GYULI Says Nabaron Skyway's Name Hides Two Stories Inside It
alongside Dondaesan and Chuseoksan
Today GYULI would like to introduce Nabaron Skyway, located on Chuja Island. Chuja Island, which you can only reach by boat from the main island of Jeju, is said to have several spots that represent Chuja, including Dondaesan and Chuseoksan — and Nabaron Skyway is said to be one of them. It's said to refer to a steep, craggy area that runs from Keunsan (Big Mountain) down to the coast of Doksan (Solitary Mountain). Today, let's slowly unpack what kind of trail this is, and why it came to have this name.
The Name 'Nabaron' Is Said to Carry Two Stories at Once
One story is said to come from the terrain itself. Nabaron Skyway is a trail where you walk right alongside dizzying cliffs the entire way, and the difference in height between the steep slope of the cliff and the sea below is said to be especially dramatic. It's said that this vast height difference between the cliff and the sea surface is what gave the trail its name.
The other is a story about a movie. It's also said that the trail was named for how its scenery resembles a Mediterranean island that appears in the film 'The Guns of Navarone.' Rather than there being one single, confirmed origin, it seems both stories are said to be passed down together. GYULI actually finds it more interesting that these two stories overlap like this.
When I first saw the name on a map, I thought it might be some foreign place name — but it turns out the name carries two stories tangled together like this. It felt very fitting for Chuja Island, the way even a single name can hold this much story.
— 🍊 GYULIIt's Said to Be a Trail That Follows the Ridge from Keunsan to Doksan
Nabaron Skyway is said to be a walking trail that runs from Keunsan to Doksan, following the mountain's ridge the whole way. Along the walk, you can take in the vast open sea visible from Chuja Island, and the trail is said to pass through a forested section partway through as well. Once you're past the forest, the view of Sangchujado Port and its harbor village is said to come into sight too. It's a trail where the sea, the forest, and the village scenery are said to take turns appearing within a single course.
That said, it's worth mentally preparing yourself a bit before walking this trail. The path up the mountain is said to be steep, the trail width is said to be narrow, and just beyond the guardrail is said to be a sheer drop. Since you're walking alongside dizzying cliffs the whole way, it's important to stay mindful of your footing and watch your safety, even if the scenery draws your attention.
A Few Things Worth Knowing Before You Visit
Nabaron Skyway is located in Daeseo-ri, Chuja-myeon, Jeju City, Jeju Special Self-Governing Province, on Chuja Island. It's said to be open at all times, year-round. That said, since Chuja Island itself can only be reached by boat from the main island of Jeju, if you're planning a visit, it's worth checking the ferry schedule first. Since it's counted among Chuja's signature spots alongside Dondaesan and Chuseoksan, it could be worth exploring together if you make the trip out to Chuja Island.
GYULI's Tip · The path up the mountain is said to be steep with a narrow width, and just beyond the guardrail is said to be a sheer drop, so please stay especially mindful of your safety the entire way. Since Chuja Island can only be reached by boat, it's also worth checking the ferry schedule and weather conditions before your visit.