Jeju Olle, Day 19

I booked the hotel room for a few days, to base in Seogwipo for now. So today for my final stretch of Olle trail, 7 and 7-1, I am going light, leaving the backpack in the hotel.

Quiet shallow stream flowing between lush green wooded banks

At the edge of the town I grabbed a kimbap in the local place. Had to explain what “vegetarian” means by showing with my hands what I want and what I don’t want in my kimbap. And then spent a nice chill time on a bench at the mountain top enjoying my food with the view to the Hallasan peak.

Muddy track crossing green field with Hallasan peak in distance
Korean temple gate and buildings with manicured garden and blue truck

The trails are connected, so it is basically a loop route for today. I decided to go 7-1 first and then return via 7, which apparently is a reverse direction, orange arrows. But since the trail is well marked in both directions, it doesn’t really matter.

View of Hallasan through pine branches above greenhouses and forest
Steep rocky gorge walls with pond below and leaning tree
Bright pink azalea tree in full bloom in garden clearing

So for me, the trail today starts with an easy walk through the town, then going into the nearby mountains and finally returning back into the town, where it connects to the other section, that goes to the coast and follows the coastline all the way to the trail head. This coast walk is literally the same walk I started the hike three weeks ago with, just in the opposite direction.

Black volcanic rocky shoreline with small islet across hazy sea
Sea stack and coastal cliffs framed by pine branches
Turquoise cove surrounded by rugged cliffs and green foliage
Ornamental shrub with bright red leaves beside plant label
Lush green valley with small stream and bridge at dusk

All those orange gardens in this area I remember being full of fruits are now blooming. The fragrance is just mind-blowing, covering the whole streets.

Citrus orchard bushes covered in small white blossoms

Thus I’ve finished my thru-hike of Jeju Olle trail. At least the part I was legally allowed to hike (excluding Chuja islands). So after getting my final stamp I dropped by the info center for a cup of tea and to share my feedback. Surprisingly, it seems they can still issue the completion certificate in cases like mine, when people are not allowed to the islands because of visa issues. I’ll drop by here again in a day or two to pick up my certificate.