Last updated: October 2026
Quick answer: The 2026 Jeju Olle Walking Festival runs Thursday, November 5 to Saturday, November 7, 2026, organized by the Jeju Olle Foundation. This year’s edition walks Olle Courses 19 and 20 along Jeju’s northeast coast, one of the island’s best-loved stretches. Early registration ran July 8 to October 9, and reported fees are around ₩30,000 for a one-day walk, with lower rates for youth and groups — but fees and any remaining late or on-site registration should be confirmed with the Foundation before you fly. If you only want the scenery, the trails themselves are open to anyone all year, festival or not.
Table of Contents
- What Is the Jeju Olle Walking Festival?
- When and Where Is It in 2026?
- How Do You Register, and What Does It Cost?
- Can You Just Walk Courses 19 and 20 on Your Own?
- How Do You Plan the Trip?
What Is the Jeju Olle Walking Festival?
The Olle trail is a network of walking routes that loops Jeju Island, launched in 2007 and named after the Jeju word for the small lane leading from a house to the village road. Each route is marked with painted arrows and blue-and-orange ribbons tied to fences and trees, so walkers can follow it without a guide. The annual walking festival, run by the Jeju Olle Foundation, brings thousands of walkers together each autumn to cover chosen courses over a few days, with group walks, local food stops and evening events in the villages along the way. The Jeju Olle Walking Festival overview gives the background on how the event grew out of the trail.
When and Where Is It in 2026?
The festival is scheduled for November 5–7, 2026. Event listings say this edition focuses on Courses 19 and 20, which run through the villages and shoreline of Jeju’s northeast, between Jocheon and Hado. One Korean travel blog reports that this is the 16th edition and that the format will change in 2027 — treat that as unconfirmed until the Foundation announces it. Start points, shuttle arrangements and daily schedules are published by the organizers, so check them close to the date.
How Do You Register, and What Does It Cost?
Early registration ran from July 8 to October 9, 2026. Listings put the participation fee at about ₩30,000 for a day’s walk, with reduced rates for youth and for groups of 20 or more, though one Korean listing shows a fee starting lower, so the exact amount depends on the day and category you choose. Because early registration has closed, ask the Jeju Olle Foundation whether late or on-site registration is open before you book flights. Visitors who can’t get a slot lose little: the same lanes and coastline are open to the public at no charge.
Can You Just Walk Courses 19 and 20 on Your Own?
Yes. The Olle routes are public paths, and the blue-and-orange ribbons and arrow signs mark the way. Allow a full day per course — they are long, mostly flat coastal walks with a few gentle hills — and carry water and a rain layer, since November weather on Jeju turns quickly. Walking on a festival day means crowds and a lively atmosphere; walking the day before or after means quiet lanes and easier meals. Our Jeju Island travel guide covers the rest of the island if you want to pair the walk with other sights, and our 2026 Korea autumn foliage forecast shows how the season is shaping up across the country.
How Do You Plan the Trip?
Fly into Jeju International Airport (CJU) — most visitors connect through Seoul, and our Korea entry requirements guide covers visas and K-ETA. If you’re still booking your long-haul flight, comparing current fares toward Jeju✈️ is a quick first step. For the walk itself, northeast Jeju is easiest to reach from Jeju City, so staying there and taking a bus or taxi out each morning works well; our where to stay in Jeju guide compares the areas and hotels. Book early — festival weekends fill rooms fast. Looking for another festival to build into a Korea trip? See our Yeosu World Islands Expo guide.
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