From Oedolgae to Beophwan Port — Give Jeju Olle Route 7 a Walk

When it comes to Jeju Olle, a lot of people aren't sure which course to start with. Among them, Route 7 is said to be one of the routes most commonly introduced as representative of the entire Jeju Olle trail system. It's said to start at the Jeju Olle Travelers Center and run all the way to Wolpyeong, passing well-known spots along the Seogwipo coast like Oedolgae and Beophwan Port. With Jeju Olle made up of more than twenty numbered routes, first-timers can feel unsure where to begin, but Route 7 is said to be often mentioned as a good starting course, since it's said to start close to downtown Seogwipo and keep the sea in view for a long stretch. Today GYULI will go through what kind of route Olle Route 7 is said to be. That said, I'll be careful not to confidently pin down the exact total distance, how long it takes to finish, or the difficulty level, so I'll stick to passing along what's said about it as honestly as I can.

From the Travelers Center to Wolpyeong — what the route looks like

Olle Route 7 is said to begin at the Jeju Olle Travelers Center. Being close to downtown Seogwipo, it's often described as easy to access, and not long after starting, the route is said to lead toward Oedolgae. Oedolgae is a well-known rock standing alone in the sea, and many reviews mention people reaching for their cameras when they pass this section. From there, the route is said to follow the Seogwipo coastline and pass Beophwan Port, and there's word that you may run into haenyeo divers working near this port. The endpoint is usually described as a spot called Wolpyeong, 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 hugs the Seogwipo coast for a long stretch, and that it's a route whose name comes up especially often among all the Jeju Olle courses.

🍊 More Photos, via GYULI

A path that keeps the sea close for a long stretch

The biggest draw of Olle Route 7 is, unsurprisingly, how long it keeps the sea right beside you. Other courses are said to cross mid-mountain areas or oreum, but Route 7 is said to spend an especially large share of its distance along the coastline. Reviews often mention losing track of time listening to waves break against the rocks while walking. That said, the exact total distance and how long it takes to finish are said to vary depending on your pace and where you stop to rest, so I can't confidently claim that a given amount of time will be enough. Some people are said to walk just part of the route and turn back, while others clear out a whole day to walk it start to finish, so it's best to pick your section based on your own stamina and that day's schedule. Being a coastal stretch, there's word that shade can be scarce and the heat intense in summer, and that the course can feel harder on days with strong sea winds. Comfortable walking shoes, plenty of water, and a hat are worth bringing.

Why it's often recommended

One reason Olle Route 7 is said to come up so often among Jeju Olle courses is that it's known for combining accessibility with scenery. Being able to start not far from downtown Seogwipo, and naturally passing well-known spots like Oedolgae and Beophwan Port along the way, is said to make it feel less intimidating even for first-timers. That said, the difficulty is also said to vary depending on the section and your condition that day, so it's safer to treat it as a reference rather than assuming it's an easy course. Restrooms and other facilities are said to be available at the Travelers Center where it starts and in villages along the way, but since the coastal stretch runs long, facilities are said to be sparse in some sections, so it's worth preparing ahead. Many reviews 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. Whether walking alone, with family, or with friends, it's described as a course each person can walk at their own pace, so it's said to be a comfortable pick even for those just starting out on Jeju Olle.

🍊 Real Photos, via GYULI