1. Why Jeju in Autumn

Fall is Jeju at its most cinematic: clear horizons after summer haze, cool hiking weather, and grasses that turn silver and gold across volcanic ridges. Maple pockets around Hallasan and russet meadows on the oreum cones make trails glow all day long. Seas are calmer, sunsets are warmer, and cafes feel extra cozy.

2. Hallasan Summit Routes (Seongpanak vs. Gwaneumsa)

Seongpanak Trail (longer, gentler switchbacks): best for steady ascents and consistent footing. The gradient is friendly, and the forest sections protect you from wind. Expect a full‑day hike with photo breaks.

Gwaneumsa Trail (shorter, steeper, more scenic): dramatic valleys, lava rock stairs, and panoramic lookouts; tougher on knees but unforgettable on a bright fall day.

• Distance & Time: Plan 8–10 hours round‑trip including rests and summit time.
• Start Early: Trail gates and summit cut‑off times are strict; hit the trailhead at dawn for a relaxed pace.
• Gear: Windproof shell, warm mid‑layer, gloves, hat, headlamp (days are shorter in late fall). Trail snacks + 1.5–2L water.

3. Oreum Picks: Easy Peaks with Big Views

Jeju’s oreum (parasitic cones) are low‑effort, high‑reward hikes—ideal if you arrive late or want sunset vistas without a full day on trail.

• Saebyeol Oreum: sweeping golden grass in fall; staircase trail to a flare‑worthy 360° summit.
• Darangshi Oreum: perfect cone shape; short, brisk ascent with Hallasan in the background.
• Eoseungsangak: quick climb near Jeju City; lava fields, pine scents, and harbor views.
• Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak): iconic tuff cone; go at golden hour (sunrise or late afternoon) to beat crowds and heat.

4. Coastal Walks: Best Olle Trail Segments

When volcano meets ocean, you get the Olle network—hand‑picked footpaths around coves, cliffs, and fishing villages. In autumn, winds are brisk but views are crystal.

• Olle 6: Seogwipo’s waterfalls and cafe stops—green cliffs, sapphire water.
• Olle 7: harbor scenes and black‑lava coastline with easy transport links.
• Olle 10: quieter south‑shore beaches, mandarin farms, and sunset frames.
• Olle 12: lava stacks and lighthouses—photogenic in soft autumn light.

5. How to Plan: Transport, Stays, Weather

Getting Around: Renting a car gives maximum flexibility for dawn hikes and sunset oreum. Public buses connect major sights but run less frequently in rural areas—check schedules and buffer time.

Where to Stay: Base in Jeju City for airport convenience and northern oreum, or Seogwipo for waterfalls, Olle segments, and Hallasan trail access. Split your stay if you have 3+ nights.

Weather & Clothing: Daytime is cool‑mild; evenings turn chilly at elevation. Pack layers, windbreaker, beanie, and quick‑dry base layers. For coastal walks, add a light rain shell—showers pass fast but wind lingers.

Seasonal Bites: Warm up with abalone porridge after a sunrise peak; try hairtail stew in Seogwipo; grab fresh mandarin snacks as the season kicks in.

6. 2‑Day & 3‑Day Itineraries (Sample)

2 Days (Car): Day 1—Hallasan (Seongpanak up, same down), recover with Seogwipo dinner. Day 2—Olle 6 morning stroll, Saebyeol Oreum for sunset, airport.

3 Days (Bus‑Friendly): Day 1—Olle 7 + Seogwipo waterfalls; Day 2—Hallasan (Seongpanak) early; Day 3—Seongsan Ilchulbong sunrise + coastal cafe crawl, depart.