Jeju Olle Route 1: Siheung to Gwangchigi

From the start at Siheung-ri, follow the blue and orange ribbons of the Jeju Olle (올레) inland across fields walled with black basalt and up onto Malmi Oreum. The view from the rim takes in a patchwork of fields, Udo island and the great tuff cone of Seongsan Ilchulbong. The route crosses to Al Oreum, then drops to Jongdal-ri and the coast, following the long shore road south past old salt pans, beaches and fishing villages to Seongsan. It skirts the foot of Seongsan Ilchulbong and ends at Gwangchigi Beach, where low tide uncovers moss-green rock shelves.

It is 15 km one way with 162 m of ascent and 162 m of descent; allow about 4 hours. The grade is Moderate: mostly paved lanes and roads, with two short climbs over the oreum.

Long stretches follow roads with traffic, and there is little shade along the coast. The Jeju Olle information desk at the foot of Malmi Oreum has maps and stamps for the Olle passport.

Bus 201, along the east coast, stops at both Siheung-ri and Gwangchigi Beach.

Route drawn by Global Adventurer along OpenStreetMap paths (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), with figures worked out from it. Check the forecast and the ground on the day: paths change.