22 September 2024
Two days earlier I had set out to do Olle 9 but I entered the wrong drop-off point in the taxi app, ending up mid-way through Olle 8.
I found online that there were free guide walks on Sundays, available in Chinese and English. These are led by volunteers. Our leader was Eunju or "Angie". There was one other guest, Teresa from Hong Kong. Angie suggested that the walk may be cancelled due to the rain. I pointed out that I live in Scotland, used to the rain and doing the walk, whether accompanied or on my own. Teresa felt the same way.
Near the "Olle pony" marking the start, there were a couple of small trees bearing Jeju green tangerine, or, at least that is what I think they are. Angie informed me that they are best picked in March ...... six months away! I carefully stamped my "Olle passport" and after a long disclaimer emphasising that we were responsible for our own safety, we were off! Apparently, Korea is very litigious, but it seemed a bit excessive for a low-level walk along paths and pavement, especially when compared to hiking on the Scottish hills.
I found online that there were free guide walks on Sundays, available in Chinese and English. These are led by volunteers. Our leader was Eunju or "Angie". There was one other guest, Teresa from Hong Kong. Angie suggested that the walk may be cancelled due to the rain. I pointed out that I live in Scotland, used to the rain and doing the walk, whether accompanied or on my own. Teresa felt the same way.
Near the "Olle pony" marking the start, there were a couple of small trees bearing Jeju green tangerine, or, at least that is what I think they are. Angie informed me that they are best picked in March ...... six months away! I carefully stamped my "Olle passport" and after a long disclaimer emphasising that we were responsible for our own safety, we were off! Apparently, Korea is very litigious, but it seemed a bit excessive for a low-level walk along paths and pavement, especially when compared to hiking on the Scottish hills.
It was suggested to me that Route 6 was rather urban, but I found it continually interesting and both Angie and Teresa were great walking companions. Below:
On Jeju Island, there is a community of women, some aged in their 80s, which goes diving 10m under the sea to gather shellfish. I am not sure about the mermaid in the sculpture. I have yet to meet one!
I have no idea what the building is but I like the photograph.
The Hareubangs are carved from the Island's volcanic rock and can range in size anywhere up to three meters talls. They have big pupil-less eyes, wear mushroom-shaped hats, and always have their hands on their stomachs. I am referring to the statue, not me!
On Jeju Island, there is a community of women, some aged in their 80s, which goes diving 10m under the sea to gather shellfish. I am not sure about the mermaid in the sculpture. I have yet to meet one!
I have no idea what the building is but I like the photograph.
The Hareubangs are carved from the Island's volcanic rock and can range in size anywhere up to three meters talls. They have big pupil-less eyes, wear mushroom-shaped hats, and always have their hands on their stomachs. I am referring to the statue, not me!
Continuing along the coast:
Apparently. the crab mail boxes are for "slow mail". I did not quite get the thinking behind this, though clearly sea mail using crabs is definitely going to be slower that air mail by plane!
The surf was up and the waves were splashing onto the route ahead.
Ornamental gardens at a posh looking hotel.
Apparently. the crab mail boxes are for "slow mail". I did not quite get the thinking behind this, though clearly sea mail using crabs is definitely going to be slower that air mail by plane!
The surf was up and the waves were splashing onto the route ahead.
Ornamental gardens at a posh looking hotel.
On reaching Seogwipo, we walked through the more artistic parts of the city.
Seobok Exhibition Hall. Seobok was an envoy of the first Chinese emperor, Qin Shi Huang, and chronicles his visits to Halla-san in search of a rare elixir.
One internet source suggest the the artwork is called "The Dream". I know no more about it.
Lee Jung-seop - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lee_Jung-seob
Seobok Exhibition Hall. Seobok was an envoy of the first Chinese emperor, Qin Shi Huang, and chronicles his visits to Halla-san in search of a rare elixir.
One internet source suggest the the artwork is called "The Dream". I know no more about it.
Lee Jung-seop - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lee_Jung-seob
Apparently, these gates are unique to Jeju Island which has always had very lw crime. Apparently, life was so hard that people pulled together to survive. When all three poles are removed from their horizontal position, it means that the owner is home and all are welcome to enter. When one pole is positioned diagonally, it means that the owner has stepped out for five minutes, but is in the area and will be home soon. Two poles diagonally across the entry way mean that the owner has gone and won't be back for a few hours, but should be back before the end of the day. Three poles placed in their holes and positioned horizontally means that the owner has left town or doesn't expect to be home for a few days. Not sure that this would be a good idea in the UK. It would be an invitation to burglars!
The artwork continued along Lee Jung Seop Street. Even the storm drain covers are decorated. From there, it was a short walk to the tourist information centre, which also is the start for Olle 7. The two Chinese walkers had passed the 100 km mark of the Olle trails so they were awarded a certificate. Maybe there should be a certificate for people reaching 100 Munro's. Perhaps all the Munro's seems too much of a challenge so having a lesser target would motivate people to get out and climb the hills.
The lady to my left in the final photograph is Suh Myung-sook whose idea it was to develop the Olle trails based upon the model of the Camino de Santiago. She is Honorary Patron of World Trails Network and CEO and Chairperson of the Jeju Olle Foundation. Hobnobbing with the Olle elite!
The lady to my left in the final photograph is Suh Myung-sook whose idea it was to develop the Olle trails based upon the model of the Camino de Santiago. She is Honorary Patron of World Trails Network and CEO and Chairperson of the Jeju Olle Foundation. Hobnobbing with the Olle elite!
Despite what people had said, I particularly enjoyed this route. There were things of interest the whole way. I prefer a bit of rain and slightly cooler weather over sunny, hot and humid days. Angie and Teresa were great company and I hope to meet up with them for Olle walks in the future. We assed the top of a water fall but the steps to its base were closed due to the weather (Korea's usual cautious approach to people's safety), so that in itself is a reason to return for photographs and to take a shower on a typically hot summer's day on Jeju.