Jejuolle Trail with Walking Mate
Over the last couple of years, I’ve had the opportunity to hike the Haeparang Dulle Trail with KTO, and I absolutely loved it. (You can read about it here and here!) If you’d told me 20, 15, or even 10 years ago that hiking would become one of my favorite hobbies, I would have definitely laughed. Yet, here I am.
Much like the Dulle Trail, Jeju Olle Trail has its own famous network of coastal and inland routes that wind all around the island. Each “Olle” trail tells a slightly different story of Jeju—from quiet seaside villages to dramatic cliffs and forest paths.
I had one day to myself on our trip to Jeju-do for spring break, and instead of hiking Hallasan, I decided to spend my Saturday walking Route 6 by joining the Walking Mate Program.
What is the Walking Mate Program?
The Walking Mate Program is a free foreign-language trail guide service offered by the Jeju Olle Foundation. It takes place every Saturday (route 6) and Sunday (route 18) at 9:30 AM and pairs participants with local guides to enhance their experience of Jeju’s stunning landscapes.
The program helps visitors better understand the island's history, culture, and natural beauty while offering a more personal and educational experience. Guides are available in English, Chinese, and Korean, making it accessible to a broad range of visitors.
In fact, my Saturday morning group was five women—three from Beijing, one from Singapore, and me. It immediately felt less like a tour and more like a shared experience.
The Jeju Olle Foundation also offers a daily “Guided Walk (Aka-jabong)” program led by local volunteers, but this version is conducted only in Korean and rotates between different routes. If you're interested, it’s worth checking the schedule in advance to find a walk that fits your itinerary.
If you're interested, be sure to check the program calendar to find a walk that works for you. You can find the links to sign up for any of these tours on the official Jeju Olle Trail website.
My Trail Experience: Route 6
Jejuolle trail route 6 map from Soesokkak - Jeju Olle Tourist Center Olle
Our morning started with a 9:30 AM meeting, but the energy felt more like the beginning of a casual weekend outing than a structured tour.
After quick introductions, we set off at an easy pace with no rush, no pressure. It’s not about speed or distance, it’s about being present.
Route 6 quickly pulled us into a mix of scenery. We started walking past a river that honestly felt like it was out of a Disney fairytale - gorgeous dark turquoise water with stunning views. One moment we were walking along quiet village roads lined with Jeju’s iconic black stone walls, and the next we were opening up to sweeping ocean views. The sound of the waves was never too far away, even when we couldn’t see the water.
What made this walk stand out wasn’t just the scenery, it was the storytelling, too. Our guide pointed out things I would have walked right past on my own like small historical markers and subtle details about daily life on the island.
We stopped often and not because we had to, but because we wanted to.
Some stops were for photos, others were for quick explanations, and a few were just to take in the view. It turned the hike into something slower and more intentional, which made it feel completely different from a typical “check-the-box” activity.
By the end of Route 6, I didn’t feel exhausted—I felt like I had experienced something. And I was still eager to continue Route 7 back to my hotel.
My Trail Experience: Route 7
Jejuolle trail route 7 map from Jeju Olle Tourist Center - Seogwipo Bus Terminal Olle (southern trail)
When I checked into my hotel the previous night, I spotted a brochure on the counter about the Secret Garde - it turned out my hotel backed directly onto Route 7 of the Olle Trail.
It felt like too perfect of an opportunity to pass up.
After finishing Route 6, I decided to continue the day by walking Route 7 back “home.” Unlike the guided experience earlier that morning, this stretch was completely solo—and it had a very different feel. Route 7 is often considered one of the most beautiful sections of the Olle Trail, and it’s easy to see why.
The coastal views here feel more dramatic, with stretches of path that hug the shoreline and open up to uninterrupted ocean.
Walking alone gave me space to move at my own rhythm. Sometimes I sped up, sometimes I slowed down, and sometimes I just stopped completely.
(And a rainstorm blew through, so I huddled under a bus stop almost deciding to give up and take public transportation the rest of the way.)
There’s something incredibly grounding about following the trail markers, knowing you’re on the right path, without needing to think too much about what comes next.
By the time I reached my hotel, it didn’t feel like I had just “gone for a walk.” It felt like I had spent the entire day fully immersed in Jeju. And I can confirm, that I felt every single one of those 20,000+ steps of the day - in a good way!
Hiking Olle Trails > Visiting Korean Beaches
Unpopular opinion: hiking Korea’s trails is better than visiting Korea’s beaches.
After this experience, I stand by it.
The Olle Trails give you something beaches often don’t—variety. You’re not just sitting in one place; you’re constantly moving through different landscapes, perspectives, and moments.
I couldn’t resist asking the guides about their favorite routes:
Sophia told me Trail 16 is her favorite, thanks to its mix of ocean views, mountain scenery, and rich Jeju history near the city.
Summer shared that Trails 6, 7, 8, and 10 are her top picks for coastal views—and after hiking Routes 6 and 7, I completely understand why.
If you're planning a trip to Jeju, I highly recommend the Walking Mate Program. It’s such a unique way to experience the Jeju Olle Trail with local insight you simply wouldn’t get on your own.
Whether you're a seasoned hiker or someone who never thought they’d enjoy walking for hours (like me), this program offers a fun, informative, and surprisingly memorable way to connect with the island.
