experiencing the entire island of Jeju on foot. Through this journey, we hope to absorb the island’s culture, connect with locals, taste Jeju’s unique dishes, and see every inch of its landscape with our own eyes.
Before diving into our journey, here’s a short introduction to the Jeju Olle Trail Challenge.
“We Walk” — the official tagline of the Jeju Olle Trail
The Jeju Olle Trail is a stunning network of long-distance footpaths that encircle Jeju Island, Korea’s volcanic jewel. The trail system was founded in 2007 by Suh Myung-suk, a former journalist who was inspired after walking Spain’s famous Camino de Santiago. Upon returning to Korea, she and a team of volunteers restored forgotten paths, linking old village alleys, coastal roads, forests, and farmlands to create a walking journey that celebrates both nature and community.
Today, the Olle Trail spans 27 routes—including 21 main trails, 6 sub-routes, and one spur trail near the airport—covering approximately 430 to 437 kilometers in total. Each route typically ranges from 10 to 18 kilometers, taking anywhere from 4 to 8 hours to complete, depending on terrain and pace. Some trails are manageable in half a day, while others offer a full-day hiking adventure. Completing all the routes is a fulfilling way to witness Jeju’s varied and captivating landscapes.
Now, let us begin sharing our beautiful journey on Route 8…
Jeju Olle Trail Map Route 8
Since we live near Route 8, it made sense to start there. We took a bus to Wolpyeong Awenangmok Rest Area, the official starting point of this trail.
Looks like this little guy wants to join the adventure. Well then—come along, mate!
This familiar trail is where we start our morning walks every day. It’s not part of the Olle Trail, but today we’re passing through for an important reason.
That important reason? A McDonald’s breakfast. We can’t start the day without our coffee and pancakes.
As we made our way to the bus station, we stopped briefly at Cheonjeyeon Bridge to see if the waterfalls had started flowing yet. Though the falls weren’t fully active, the spot still held its quiet charm.
Off we go, on our way to Wolpyeong Awenangmok Rest Area.
We stepped off the bus onto unfamiliar ground. Most of the cherry blossoms were gone, but in a few spots, some petals were still hanging on.
Kicking things off with that first stamp stop.
We started a bit later than planned because we had to wait for McDonald’s to open for breakfast. We arrived at the rest area at 10:18 AM, snapped some souvenir photos to mark the beginning of our challenge, got our first Olle Trail passport stamp, and officially began the trek at 10:30 AM.
Wolpyeong Awenangmok Rest Area marks the beginning of Route 8.
Our first official stamp on the Jeju Olle Trail passport.
Day one, trail one—let’s do this.
The trail opened with a walk through a quiet village, instantly evoking that nostalgic, countryside feeling.
Spotted a mini farm tractor on the trail—we’ve always wanted to ride one of these!
They say bananas can grow in Jeju—and we found some! They’re not native and not common in the wild, but you’ll see them in greenhouses, especially around the milder southern areas like Seogwipo.
No traffic, no noise—just countryside peace under the blazing sun.
Dam & Roo Resort in the background.
Still, despite the heat, the scenery lifted our spirits—lush farmlands, wide open green spaces, and the bright blue sky. It was exactly the kind of peacefulness we were looking for.
Yakcheonsa Temple
We soon arrived at Yakcheonsa Temple, one of the largest Buddhist temples in East Asia. It’s a popular destination for both prayer and tourism, so expect crowds. The temple complex is truly grand, and you could easily spend an hour exploring the grounds. But with a full trail ahead, we kept our visit brief.
Temple grounds of Yakcheonsa.
Yeondeung (연등) — meaning “lantern of light” — fills temple grounds every spring, especially during Buddha’s Birthday (Seokga Tansinil, 석가탄신일).
After Yakcheonsa, the trail led us past several cafés and restaurants before arriving at a rugged coastal section. This was both beautiful and brutal. If you’re not wearing proper footwear, be warned: walking over uneven basalt rocks (현무암) can be punishing. Hiking boots are strongly recommended.
Love the red post box.
Doing the Olle Trekking will not only show you polished beauty but also raw nature, which is quite fascinating if you’re a nature lover.
A simple provincial road, yet it feels so relaxing to be here.
Just collecting memories through our cameras.
We thought we’d found a café, but it turned out to be a casual restaurant — styled with Nordic minimalism and quiet warmth.
Ham Chef Kitchen offers a fusion of Korean and Western dishes. Notable menu items include their signature Jjamppong and Snow Cheese Black Pork Cutlet.
Marijoa is a specialty horse meat restaurant. They use Jeju native horse meat and are especially known for their horse meat course meals.
BRICK 216 is a popular pension choice for travelers seeking comfortable accommodations with easy access to local attractions.
☜ This way to the coastal section.
Complaints aside, the scenery here was breathtaking—waves crashing onto black volcanic rock, the vibrant colors of spring flowers, and the raw beauty of Jeju’s coast. The contrast between the pinkish-purple wildflowers and deep black rocks was pure magic.
The sound of crashing waves, gulls soaring over the sea, and spring flowers blooming beautifully on the basalt rocks along the coast — it’s a refreshing sight.
We kept spotting grandmas along Jeju’s rocky coast, carefully searching between the basalt stones. Some are retired haenyeos, no longer diving but still gathering sea snails, shellfish, and seaweed by hand. It’s a quiet rhythm of island life — holding onto traditions before they fade.
Back when we lived in Seoul, scenes like this only existed in daydreams — yachts gliding across calm waters. Now, it’s become an ordinary part of our everyday view — quietly beautiful, no longer distant, just part of life by the coast in Jeju.
We spotted some people fishing along the coast. Fishing is something we truly hope to try someday — though we know that day is still far off.
Wild beauty of Jeju’s rugged coastline.
Leaving the coast, the trail curved back inland through another village. We took a break at a nearby 7-Eleven, cooling off with drinks. Right next to it was a field of blooming canola flowers, perfect for a quick photo session. A little further along, we reached Daepo Port, a lively spot with boat rides, seafood restaurants, and more cafés.
This area is truly stunning, but with the sun still behind us, the background is washed out and the photos come out dark. We’ll definitely return another day—most likely to catch the golden glow of sunset.
After spending a long time by the coast, it’s time to continue our journey and walk forward to the next path.
Found a 7-Eleven on the way — just in time, ‘cause we were dying for some cold cola.
There is a beautiful canola flower field near 7-Eleven, making it a perfect spot for a quick visit or photos.
Reached Daepo Port—a modest little harbor that has a lot to offer.
☞ At Daepo Port, you’ll find plenty of large cafés and local diners—a perfect spot to grab a bite and recharge when you’re hungry during your trek.
Did you know you can rent a fishing boat at Daepo Port? There are fishing boats available in the port—you just need to ask. The locals will take you out to a nearby fishing spot where you can try catching your own fish. You can have your fresh catch prepared and enjoy it right by the sea—a true ocean-to-table experience.
Daepo Port isn’t just for fishing—you can also enjoy water sports like yacht tours, jet boat rides, and more. It’s a fun way to add some excitement to your Jeju stay!
Daepo Port also offers beautiful scenery—making this harbor a must-visit spot when you’re in Jeju.
Again, we’re rolling past these hidden peaceful spots, just a short distance from the soothing sound of the sea.
Passing by an orange orchard.
Within this orange orchard, there’s a small house—probably belonging to the owner. They sell oranges without anyone watching; you can simply leave the money in the box and take your oranges. It’s a true testament to how trustworthy and safe Korea is.
Nuva Beach entrance. Nuva Beach is a vibrant beachfront venue located in Seogwipo, Jeju Island, South Korea. Situated in Daepo-dong, it offers a unique blend of gastropub dining and lively nightlife, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists seeking a dynamic coastal experience.
Right at the entrance of Nuva Beach stands a striking statue that instantly caught my eye. It reminds me of the Raksasa or Butakala—the fierce demon guardians from Balinese and Javanese mythology. I’m not quite sure why it’s here; maybe it’s meant to ward off evil spirits or simply serves as an artistic statement. Either way, this statue adds a unique, almost mystical vibe to the place. Despite its intimidating roots, I found it surprisingly beautiful and a true piece of art.
This road is great for a scenic road trip, with blooming flowers lining the roadside.
And we are back at the coast, this time near Jungmun Beach. These beautiful pinkish-purple flowers along the Jeju coast are simply stunning.
The soft emerald-blue sea and gentle pinkish-purple flowers make Jeju’s spring feel calm and easy—just the kind of peaceful vibe you want on a perfect day.
The beautiful columnar basalt rocks along Jeju’s coast are a breathtaking natural wonder. Formed millions of years ago from cooling lava, these hexagonal pillars create striking patterns that seem almost sculpted by nature itself. Standing beside them, you can’t help but marvel at the raw power of volcanic forces that shaped this unique landscape. Jeju’s coastline wouldn’t be the same without these iconic basalt formations, which add a dramatic and unforgettable touch to the island’s natural beauty.
Eventually, we found ourselves in familiar territory—an area we often stroll through in the mornings. This stretch of the route passes by ICC Jeju (the International Convention Center) and several well-known luxury hotels.
We’re now passing through a beautiful palm-lined avenue, where tall palms sway gently in the breeze, adding a tropical charm to the journey.
Jeju Doltap, or Korean stone cairns, are those little stacks of stones you might’ve seen while hiking or walking through the countryside in Korea. They’re not just random piles—people build them to make a wish, show respect, or hope for a safe trip. Every stone added means something—like hope, thanks, or reaching a goal. Besides the spiritual side, doltap help mark trails and guide travelers along the way. These simple stone towers quietly blend nature, culture, and good intentions, turning plain rocks into something meaningful.
These traditional stone statues in Jeju are called Dol Hareubang (돌하르방), which means “stone grandfather.” These statues are iconic symbols of Jeju Island, usually carved from volcanic rock, featuring big eyes, a broad nose, and a gentle smile. They are considered guardians that protect against evil spirits and bring good luck.
By 2:00 PM, we finally arrived at Jungmun Saekdal Beach, but by that time, the heat and hours of walking had really worn us out. We were completely exhausted.
Coastal scenery from Jeju Booyoung Hotel & Resort. Jungmun Saekdal Beach is just a few meters away.
We noticed that some parts of the route pass through private properties like hotels, which gives you a great chance to explore the hotel grounds as well. Some of them are truly beautiful and incredibly photogenic.
This was probably the hardest part of the trek. We were already worn out by the time we got here, and then we saw it—the long staircase up Beritnae Oreum.
We’ve been climbing this part almost every day during our morning walks. While we were already familiar with this stretch of Olle Route 8 and could have easily skipped it, we chose to walk it anyway to complete the full route properly. It feels great to take in every step and finish what we started.
At the top deck of Beritnae Oreum, you get a wide-open view of Jeju’s green hills and the ocean stretching out beyond. For us, it was a familiar scene—the usual ocean and nearby villages—but still calm, quiet, and worth the climb.
After reaching the top deck of Beritnae Oreum, the route leads you back down to the long staircase you passed earlier. Once you reach the bottom, just turn right and follow the path. This part takes you straight to the mid-point stamp station—perfect spot for a quick break and to stamp your progress.
Just before you reach the mid-point stamp station, you’ll cross a charming little bridge over calm, shimmering waters connected to the sea. It’s a peaceful spot, perfect for pausing a moment and snapping a few photos.
There it is—the mid-point stamp station, quietly nestled beside a small gazebo. It’s a calm and cozy spot, perfect for resting your legs, enjoying a light snack, and taking in the peaceful surroundings before continuing the trek.
Olle Route 8’s mid-point stamp.
This tiny stamp says a lot: we’ve made it halfway.
We’re tired and totally spent from the trail, but of course we’re still taking a moment to snap some photos. Gotta capture this part of the journey—even if our legs are begging us to sit down!
After getting our Olle passports stamped, we finished the last of our drinks and continued our trek. Since we had eaten all the snacks we brought, we decided to look for a convenience store near the route.
Since we live around this neighborhood, we’ve walked through this area plenty of times—but we never realized there was a trail right here. Finding it was a cool surprise.
A new place emerged—a spot we didn’t know existed nearby our home until now.
As we continued along the route, we arrived at Hanghai Jinmi (항해진), a cozy seaside restaurant known for its fresh seafood and relaxing ocean views. Right next to it, you’ll find yacht and jet boat rides available.
A small park also sits in the area, featuring a few themed displays that create a playful and welcoming vibe.
We came across the convenience store we’d been searching for—grabbed some cold drinks, gimbap (김밥), and cake rolls to boost our energy once again.
Once we grabbed a snack, our energy still didn’t bounce back, and our feet got even more sore and shaky. We started to worry about the time, so, judging by how our bodies felt and our pace, we decided to stop for now and continue the next day to give ourselves proper rest.
On our way home, we traveled down this beautiful, wide road that runs right along the ocean. It was such a peaceful and refreshing way to end the day.
Recap Images
Jungmun Saekdal Beach, as seen from the Swiri Bench, stretches out with soft golden sand and waves rolling in from the turquoise sea. The bench sits on a small hill, offering a peaceful spot to take in the wide view of the coastline, with rugged cliffs and lush greenery framing the beach below.
There’s a lovely pathway that leads down to the beach from Parnas Hotel — just a short, easy walk if you’re in the mood for a swim.
A cinematic view of Jungmun Saekdal Beach, where waves gently roll onto the shore and Parnas Hotel stands prominently in the background, adding a touch of elegance to the stunning coastal scene.
Lotte Hotel Jeju is one of the top resorts in Seogwipo, offering beautiful ocean views and a wide range of amenities—including an outdoor pool, garden trails, and even a duty-free shop. With plenty of dining options on-site, the whole place feels especially magical at night when it’s all lit up.
Spring weather here can be unpredictable, so we ended up resting for two full days before resuming the trek. And we’re so glad we did.
Shortly after departing from the midpoint stamp location, we came across a wide canola flower field, with the majestic Mt. Hallasan rising in the background. It was one of those moments that stop you in your tracks—we couldn’t resist taking photo after photo of the breathtaking scene.
This section of the trail leads to Yerae Ecological Park, a place we had visited previously during cherry blossom season. This time, the landscape was lush and green, with spring waters forming small waterfalls and streams along the trail.
As we continued, we stumbled upon an eerie, half-resort, half-complex structure—abandoned and quietly deteriorating just before the coastal cliffs. Locals and hikers often refer to it as a ghost village. Reportedly, it was originally intended as part of a large multi-purpose resort with Malaysian investment, but legal disputes with local residents over its intended use brought the construction to a halt. What remains now is a haunting, unfinished site—rows of skeletal buildings, rusting rebar, and empty corridors slowly succumbing to nature. Though unmapped and unofficial, its unsettling appearance makes it impossible to miss along Route 8.
From there, we entered the breathtaking Yeolli Coastal Road. This stretch is well-known as a scenic driving route, but experiencing it on foot? Even better. Ocean views stretched endlessly beside us, and quaint cafés offered resting spots with a view. The mood here was so distinctly Jeju.
And then—just when we thought it couldn’t get better—we caught a glimpse of Baksugijeong (박수기정), a stunning coastal cliff about 100 meters high, famous for its dramatic vertical basalt columns. The name combines “박수” (baksu), meaning spring water, and “기정” (gijeong), meaning cliff, referring to the clean spring water that flows directly from the cliffside. This area is especially popular at sunset, when golden light floods the sea and stone. It’s best viewed from Daepyeong Port, where you can take in its full grandeur.
Near the end of the trail, we passed Hotel Napoli, a photogenic, Santorini-inspired hotel, before finally arriving at the Route 8 endpoint stamp at 2:46 PM.
We did it—our first Olle Trail is complete.
This experience taught us a lot. Next time, we’ll start earlier and pace ourselves better. Taking too many unnecessary breaks or photos can stretch out your trek and sap your energy. If you’re on a tight schedule, try to limit scenic stops to 10–15 minutes. But if time isn’t an issue, feel free to savor every step slowly.
For now, we celebrate finishing Route 8 and look forward to the next trail on our list.
