Ultimate Guide to Jeju Olle Trail Course 2: From Blue Seas to Sacred Mythical Waters

The journey continues: Standing at near Gwangchigi Beach, the gateway to Jeju Olle Course 2.

Hi, I'm the editor of relaxationtravel. After I finished Course 1 at Gwangchigi Beach, I stood at the threshold of Jeju Olle Course 2, where the blue markers reminded me that every end is just a new beginning.

Many of you have asked about my personal journey. To give you some context, I completed the entire 437km Jeju Olle Trail in just 17 days. This required a rigorous pace of walking about 1.5 to 2.5 courses per day. I will share my full 17-day "fast-track" itinerary and recovery tips in a separate post soon, but today, let me walk you through the peaceful and mythical beauty of Course 2.

1. My Special Tip: Perfecting Your Morning in Seongsan

Before you officially start Course 2, I want to share the "Perfect Route" based on what I actually did.

After I finished Course 1, I took a ferry to visit Course 1-1 (Udo Island) and ended my day near Seongsan Ilchulbong. The Seongsan area is packed with accommodation options, making it a great place to find budget-friendly hotels and guesthouses.

• Conquering Seongsan Ilchulbong: Interestingly, the official paths of Olle Courses 1 and 2 do not include the summit of Seongsan Ilchulbong. However, you cannot miss this iconic landmark.

• My Recommended Schedule: Stay overnight in Seongsan, watch the sunrise at Seongsan Ilchulbong the next morning, grab breakfast, and then walk to Gwangchigi Beach to begin Course 2. (Note: Since you'll start your day with a climb, be mindful of leg fatigue when you hit the ascent at Daesusandong Oreum later!)

2. The Trail Flow: A Symphony of Nature

 A scenic game of hide-and-seek with Seongsan Ilchulbong through the stone walls of Ojo-ri.

Coastal Harmony: Ojo-ri Village & Siksambong

Leaving the grandeur of Gwangchigi Beach behind, you’ll soon reach the cozy Ojo-ri Village. For me, the first half of Course 2 felt like a "game of hide-and-seek" with Seongsan Ilchulbong. Whether over stone walls or along the path to Siksambong, the peak reveals itself from different angles, keeping your eyes entertained throughout the walk.

The Highlight: Daesusandong Oreum (The Summit Stamp)

Mission accomplished! You’ll find the mid-course stamp at the summit of Daesusandong Oreum.

For international travelers, an "Oreum" (volcanic cone) is the key to understanding Jeju’s soul. Daesusandong is the defining section of Course 2. It is a natural dirt path without stairs, which can be a bit rugged and steep.

[Crucial Info] 

The mid-course stamp station is located right at the summit of Daesusandong. Reaching the stamp box just as you’re catching your breath feels like a small medal of honor. After I stamped my passport, I turned around and saw Udo Island and Seongsan Ilchulbong framed in a perfect panoramic vista. I promise you, that view alone makes the climb worth it.

A Walk Through Myth: Honinji (The Pond of Mythical Marriage)

Honinji: A mythical pond surrounded by ancient legends and lush nature.

After descending from Daesusandong and heading toward Honinji, Seongsan Ilchulbong gradually fades from view. But don't be disappointed—Honinji is a sacred site linked to Jeju’s creation myth. Legend has it that the three founding gods of Jeju (Samshinin) met three princesses here, held a wedding, and began the island's civilization.
It’s a beautifully serene Korean garden that offers a different kind of mystery compared to Western myths. It is also a famous spot for hydrangeas in early summer, so take off your backpack and enjoy the quiet storytelling of ancient Jeju.

3. Practical Logistics for Trekkers

Navigation Refresher (Quick Tip)

For those joining my journey for the first time, finding your way is easy!

• Blue Markers: Forward direction (Clockwise).

• Orange Markers: Reverse direction (Counter-clockwise).

• Follow the ribbons on trees, arrows on the ground, and the pony-shaped Ganse statues.

• For a deeper dive into gear and markers, check out my Essential Preparation Guide for Jeju Olle Trail.

Water & Supplies

Course 2 has very limited supply points in its latter half.

• Preparation: Make sure to pack at least 1.5L of water and snacks (chocolate, nuts, etc.) before leaving the Gwangchigi/Seongsan area.

• Pro Tip: If you are a vegan traveler, it might be hard to find vegan snacks in small village shops. I recommend buying your supplies at a larger mart near your accommodation before you head out.

Finish Line: Onpyeong Port & Transportation

The official end of Course 2 is the peaceful Onpyeong Port. To catch a bus back to the city, you need to walk about 10-15 minutes further into the village to the 'Onpyeong Elementary School' bus stop.

Jeju buses can have long intervals. I recommend opening Kakao Maps or Naver Map (English versions) about 20 minutes before you arrive to check real-time bus locations. This was one of my secrets to finishing all courses so quickly!

4. Final Thoughts

Course 2 is less about flashy tourist spots and more about the "inner soul" of Jeju. It’s where the peaceful daily lives of villagers, the raw energy of the Oreums, and ancient myths coexist.

The view of Seongsan Ilchulbong from the Daesusandong summit is a privilege reserved only for those who walk this path. So, tighten your laces and soak in the blue energy of Seongsan!

Previous Journey: Missed the start of the trail? Read my Ultimate Guide to Jeju Olle Course 1.