A Walking Journey Through Jeju: Discovering Beauty at a Slower Pace
20, Doguri-gil, Jeju-si, Jeju-do, Republic of Korea
이호테우해수욕장
There is a special kind of magic in slowing down. After experiences like running a half marathon and hiking Hallasan, I realized that the true beauty of Jeju Island is best savored one step at a time. While driving allows you to see more, walking allows you to truly feel the island—the heat of the sun, the scent of the sea, and the subtle shifts in the landscape.
My journey began with a walk from Jeju Airport toward Iho Tewoo Beach and eventually into the heart of Aewol. Covering over 30km on foot under the scorching summer sun was no easy feat, but it offered a perspective of the coastal roads and local culture that a car window simply cannot provide. This is a record of a day spent finding beauty in the slow lane.
First Steps: Jeju Airport to Iho Tewoo Beach (이호테우해수욕장)
Finding romance under the hot summer sun
Leaving the airport, I was immediately greeted by the intense heat of the Jeju sun. My first goal was a modest 5km walk to Iho Tewoo Beach (이호테우해수욕장). I stopped at a convenience store for a refreshing drink, but the heat was so powerful that even a cold can turned warm within minutes. Despite the physical challenge, the sight of airplanes descending over the clear blue sky felt incredibly romantic.
Most people recognize Iho Tewoo for its iconic horse-shaped lighthouses, but walking along the shore revealed a beautiful beach and coastal road that I hadn't fully appreciated before. The sky was impossibly clear, and the feeling of "being in Jeju" finally started to sink in as I moved past the city center and toward the open sea.
The Coastal Path: Watercolor Views and Local Flavors
Walking the bike path towards the horizon
Beyond the downtown area, the island opens up into a landscape free of tall buildings. Walking along the bike path, the clouds looked like they were part of a watercolor painting. It was a visual experience that felt completely different from the mainland. The heat was relentless, but the sheer beauty of the clouds and the shimmering water kept me moving forward.
When the exhaustion became too much, I ducked into a small roadside restaurant. The owner asked if I was walking the Olle Trail, and that simple question sparked my first real conversation in Jeju. Enjoying a warm bowl of hangover stew (haejangguk) that tasted like authentic local soul food was a highlight that made me feel like a true resident rather than just another tourist.
Arriving in Aewol: Tacos, Sunsets, and Perseverance
Reaching the limits of endurance at Gwakji Beach
By the time I reached Aewol, the sunlight reflecting off the water was nearly perfect. I had set my sights on a specific taco place on the Aewol cafe street after seeing it on YouTube. Reaching Aewol on foot gave me a deep sense of pride, though the fatigue was starting to peak. Despite being exhausted, the sight of Gwakji Beach was so stunning that I decided to push a little further along the Olle Trail.
Walking toward my accommodation, I realized I had reached my physical limit. The "Tiger House" I was looking forward to ended up being a bit more "rustic" than expected—complete with a few unexpected insect visitors—which quickly replaced my sentimentality with a bit of a reality check. However, sipping a beer alone and reflecting on the beautiful scenes I'd witnessed made the 30km journey worth every drop of sweat.
Have you ever tried exploring a vacation spot entirely on foot? Do you prefer the fast-paced convenience of a car or the slow, detailed discovery of walking the Olle Trail? If you're heading to Jeju soon, I highly recommend walking the path between Iho Tewoo and Aewol for at least an hour. Would you like to know more about the best hidden "soul food" spots along this coastal route?
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