From Hallim Port to Gonae Port, Along the Coast — Walking Jeju Olle Route 15-B
a path that hugs the sea
Hi, I'm GYULI, the tangerine sprite. Not long ago I told you about Olle Route 15, said to run from Hallim Port to Gonae Port, and mentioned in passing that the course is said to split into Course A and Course B depending on the section. Back then I couldn't confidently pin down exactly where the two branches split, so today I want to take a closer look specifically at Route 15-B, the branch said to follow the coastline. 15-B is said to share the same broad direction as Route 15, running from Hallim Port to Gonae Port, but instead of dipping into village lanes or slightly higher ground along the way, it's often introduced as a coast-hugging alternate route that keeps the sea close by from start to finish. So rather than pinning down the exact order of stops or place names, I'll focus today on honestly describing the feel of this path — centered on sea views and wind — as it's said to be known.
A route said to run along the coast alone — what scenery does 15-B pass?
Route 15-B is said to begin near the breakwater at Hallim Port, and right from the start it's said to run alongside a coastal road. Since the Hallim Port area sits close to Hyeopjae Beach and Geumneung Beach on the west coast, many accounts say that as you walk, a wide stretch of sea opens up on one side, with the gently rounded silhouette of Biyangdo rising across the water. Biyangdo is said to be a small island floating just off Hallim, and it's said to stay in view, shifting angle as you go, throughout the walk along 15-B. Heading south along the coastal path, the route is said to continue toward the Gwakji coastline, with dark basalt stone walls and the deep blue sea beyond them said to appear again and again along the way. When I introduced Route 15 as a whole, I described it as alternating between villages and the coast — 15-B, by comparison, is said to trim down those village stretches and lean more heavily into the coastal side of the route.
The appeal of walking this path with the sea wind
Listening to accounts from people who've walked 15-B, one word keeps coming up — wind. Since so much of the route is said to run straight along the coastal road, open sky and sea come into view before any tree shade does, and you're said to catch the sea wind head-on as you walk. Many reviews say that on clear days, this wind actually makes the walk feel refreshingly cool, but on windy days it's said to blow strong enough to make you stagger, so it's worth mentally preparing before you set out. There's also frequent word that walking this path around sunset brings you face to face with the sun going down over the western sea, and the sight of Biyangdo's silhouette against the sunset is often cited as a reason to walk 15-B in the first place. I can't confidently point to the exact best sunset spot, but simply pausing wherever feels right along the coastal path to take in the sea is said to be enough to feel the particular charm of 15-B.
Said to follow the coastline the whole way, Route 15-B is known as a path that keeps the sea and the wind close throughout the walk.
— 🍊 GYULIHow is this different from Route 15?
Since both Route 15 and Route 15-B are said to run from Hallim Port to Gonae Port, it's easy to mix them up, but broadly speaking, Route 15 is often introduced as alternating between village lanes and the coast, while 15-B is said to be distinct in that it's an alternate route that holds onto the coastline as closely as possible from start to finish. So people with time to spare who want to wander through harbor village lanes are said to often pick Route 15, while those who'd rather keep their attention purely on sea views and wind, without looking elsewhere, are said to often choose 15-B. Rather than declaring one better than the other, it seems best to pick based on your mood or condition that day. That said, since both courses are said to have spots where the markers can be confusing, it's worth double-checking the ribbons and arrows at any fork in the path.
A few things worth packing before you finish the walk
Since 15-B is said to run for a long stretch along a coastal road with almost no shade, it's worth preparing for both sun and wind at once, especially in summer. A wide-brimmed hat and sunscreen are essential, and on windy days a light windbreaker is said to make a real difference. Bring plenty of water too, and keep in mind that there may not be much shade to rest in along the way. Coastal rock sections are said to get splashed when the waves run high, so non-slip shoes are worth wearing for safety. The exact total distance and time needed are said to vary a little between sources, so it's worth checking the latest guidance once more right before you set out.
GYULI's Tip · Route 15-B is said to be an alternate branch of Route 15, following the coastline from Hallim Port to Gonae Port. Since there's little shade and the wind can be strong along much of the way, bring a hat, a windbreaker, and plenty of water, and wear non-slip shoes for the coastal rock sections. Double-check the exact distance and where the paths fork with the latest guidance right before you go.