[Harumanbo] Jeju Past and Present at a Glance... Olle-gil Course 17

The Jeju Olle Trail, consisting of 27 courses, allows you to fully experience the nature of Jeju. Among them, Course 17, 'Gwangryeong-Jeju Original Downtown Olle,' is designed to let you experience not only Jeju's sea and forests but also the city center. Walking along this path, you can genuinely feel how the people of Jeju lived in the past and how they live now.

Course 17 has a total length of 18.1 km and takes about 7 hours to complete. Although it is a fairly long course, the enjoyment of experiencing the contrasting charms of nature and the city makes this course, which is over 18 km, feel relatively short.

This course starts at the Gwangryeong 1-ri Office in Aewol-eup, Jeju City, which is the endpoint of Course 16. Beginning inland, Course 17 passes through Musucheon Tmeong-gil and heads toward the seaside. In Musucheon Tmeong-gil, "Tmeong" means "gap" in the Jeju dialect. In other words, it refers to a narrow path in the Musucheon area. Musucheon was sometimes named "Musu" because it lacked water, and there is a story that it helped relieve the worries of complicated human affairs. The area features spectacular scenery with jagged cliffs, small waterfalls, clear lakes, and strangely shaped rocks such as the Skull Rock that catch the eye.

After walking about 6 km from the starting point, you arrive at Oedo Woldae, which means "welcoming the moon." This place was known as a summer night retreat where Jeju residents enjoyed the surrounding scenery under the moonlight. Passing Oedo Woldae, the course heads toward the seaside. On the way to Jeju downtown, you pass by Iho Tewoo Beach, a great spot for photography. The lighthouse, designed in the shape of a Jeju pony, creates an exotic landscape.

Jeju Olle Trail Course 17. (Photo by Jeju Olle official website)

After passing Iho Tewoo Beach and walking along the coastal road, you will soon encounter airplanes flying overhead. This means you are getting closer to the city center. However, Course 17 truly begins in earnest from this point. Behind Jeju Airport along the coastal road is Yongduam Rock. It is called Dragon Head Rock because it resembles a dragon raising its head. This spot is one of the popular photo locations.

Passing Yongduam, near the end of the course, you will come across Yongyeon Cloud Bridge. It is a suspension bridge first built in 1967 and is a popular spot among tourists who enjoy night views. Afterward, you can see Jeju Mokgwana and Gwandeokjeong. Jeju Mokgwana was the highest administrative office in Jeju during the Joseon Dynasty. It is believed that major government buildings existed here since the Tamna era, and after a fire in 1434 destroyed all the buildings, reconstruction began, and the office was restored the following year.

Gwandeokjeong is a pavilion located in front of Jeju Mokgwana, where various events such as archery competitions, civil service exams, and inspections of horses for tribute took place. It is the largest traditional building remaining in Jeju and is designated as Treasure No. 322. The endpoint of Course 17 is the center of Jeju City, where access to the airport and hotels is convenient, and you can also enjoy the fun of visiting famous "matjip" (restaurants).

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.