From Onpyeong to Pyoseon — Walk Jeju Olle Route 3-A Through the Midlands

Last time, GYULI introduced Jeju Olle Route 2, a path said to run from Gwangchigi Beach to Onpyeong Port. Today, starting from that same Onpyeong Port, GYULI will break down Olle Route 3, said to run all the way to Pyoseon. Unlike the other routes, though, Route 3 is said to split into two separate paths rather than staying as one: a coastal path and a midland path, known respectively as Route 3-B and Route 3-A. This time, GYULI will introduce Route 3-A first, the one said to run through midland villages and farm paths, and save the coastal Route 3-B for a separate piece later on. Since both routes are said to start at the same Onpyeong Port and meet again at Pyoseon, which one to walk first is worth choosing based on how you're feeling that day or what kind of scenery you're in the mood for. Once again, I'll be careful not to confidently pin down the exact total distance or how long it takes to finish, so I'll stick to passing along what's said about it as honestly as I can.

From Onpyeong to Pyoseon — the inland route through the midlands

Olle Route 3-A is said to begin at Onpyeong Port. Since Route 2's endpoint doubles as Route 3's starting point, those who've already walked Route 2 are said to naturally continue on from there. Once you leave the port, the route is said to turn inland into village paths rather than following the coast, passing in turn through midland villages including Sinsan-ri and Seongeup-ri. Farm paths lined with stone walls and quiet village lanes are said to alternate along the way, and instead of ocean views, the route is described as running alongside Jeju's farmland scenery and oreum. Some accounts mention passing near Seongeup Folk Village along the way, describing it as a stretch that offers a glimpse of what old Jeju villages once looked like. The endpoint is usually described as Pyoseon, though sources sometimes describe the detailed path or midpoint slightly differently, so I'll be careful not to settle on just one version. What does come up consistently, though, is that it's a course that starts at Onpyeong Port, winds through midland villages and farm paths, and finishes at Pyoseon.

Not the coast, but the midlands — what sets Route 3-A apart

What sets Olle Route 3-A apart is that it runs alongside midland villages and farm paths rather than the sea. Unlike Route 3-B, said to follow the coast from the same Onpyeong Port to the same endpoint at Pyoseon, Route 3-A is said to turn inland, running between villages and farmland instead. In place of waves and sea breeze, reviews often mention walking past seasonal crops beyond stone-walled fields and the ridgelines of oreum in the distance, and passing through villages is said to offer the fun of taking in Jeju's stone walls and lanes at a slower pace. Some accounts say there's relatively more shade along this route than the coastal one, which is said to make it the preferred choice for some on days with strong sun. That said, the exact total distance and how long it takes to finish are again said to vary depending on your pace and how long you linger along the way, so I can't confidently claim that a given amount of time will be enough. The midland stretch is said to have some distance between villages, so bringing water and snacks ahead of time is worth doing.

Where it splits from Route 3-B — and why it's worth a look anyway

The fact that Olle Route 3 splits into two at Onpyeong Port is said to be a frequent talking point among those who walk it. While Route 3-A runs through midland villages and farm paths, Route 3-B is said to follow the coast, so the two are described as showing entirely different scenery despite sharing the same start and end points. Some walkers with time to spare are said to split the two across separate days, walking Route 3-A one day and Route 3-B another to see both faces of the route. That said, villages along Route 3-A are said to be spaced a bit further apart than along the coastal path, so facilities are mainly described as available around Onpyeong Port, near Seongeup Folk Village, and around Pyoseon. Some reviews mention that restrooms or shops can be hard to find partway through, so it's worth preparing ahead. Many say the Olle Trail's ribbon and arrow markers make it unlikely to lose your way, but for the exact route or any recent detours, checking the latest official guide before you go is said to be the surest bet. If you're drawn to coastal scenery, Route 3-B is worth a look too, but for those who'd rather take a slow walk through quiet village lanes and farm paths, Route 3-A is the one GYULI would recommend first.

🍊 Real Photos, via GYULI