Jeju Island is a walker’s paradise – and it’s not just for serious hikers. The island is so diverse, including volcanic landscapes, ancient forests, coastal paths, and mountain trails. So there’s genuinely something here for every ability level and every age. From one-kilometre boardwalk loops to full-day oreum climbs, Jeju’s walking trails are some of the best reasons to visit the island.
We’ve dragged our kids all over the island (not always willingly!), so we’ll let you know some of the best family-friendly trails on Jeju beyond the famous Olle network.
The Jeju Olle Trail: What Families Need to Know
Before we start talking up individual trails across the island, it’s worth mentioning the Jeju Olle Trail. This 437km network of walking routes winds around the entire island and consists of 21 connected main routes and six sub-routes, with many routes following Jeju’s coastline and beaches, fishing villages, indigenous forest, and major tourist destinations.
The full trail takes around a month to complete if you’re tackling one route per day, but for families visiting Jeju, the Olle Trail is best experienced one route at a time, with shorter sections perfectly suited to children.
The Olle Passport – a fun incentive for kids: One of the best things about the famous Olle Trail is the stamp passport system. At the starting point, mid-point, and end point of each route are blue pony-shaped wooden stamp stations, and you collect stamps in an official Jeju Olle Passport booklet (₩20,000), with a finisher’s certificate and medal awarded upon completing all routes. Even if you only walk one or two sections, the passport is a great family souvenir – and your kids will stamping it (fair warning – some of the stamps can be VERY wet so it can be a little messy!). Passport holders also receive special discounts at accommodations, restaurants, cafes, and some attraction entrances.
Following the trail: Routes are marked with blue and orange arrows and ribbon markers throughout — blue in the forward direction, orange in reverse, so you can start at either end. Spotting the ribbons becomes a fun game for children.
Best Olle routes for families:
Olle Route 1 (Siheung–Gwangchigi) is an excellent family choice. It’s relatively flat and easy to navigate, so it’s even suitable for strollers, with views of Seongsan Ilchulbong and charming villages along the way. At 15km it’s probably too long for young kids unless you don’t mind carrying them some of the way, but you can easily walk a shorter section and turn back.
Olle Route 18 (starting from Jeju City) is a great option if you’ve got older kids and teens. This 3.5-hour walk goes past plenty of cafes and restaurants along the way, ending at Samyang Black Sand Beach with easy bus access back to the start.
Route 6 (Seogwipo) is one of the most popular routes for English-speaking walkers, with free guided walks in English available every Saturday morning. It’s a good option if you want a supported introduction to the trail.
Practical Olle tips for families:
- Download Kakao Maps or Naver Maps before you go – Google Maps has significant limitations in South Korea
- The Olle Passport (₩20,000) is available at Jeju Olle Tourist Centers and information points near trailheads
- Bring plenty of snacks and water – facilities can be sparse on quieter sections
- Take spare paper for kids to stamp at each station
- Check the official Jeju Olle website for current route conditions before you go
1. Bijarim Forest Trail – Walk Among Ancient Trees
Best for: All ages, including toddlers | Distance: 2.8km loop | Difficulty: Very easy
Bijarim Forest is one of Jeju’s most quietly spectacular natural spots, and one of our top recommendations if you want to enjoy an easy walk with young kids. The trail winds through a grove of over 2,800 Torreya nucifera (bija) trees – an ancient, native evergreen – some of which are estimated to be 500–800 years old. Their twisted, gnarled trunks and spectacular root systems make them feel like something from a fairy tale, and most kids will love exploring around them.
The path is flat, wide, and very well-maintained, making it entirely accessible with a pram or for very young walkers. The thick canopy provides welcome shade on hot days, and you’ll find a peaceful atmosphere here, even when it’s busy.
A note on the trees: Bija trees produce small, olive-like seeds historically prized in Jeju for culinary and medicinal uses – you may spot them on the forest floor in autumn. The species is protected as a natural monument in South Korea.
Practical details:
- Location: Bijarim-ro, Gujwa-eup, Jeju (approximately 30km east of Jeju City)
- Admission: ₩3,000 adults / ₩1,500 children
- Opening hours: 9am–6pm daily
- Getting there by bus: Bus 810-1 from Jeju Intercity Bus Terminal – approximately 70 minutes, buses every 30 minutes
- Getting there by car: Around 50 minutes from Jeju City; parking available at the entrance
- Tip: Go before 11am to avoid tour groups. Autumn is particularly beautiful when the light filters through the yellowing canopy. Bijarim is close to Manjanggul Cave – the two make a natural pairing for a half-day in east Jeju.
2. Saryeoni Forest Path – A Magical Forest Walk
Best for: All ages (stroller-friendly barrier-free path available)
Distance: Up to 15km (go as far as you like)
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Saryeoni Forest is consistently named among Jeju’s most beloved natural experiences. Listed as one of the 31 Hidden Gems of Jeju, it sits within a UNESCO-designated Biosphere Reserve teeming with 245 species of wild plants and animals. Walking beneath towering Japanese cedar trees with light filtering through the canopy is a surreal experience that you’ll remember long after your visit.
The atmosphere shifts dramatically with the seasons: cool and damp in summer (a welcome escape from coastal heat), misty and ethereal in autumn and winter, and dappled with soft light in spring. The trail includes a barrier-free path designed to accommodate wheelchairs and strollers, and there’s a charming open-air “wild library” nestled within the forest – an unexpected reading nook that makes a lovely photo stop and moment of quiet.
Be aware that no outside food is permitted (except water), and pets and bikes are also prohibited. This is actively enforced, so plan accordingly.
The forest also carries historical significance. The forested mid-mountain zone was a hiding place for villagers during Jeju’s April 3rd Incident – a brutal period of suppression between 1947 and 1954 that claimed an estimated 25,000 to 30,000 lives, nearly 11% of the island’s population.
Practical details:
- Location: Entrance on Regional Road 1112, Gyorae-ri, Jocheon-eup, Jeju
- Admission: Free
- Opening hours: 9am–5pm; entry restricted after 2pm in summer (April–September) and after 12pm in winter (October–March) for visitor safety
- Getting there by bus: Bus 131 from Jeju Bus Terminal to Bulgeun Oreum – approximately 40 minutes, hourly departures; alternatively Bus 212 towards Seongsan
- Getting there by car: Around 20 minutes from Jeju City; parking at the Bulgeun Oreum entrance is limited – arrive early. Note: there is no parking along Bijarim-ro, so park near Namjo-ro to the south of Bulgeun Oreum.
- Tip: The Bulgeun Oreum (Red Oreum) entrance gives the best experience of the dense cedar forest. Stick to the main path – the northern route is less scenic. Early morning visits are magical, especially after light rain when the cedar scent intensifies. Weekdays are significantly quieter than weekends.
3. 1100 Altitude Wetland Boardwalk
Best for: All ages
Distance: 1km boardwalk loop
Difficulty: Very easy
This short accessible boardwalk through a high-altitude wetland offers outstanding Hallasan views and a uniquely atmospheric landscape for almost no physical effort. Located along the 1100 Highland Road at roughly 1,100 metres elevation, the wetland is home to rare alpine plants, seasonal wildflowers, and interesting birdlife.
Like most things on the island, the landscape changes dramatically by season. Expect vivid green and wildflowers dotted everywhere in spring, cool and misty feels in summer, strikingly beautiful colours in autumn, and snow-covered in winter. It’s actually one of Jeju’s most photographed winter destinations. On a clear day, the views of Hallasan’s summit are amazing.
At just 1km, even the youngest children can walk the whole loop without too much whingeing! Combine it with a Hallasan forest trail for a longer day, or pair it with the scenic drive along the 1100 Highland Road.
Practical details:
- Location: 1100 Highland Road, near Eorimok, Jeju (midway between Jeju City and Seogwipo on the mountain road)
- Admission: Free
- Opening hours: Year-round; check weather conditions before visiting in winter – the road can close in heavy snow
- Getting there by bus: Bus 240 from Jeju City Bus Terminal – get off at the 1100 Altitude Service Area stop (approximately 21 stops, around 40 minutes)
- Getting there by car/taxi: Around 30 minutes from Jeju City; taxi approximately ₩20,000–₩25,000
- Amenities: A rest area with a café and small shops sits directly across from the wetland – useful for warming up in winter or after a mountain walk
- Tip: Road closures due to snow are common between December and February. Check conditions on the Jeju Road Management Centre website or ask your accommodation before heading up.
4. Eoseungsaengak Trail – Mini Volcano Climb
Best for: Ages 5 and up
Distance: 1.3km one way
Difficulty: Moderate (some uphill sections)
If you’re seeking a real adventure without having to commit to a full mountain hike, Eoseungsaengak is one of Jeju’s best short oreum climbs. An oreum is a parasitic volcanic cone – and there are over 360 of them dotted across Jeju. Eoseungsaengak is one of the most accessible, and the views from the top are worth the climb – you’ll get a panoramic sweep of Jeju City, the northern coastline, and Hallasan rising dramatically behind you.
There are some biggish uphill sections – it’s a real climb rather than a gentle stroll – but at 1.3km one-way, it’s definitely manageable if your kids enjoy walking and have done a few hills/walks before. Our five-year-old handled it without any difficulty (or moaning surprisingly!). The grassy crater rim at the summit is a great spot to stop for a snack and soak in the views before the descent (which is much easier!).
Practical details:
- Location: Near the Eorimok entrance to Hallasan National Park, western Jeju
- Admission: Free
- Opening hours: Year-round; start hikes early, especially in autumn when the carpark fills quickly
- Getting there by bus: Intercity bus 240 from Jeju City Intercity Bus Terminal – get off at the Eorimok stop (approximately 30 minutes); short walk to the trailhead
- Getting there by taxi: Around 30 minutes from Jeju City – approximately ₩15,000
- Amenities: Hallasan National Park Visitor Centre at the Eorimok trailhead has toilets, information brochures, and parking
- Tip: The nearby Eorimok trail into Hallasan National Park is a beautiful, well-maintained forest walk if your family still has energy after the oreum. Autumn is spectacular but extremely busy -make sure you arrive before 9am – especially if you’re driving.
5. Jeolmul Natural Recreation Forest
Best for: All ages
Distance: 1.5km–6km (various routes)
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Jeolmul Natural Recreation Forest is a gem for families if you want a relaxed, flexible half-day in nature. The forest offers a range of well-marked, well-paved trails through tall pine trees, with plenty of picnic spots, rest areas, and shady spots that are great during Jeju’s warm and humid summer months.
There’s a small observation tower that gives kids a decent view over the surrounding forest, and the range of route lengths means you can tailor the walk to however much energy your family has on the day. Choose from a gentle 1.5km loop if you’ve got toddlers to a more extended 6km circuit for older kids.
Practical details:
- Location: Gyorae-ri, Jocheon-eup, Jeju (east Jeju, close to Saryeoni Forest)
- Admission: ₩1,000 per person (reduced rates for kids and seniors)
- Opening hours: 7am–6pm daily
- Getting there by bus: Bus 181 from Jeju City Hall to Gyorae Entrance – approximately 30 minutes, buses every 15 minutes
- Getting there by taxi: Around 14km from Jeju City – approximately ₩15,000–₩18,000 and 15 minutes
- Tip: Jeolmul is very close to Saryeoni Forest Path – combine both for a great full day of east Jeju forest walking – ideally with a picnic lunch in between.
6. Halla Arboretum Trails – Botanic Garden Walk
Best for: All ages, including toddlers
Distance: 1–3km (various loops)
Difficulty: Easy
If you’re based in or near Jeju City and are after an easy, beautiful walk without any travel hassles, Halla Arboretum is a great choice. And unusually for Jeju, it’s free to enter. This large botanical garden covers around 196 hectares and contains nearly 1,100 plant species, including native Jeju flora, subtropical plants, and trees from across East Asia.
The paved trails are smooth and pushchair-friendly, and the themed gardens ( a bonsai section, a wetland area, and a subtropical plant conservatory) give the kids lots of variety to keep them happy. There’s plenty of open space for kids to run around between the quieter sections, and the atmosphere is relaxed and very local. There are typically more Jeju residents than tour groups.
Practical details:
- Location: Aran 13-gil, Jeju City (within the city, close to the university area)
- Admission: Free
- Opening hours: 9am–6pm (summer) / 9am–5pm (winter); closed on Seollal (Lunar New Year) and Chuseok
- Getting there by bus: Bus 451 from various Jeju City stops
- Getting there by taxi: 10–15 minutes from central Jeju City – approximately ₩5,000–₩10,000
- Amenities: Toilets, picnic areas, and a café near the main entrance
- Tip: Spring is a particularly beautiful time here, with camellias, cherry blossoms, and azaleas in bloom. Combine your day out with a visit to Dongmun Market for lunch or a wander around Jeju City’s old town.
7. Cheonjiyeon Waterfall Trail
Best for: All ages
Distance: Approximately 1km return
Difficulty: Very easy
If you’re visiting Seogwipo, we highly recommend adding in a walk to Cheonjiyeon Waterfall, which is one of the best short walks on the island. The name translates as “sky connected with land,” and when you stand beneath the 22-metre cascade as it crashes into its deep turquoise pool (with towering subtropical cliffs on either side), it’s easy to see why the name stuck.
The waterfall is 12 metres wide, and the pool beneath it is 20 metres deep. The gorge is designated as both a natural monument for its rare subtropical plants (including the whisk fern) and a protected natural habitat for giant mottled eels. The path itself is wide, paved, and passes through a beautiful subtropical garden. It’s more of a garden stroll than a serious hike, and suitable for all ages.
An important naming note: Seogwipo has two similarly-named but very different waterfalls. Cheonjiyeon Falls is in the city centre; Cheonjeyeon Falls (near Jungmun Tourist Complex) has three separate waterfalls cascading into blue pools and a famous arched bridge carved with seven celestial nymphs. If you’re spending time in the Jungmun area, Cheonjeyeon is well worth visiting too – allow around 30–40 minutes and bring ₩2,500 for adult entry.
Practical details (Cheonjiyeon Falls, Seogwipo):
- Location: 132 Cheonjiyeon-ro, Seogwipo-si
- Admission: ₩2,000 adults / ₩1,000 children
- Opening hours: 9am–10pm (the falls are illuminated at night)
- Getting there: Easily walkable from central Seogwipo; Bus 5, 5-1, or 6 from Seogwipo Bus Terminal
- Tip: The path can be slippery after rain so wear shoes with grip. The waterfall flows most powerfully in the aftermath of heavy rain. Visit in the morning for the best light and smaller crowds. The falls are a short walk from Seogwipo Maeil Olle Market, which is another great spot to visit.
Top Tips for Walking on Jeju with Kids
Based on our experience walking with three kids across the island’s many walking trails, here are our top tips:
- Shoes matter: Several of Jeju’s trails involve uneven volcanic rock, tree roots, and surfaces that become slippery after rain. Sturdy trainers/runners with good grip are needed, or proper hiking shoes for Eoseungsaengak and any Hallasan routes. Sandals are definitely not appropriate for anything beyond the flat boardwalk loops.
- The weather changes fast: mid-mountain areas are prone to rapid weather changes. Mist, rain, and wind can arrive without warning, and conditions can be completely different on the north and south sides of the island. Always pack light waterproof jackets and layers, especially for elevated trails.
- Get the right navigation apps: Google Maps doesn’t work well in South Korea due to the government’s strict mapping data restrictions. Download Kakao Maps or Naver Maps before you arrive – both offer English-language options and work reliably.
- No food at Saryeoni: most trails, Saryeoni Forest Path prohibits outside food (water is fine). Plan snacks for before or after the walk, not during.
- Start early: Popular trails can get busy from late morning, and starting between 8–9am means fewer crowds, cooler temperatures in summer, and – especially in autumn – easier parking.
Seasonal Walking Highlights:
Spring (March–May) brings canola flowers across the island’s fields, cherry blossoms around Jeju City and the mid-mountain forests, and azaleas on Hallasan’s slopes. Bijarim and Halla Arboretum are particularly lovely.
Summer (June–August) is hot and humid on the coast, but mid-mountain forests like Saryeoni and Jeolmul are refreshingly cool. Go early to avoid the worst of the heat and weekend crowds.
Autumn (September–November) is the finest season for hiking on Jeju – cool temperatures, clear skies, and spectacular foliage. Oreum climbs like Eoseungsaengak are outstanding. Saryeoni Forest turns golden.
Winter (December–February) brings snow to Hallasan and the upper mountain areas – dramatic and beautiful, but check weather and road conditions before heading up. Bijarim, Halla Arboretum, and the waterfall walks are lovely year-round.
Suggested Combinations: Half-Day and Full-Day Walks
East Jeju half-day: Bijarim Forest (1 hour) + Jeolmul Recreation Forest (1–1.5 hours). Both are within a short drive of each other and work well back-to-back.
East Jeju full day: Saryeoni Forest Path (2–3 hours for a partial walk) + Bijarim Forest (1 hour) + lunch near Gyorae village.
Central/West half-day: Eoseungsaengak oreum (1.5 hours return) + 1100 Altitude Wetland boardwalk (30 minutes). Both are along the Eorimok/1100 Road corridor and combine naturally.
Seogwipo morning: Cheonjiyeon Waterfall walk (45 minutes) + explore Seogwipo Maeil Olle Market for lunch + optional partial Olle Route 6 along the coast.
Jeju City morning: Halla Arboretum (1–2 hours) + Dongmun Market for lunch – no transport needed if you’re based in the city.
All prices, opening hours, and transport details are subject to change. For weather-dependent trails – particularly in the 1100 altitude area and on Hallasan – always check conditions before setting out.