From Daepyeong Port to Hwasun, Climbing Baksugijeong on Olle Route 9

Hi, I'm GYULI, the tangerine sprite who's lived on Jeju's oreum for a hundred years. Last time I told you about Olle Route 8, the path said to run from Wolpyeong past the Daepo Jusangjeolli columnar cliffs to Daepyeong Port. Daepyeong Port is said to be where Route 8 wraps up, and today's Olle Route 9 is said to start right there at Daepyeong Port and continue on to Hwasun. Route 9 is said to be one of the shorter courses among all the Jeju Olle routes, with a total distance of around 6.7km according to many sources. That said, being short doesn't mean it's an easy walk — from early on, the course is said to climb a cliff formation called Baksugijeong. I mentioned Baksugijeong briefly when introducing Route 8 too. It's described as a massive coastal cliff said to wrap around Daepyeong village like a folding screen, and while Route 8 kept the cliff alongside you, looking up at it as you walked, Route 9 is said to climb right up onto that cliff, so the view and feel are said to be quite different. Rather than pinning down the exact height of the cliff or fine details today, I'll focus on how this path is said to connect from Daepyeong Port to Hwasun, keeping to the journey of the walk itself.

From Daepyeong Port to Hwasun — how does Route 9 connect?

Olle Route 9 is said to start at Daepyeong Port. Since it's the same spot where Route 8 arrives, the trail is said to naturally continue on with the same ribbon and arrow markers. Not long after starting, an uphill climb up Baksugijeong is said to begin right away, and reviews often mention that the early stretch is fairly steep and leaves you out of breath. Once you're up the climb, a flat stretch is said to open up wide atop the cliff, and standing there is said to give you a view looking down over Daepyeong village and the sea you just walked past. Where Route 8 had you looking up at Baksugijeong to guess at its scale, Route 9 is said to flip that — looking down from the top — so the same cliff is said to leave a completely different impression. Atop the cliff, fields bordered by stone walls are said to continue on. Depending on the season, you're said to see crops like beans or potatoes growing, and after the steep climb, this stretch is described as relatively flat farmland that's good for catching your breath.

After the farmland stretch, the route is said to turn back toward the village and head down toward Hwasun-ri. Along the way down, old pavilions or rest spots are said to appear here and there, often described as good places to sit for a moment and cool off. Getting closer to Hwasun-ri, the path is said to pass through the village's quiet alleys and low stone walls, and arriving at the endpoint, Hwasun Golden Sand Beach, a wide stretch of sand and calm sea is said to close out the course. From the early climb up and down Baksugijeong, through the farmland in the middle, to the beach at the end, packing such different scenery into a short distance is often cited as a defining feature of Route 9.

A short course with varied scenery — why Route 9 stands out

Olle Route 9 is said to be one of the shorter courses overall, but the range of scenery packed into it is said to be far from small. The climb up Baksugijeong early on is said to be physically demanding, but reviews often say the view of Daepyeong village and the sea from the top is well worth the effort. The farmland stretch that follows is often described as a chance to unwind after the climb, with the changing colors of the crops by season adding to the walk. The Hwasun Golden Sand Beach you reach at the end is said to feel even more refreshing after passing the cliff and the fields. Because it packs an uphill climb, flat farmland, a village, and a beach into such a short distance, it's often recommended as a course worth walking even on a day without much time to spare. That said, the early climbing stretch is said to get slippery in the rain, so it's worth being extra careful on wet days.

A few things worth knowing before you finish the walk

Olle Route 9 is said to be less demanding overall than some other courses given its short distance, but it's worth mentally preparing for the early climb up Baksugijeong. From where the climb begins to the flat stretch atop the cliff, the path is said to mix stairs and steep dirt trail, and comfortable shoes along with an unhurried pace are said to help. Strong winds are said to be common on the flat stretch atop the cliff, so a windbreaker is worth bringing, and with such open views, shade can be scarce and the heat intense in summer. The farmland stretch in the middle is said to have little in the way of facilities, so it's worth bringing water and snacks from Daepyeong Port or Hwasun beforehand. Near the endpoint at Hwasun Golden Sand Beach, there's word of restaurants and cafes, so resting up after finishing is said to be no trouble. Since the exact trail markings or any detours can vary by season, it's worth checking the latest guidance once more before you set out.

🍊 Real Photos, via GYULI