Far Beyond Udo and Gapado, Circle Chujado Island on Olle Route 18-1
an island floating far out in Jeju's northern sea, Chujado
Among Jeju's Olle routes, there are said to be a few that don't stay on the main island at all, requiring a boat ride over to a separate island to walk. GYULI has already introduced two such island routes, Udo and Gapado, but the route introduced today is said to be a different kind of place altogether. Olle Route 18-1 is said to circle Chujado, an island far out in the sea to the north of Jeju's main island. Unlike Udo and Gapado, which are introduced as islands you can reach by a quick boat ride close to the main island, Chujado is said to be a far more distant island, requiring a considerably longer boat ride from Jeju Port. Perhaps because of that, even among those aiming to complete the full Olle trail, the Chujado course is said to be mentioned as a place you need to deliberately set aside time for. Exactly how long the boat ride takes or what it costs is said to vary by season and sailing, so GYULI will be careful not to state that definitively here. Today I'll focus on what kind of place this Chujado Olle Route 18-1 is said to be, and how it differs from Udo and Gapado.
Chujado, an island far from the main island — where exactly is it?
Chujado is said to administratively belong to Chuja-myeon, Jeju-si. In terms of location, it's said to float roughly in the middle of the sea between Jeju and the mainland, actually closer to Wando or Haenam in South Jeolla Province than to Jeju's main island. Because of that, rather than being introduced as an island you can 'pop over to' during a Jeju trip the way Udo or Gapado might be, it's often described as a separate destination in its own right, one that calls for setting aside a full day or even an overnight stay. Though it goes by the single name Chujado, it's said to actually consist of two larger islands, Sangchuja-do and Hachuja-do, connected by a bridge, along with a scattering of smaller islands gathered around them. Olle Route 18-1 is said to be structured around crossing that bridge between Sangchuja-do and Hachuja-do while making a large loop around the islands, and because the course is long, many walkers are said to split it across two days with an overnight stay rather than finishing it all in one.
Unlike Udo and Gapado, a hilly island path
While Udo and Gapado are generally introduced as running along flat, level paths, Olle Route 18-1 on Chujado is said to have a fair amount of uphill and downhill along the way. With several peaks of various sizes scattered across the island, walkers are said to often encounter steep, mountain-trail-like stretches partway through. Climbing the peak known as Bonggeulle-san in particular is said to reveal a sweeping view of the many small islands scattered around Chujado, and this archipelago view is said to be frequently cited as the highlight of the Chujado Olle course. There are also said to be stretches that pass a hillside lighthouse and narrow fishing-village alleys, making for a course that feels quite different from Udo's breezy coastal cycling path or Gapado's wide-open green barley fields. Given how often the course is described as physically demanding, those expecting a flat island stroll might find it tougher than anticipated, so it's worth keeping that in mind.
Not Udo, not Gapado — a distant island reached only after a much longer boat ride is said to float in Jeju's northern sea.
— 🍊 GYULIA corvina fishing village, a lighthouse, and stories passed down on Chujado
Chujado is said to have long been known as a fishing village famous for catching corvina. The yellow corvina caught in these waters in particular is said to be well-regarded enough to be called by its own name, 'Chujado gulbi,' and even today the island's harbors are said to show scenes of fishing boats and nets being mended. There's also said to be a story passed down on the island connected to General Choi Yeong, though GYULI can't vouch for the exact historical details — it's said to be a tale handed down among island residents for generations, so it might be worth keeping an eye out for a related sign while walking. Standing on the hill where the lighthouse stands is said to let you take in the surrounding sea and islands for as long as you like, and the laid-back atmosphere unique to a quiet fishing island, neither the mainland nor the Jeju most people picture, is said to be cited often as this course's biggest charm. Where Udo and Gapado carry a strong impression of being crowded with tourists, Chujado is said to still be introduced, in many cases, as a quieter, more modest island — so if crowded island trips have felt like a lot, this one might actually suit you better.
GYULI's Tip · Since Chujado is a distant island reached only after a long boat ride, it's worth double-checking whether ferries are running and the exact schedule before you go. Boats are also said to be canceled depending on weather and wave conditions, so it's best to build some slack into your plans. The course is said to have a fair number of uphill stretches, so comfortable shoes and pacing yourself are worth preparing for in advance. Since the course is long enough that finishing it in a single day can be said to feel tight, it's worth considering an overnight stay if needed.