Jeju Island rests like an emerald in the ocean surrounding South Korea’s southernmost coast, where volcanic summits converge with white sandy beaches and primeval forests tell tales of days gone by. This island paradise boasts some of Asia’s most spectacular hiking trails, which twist and turn through bamboo forests, crater lakes, and more.
The island’s singular geography makes for a hiking heaven where each trail promises another stunning view. Whether you’re pursuing sunrises from volcanic summits or tranquil strolls along dramatic shores, Jeju’s trail system offers almost mystical experiences.
These are 16 trails that capture the island’s most enchanting vistas.
Seongpanak Trail
Often called the ‘gentle giant’ route, up Hallasan, this 6.2-mile trail offers a more gradual ascent through some of the island’s most diverse ecosystems. You’ll walk through temperate forests that transform into alpine vegetation as you climb higher.
The trail’s highlight comes about halfway up, where the trees part to reveal stunning views of Jeju’s eastern coastline stretching toward the horizon.
Gwaneumsa Trail
This steep and wild path up Hallasan’s northern face feels like stepping into a Korean fairy tale. Ancient temples dot the route, and the trail passes through dense forests where the sound of temple bells mingles with birdsong.
The views from the upper sections showcase Jeju’s rugged interior, with rolling hills that look like green velvet draped over the landscape.
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Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak Trail
Rising from the sea like a giant’s castle, this UNESCO World Heritage volcanic crater offers one of the unique hiking experiences in Korea. The 30-minute climb to the rim might be short, yet the 360-degree views from the top are unforgettable.
Sunrise here is legendary — locals say watching the sun emerge from the ocean while standing on this ancient crater rim is like witnessing the birth of the world.
Udo Island Coastal Trail
A short ferry ride from Jeju takes you to this smaller island where a coastal trail circles most of the landmass. The walk feels like exploring a secret world, with coral beaches, lighthouse views, and rolling green hills that drop dramatically into the sea.
The pace here is wonderfully slow, matching the rhythm of island life where time seems to move differently.
Bijarim Forest Trail
This enchanting walk through Korea’s largest nutmeg forest creates an almost mystical atmosphere. Thousand-year-old trees form a natural cathedral overhead, filtering sunlight into dancing patterns on the forest floor.
The trail’s gentle nature makes it perfect for contemplative walks, while the ancient energy of these trees is almost palpable.
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Camellia Hill Trail
During blooming season, this trail through Jeju’s premier camellia garden transforms into an explosion of color that seems almost too vibrant to be real. The carefully maintained paths wind through over 6,000 camellia trees representing 500 different varieties.
The views here are intimate rather than sweeping, focusing on the intricate beauty of individual blooms against the backdrop of Jeju’s rolling hills.
Yongmeori Coast Trail
This dramatic coastal walk takes you along some of the most sculptural cliffside scenery in Korea. Wind and waves have carved the volcanic rock into formations that look like abstract art, creating a landscape that changes with every shift in light.
The trail ends at a viewpoint where you can watch waves crash against these ancient formations with the power of thunder.
Jusangjeolli Cliff Trail
The short but spectacular walk along these hexagonal rock columns feels like discovering a natural wonder that belongs in a geology textbook. These perfectly formed basalt pillars rise from the sea like a giant’s organ pipes, created by volcanic activity millions of years ago.
The viewing platforms offer perfect photo opportunities of this geometric marvel against the endless blue ocean.
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Seopjikoji Trail
This gentle coastal path showcases some of Jeju’s most romantic scenery, with rolling hills covered in canola flowers meeting dramatic sea cliffs. The trail gained fame as a filming location for Korean dramas, though walking here feels like stepping into a movie scene.
The lighthouse at the trail’s end provides sweeping views of the island’s southeastern coast.
Cheonjeyeon Falls Trail
The trail to these three-tiered waterfalls takes you through a subtropical paradise that feels transported from a much more tropical latitude. Each of the three falls offers different perspectives and photo opportunities, with the final cascade plunging into a pool surrounded by rare plants.
The bridge crossings provide dramatic viewpoints of the falls from multiple angles.
Spirited Garden Trail
This walk through Jeju’s most artistic landscape garden showcases how human creativity can enhance natural beauty. Carefully placed bonsai trees and sculpted landscapes create views that change with every step, like walking through a living painting.
The garden’s design incorporates Jeju’s volcanic rocks into artistic compositions that highlight the island’s natural materials in a carefully curated setting.
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Gimnyeong Maze Park Trail
While the maze itself is the main attraction, the trail around its perimeter offers surprising views of Jeju’s northern coast. The elevated sections provide a bird’s-eye view of the intricate maze pattern below, while the coastal sections showcase the island’s rugged shoreline.
It’s a playful hiking experience that combines puzzle-solving with sightseeing.
Olle Trail Route 21
This challenging route tackles some of Jeju’s most remote and wild terrain along the island’s northern coast. The trail passes through areas where few tourists venture, offering authentic glimpses of Jeju’s untouched natural beauty.
Coastal sections provide views of sea stacks and hidden coves that feel like personal discoveries.
Geomunoreum Lava Tube Trail
The surface trail above this UNESCO World Heritage lava tube system offers a unique perspective on Jeju’s volcanic landscape. The walk takes you across terrain that clearly shows the island’s fiery origins, with hardened lava flows creating an almost lunar landscape.
Views from the higher sections reveal the full scope of this ancient volcanic activity.
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Olle Trail Route 14
This trek along Jeju’s western coast provides some of the island’s most dramatic sunset viewing opportunities. The trail passes through traditional villages where stone walls and persimmon trees create quintessentially Korean rural scenes.
Coastal sections offer views of offshore islands that seem to float on the horizon like distant dreams.
Hallim Park Trail
The trail through this botanical wonderland showcases Jeju’s diverse plant life in a thoughtfully designed setting. Themed gardens transition seamlessly into one another, creating constantly changing views that highlight different aspects of the island’s natural beauty.
The palm tree sections provide a tropical feel that contrasts beautifully with Jeju’s volcanic landscape.
Where Ancient Paths Meet Modern Wanderers
These trails represent more than just hiking routes — they’re pathways into Jeju’s soul, where volcanic forces shaped landscapes that still inspire awe thousands of years later. Each path tells a story of how nature and culture have intertwined on this remarkable island, creating experiences that feel both timeless and immediate.
The ancient stone paths that local villagers once used to traverse their island now welcome travelers from around the world, proving that some forms of beauty transcend all cultural boundaries. Walking these trails connects you not just to stunning views, but to the enduring human desire to explore and discover the extraordinary in our natural world.
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