Following the Steps from Olle 19, Walk On from Kimnyeong to Hado
a coastal walk along Jeju's east coast
If you're the type to walk the Jeju Olle routes in order, one after another, Route 20 is probably the natural next stop once you've finished Route 19. The route GYULI is introducing today is said to start in Kimnyeong, Gujwa-eup, Jeju City, and run all the way to Hado along the coast, and it's often described as a course that picks up right where the steps of Route 19 left off. In particular, this course is said to wrap up at Hado Beach, a spot GYULI already introduced separately, so today I'll focus less on Hado Beach itself and more on the journey — what kind of path you walk from Kimnyeong to reach that beach. Part of what makes the Olle trail fun, as it's often described, is completing the set routes in order, one by one. Among that larger journey, Route 20 is often introduced as a stretch that follows Jeju's east coastline for a relatively long distance, which is said to be why it comes up so often among those who want to keep the sea close for as long as possible while walking. I'll be careful not to state the exact total distance or how long it takes with full confidence, so I'll do my best to lay out what's known about it as honestly as I can.
Taking the First Steps from Kimnyeong
The starting point of Olle Route 20 is said to be Kimnyeong. Kimnyeong itself is known for scenery where dark basalt rock meets clear water, and if you've just walked Route 19, it's said that this is where you naturally retie your shoelaces and move on into Route 20. The early stretch of the course is said to begin by passing through the quiet fishing village scenery around Kimnyeong harbor, often introduced as a section where you walk taking in the boats tied at the dock, the breakwater, and the sea stretching out beyond it. This area is said to have a different feel from the busier, more famous beaches, showing instead a place where the daily life of villagers and the sea meet naturally. Since the course runs right along the coastline from the very start, having the wide-open sea beside you almost as soon as you begin walking is often cited as one of its defining features. That said, the condition of the coastal path is said to vary by season and weather, so it's worth checking the latest information once more before you go.
The Scenery Along the Coastal Walk
As you move on from Kimnyeong toward Hado, a scenery distinct to Jeju's east coast is said to continue unfolding. Dark basalt rocks along the shore and emerald-colored sea are said to alternate one after another, and the wind turbines lined up along the coast are often mentioned as adding an exotic feel unique to this area. Along the way, the course is said to pass through well-known villages like Woljeong-ri and Sehwa, and reviews mention that each village shows a slightly different shade of sea and atmosphere, which is often cited as the reason there's said to be little chance of boredom throughout the walk. That said, exactly which village comes in what order, and how long each stretch runs, is said to vary depending on how the course is maintained and marked, so please take this as a general reference. Some stretches are said to run alongside the coastal road, while others veer slightly away from the road to hug the sea more closely, and there's said to be a lot to say about discovering scenery on foot that you'd never notice passing by in a car.
Steps that begin in Kimnyeong are said to pass dark shoreline rocks and wind turbines on their way to Hado — somewhere along that stretch, you might just meet the true face of Jeju's east coast.
— 🍊 GYULIWhere the Path Ends in Hado, and What to Know Before You Go
This continuing walk is said to eventually wrap up in Hado. More precisely, the course is said to end at Hado Beach, a spot GYULI already introduced separately, so since that story has already been told, today's piece focuses on wrapping up the journey that leads there. The first thing worth preparing for Route 20 is said to be shade, or the lack of it, since it's a course that spends a long stretch along the coast. It's worth bringing a hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water in advance. The exact total distance and time it takes are said to vary depending on your pace and how much you stop to rest, so please understand that I can't confidently pin down a set amount of time as enough. That said, since most of the course is said to run flat along the coastline, it's often introduced as a course that's relatively comfortable even for those who find uphill stretches difficult. Small harbors and fishing villages are said to sit along the way from Kimnyeong to Hado, so finding a spot to rest partway through shouldn't be too hard, according to some accounts. If you're planning to walk straight through from Route 19 into Route 20, it's worth giving yourself a comfortably paced schedule for the whole trip.
GYULI's Tip · Olle Route 20 runs a long stretch along the coast from Kimnyeong to Hado Beach, and shade is said to be limited, so be sure to bring a hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water. It's safer to check the exact distance, timing, and course guidance against the latest information before you go.