Jeju Olle Trail 2026: Which Course to Walk First, and How to Do It Without a Car
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On a Saturday morning in Seogwipo, you will see them at the bus stops: hikers with small backpacks, a stamp book in one hand and a bottle of tangerine juice in the other. They are walking the Jeju Olle Trail.
The word *olle* comes from the Jeju dialect for the narrow stone-walled lane that leads from a village road to a front gate. The trail links these lanes, beaches, cliffs and fields into one long walking route around the whole island.
You do not need to walk all of it. Most visitors walk one or two courses, and that is the best way to see Jeju without a car. This guide explains how the trail works, which course to pick first, and how to reach it by bus.
Checked on October 30, 2026. Total length and route count come from recent travel sources, which differ slightly. Check the official Jeju Olle site (jejuolle.org) for current route details and closures.
The Jeju Olle Trail at a glance
Recent sources describe about 437 km of trail in 27 routes: 21 main courses that loop around the coast, plus side routes on islets and inland. Older guides give slightly lower numbers because routes have been added over time.
Each course runs from a start point to an end point, usually 10 to 20 km. Most walkers take four to seven hours, with stops.
How to follow the trail
You do not need a map app on the trail itself. The route is marked with blue and orange ribbons tied to trees and fences, painted arrows on rocks and walls, and small wooden ganse markers shaped like a Jeju pony. Blue arrows point the main direction, orange the reverse.
When you lose the ribbons for a few minutes, go back to the last one. This happens most often in villages and near new construction.
At each start point there is a small box or stand with a stamp. If you buy an Olle passport, you can collect stamps at the start, middle and end of every course. One travel magazine listed it at 20,000 won from the trail information centers, but check the current price.
Which course to walk first
Course 7: the classic
If you only walk one, make it Course 7 in Seogwipo. It follows the south coast past Oedolgae, a lone sea stack rising from the water, then along cliffs and pebble beaches. The sea here is a deep, clear blue, and the wind smells of salt and seaweed. Guides put it at four to six hours of walking, so plan for six or seven with lunch and photos.
Course 6: the short one
Course 6 runs through Seogwipo town and past waterfalls. It is shorter and flatter, with cafes along the way. It pairs well with a visit to Cheonjiyeon Falls.
Course 10: volcano coast
Course 10 in the south-west passes Sanbangsan and the coastal cliffs around Songaksan. It is open and windy, with long views back to Hallasan.
Course 1: sunrise peak
Course 1 on the east side leads toward Seongsan Ilchulbong, the crater-shaped peak. Go early if you want quiet paths.
Course 17: close to the airport
If you have half a day before a flight, Course 17 near Jeju City runs along the sea and through town, close to the airport.
Getting there without a car
Jeju has a good bus network. From Jeju International Airport, airport limousine buses run to Seogwipo, where many of the best-known courses start. Local buses then reach most start points. Pay with T-money or a card; cash is not accepted on Jeju buses.
Check routes and live times on Naver Map or KakaoMap. Google Maps does not give full directions in Korea, and you will need mobile data for both apps on the trail. A Korea eSIM is the easiest way to get it.
A taxi from the end point of a course back to your hotel is usually not expensive, and taxi apps work on Jeju. Our taxi app guide explains Kakao T.
A 3-day plan
- Day 1: Fly in, bus to Seogwipo, walk Course 6 in the afternoon
- Day 2: Walk Course 7, the classic coast
- Day 3: Bus to Course 10 or Course 1, or hike Hallasan instead
If you are tempted by the mountain, read our Hallasan hiking guide first. The summit trails need a reservation.
Where to stay
Seogwipo is the most practical base, with many courses within a short bus ride. Jeju City works if you want the airport close. Our Seogwipo guide covers the south coast.
When to walk
Spring and autumn are the most comfortable. Summer is hot and humid, with the rainy season usually arriving in the second half of June. Winter walking is possible on the south coast, where it is milder, but the wind is strong. See our Jeju in winter guide.
Rough budget
Checklist
- Pick one or two courses, not the whole island
- Start Course 7 in the morning
- Follow the blue ribbons and arrows
- Carry water, snacks and a windproof layer
- Use T-money or a card on buses
FAQ
How long is the Jeju Olle Trail?
About 437 km in 27 routes, according to recent sources. Each course is usually 10 to 20 km.
Which Jeju Olle course is best?
Course 7 in Seogwipo is the most popular first choice for its coast and the Oedolgae sea stack. Course 6 is shorter and easier.
Do I need a guide?
No. The trail is well marked with ribbons and arrows. Just keep an eye on the markers in villages.
Is the Olle Trail free?
Yes. Walking is free. The Olle passport stamp book is optional and sold separately.
Can I walk the Olle Trail without a car?
Yes. Buses reach almost every start point, and taxis are easy for the last bit.
The short version
Do not try to walk the whole island. Take the bus to Seogwipo, walk Course 7 along the cliffs and past Oedolgae, then add Course 6 or 10 if you have time. Follow the blue ribbons, carry water and use T-money on the buses.
