Gapa Island Day Trip: Is August Worth It Without Green Barley?
Wondering if Gapa Island still captivates beyond its famous green barley season? Our August day trip reveals stunning coastal views, peaceful trails, and essential travel tips.
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Wondering if Gapa Island still captivates beyond its famous green barley season? Our August day trip reveals stunning coastal views, peaceful trails, and essential travel tips.
When you're planning a trip to Jeju in July or August,
a common dilemma pops up.
It's because you might wonder if a trip to Gapado would still be satisfying
at a time when all the iconic green barley fields have vanished,
and if you can truly explore the island enough
within the fixed ferry schedule!
To get straight to the point, even if it's not green barley season,
a trip to Gapado is absolutely worth recommending.
The expansive ocean views stretching out before you, the majestic Hallasan Mountain in the distance,
the tranquil island village atmosphere, and the gentle coastal walking paths
are more than enough to experience Gapado's unique charm, even in summer.
Last year, in late August, I personally visited Gapado
to explore both the Jeju National Heritage Stamp Tour and
Jeju Olle Trail Course 10-1.
Without stopping at any restaurants or cafes,
I walked around the island in a figure-eight route.
In approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes,
I was able to visit all the main attractions,
and finished my trip with plenty of time before the ferry departure.
In this post,
for those planning a summer trip to Gapado,
I'll share everything from how to get there to recommended walking courses,
along with real reviews and essential tips, all in one place.
Item | Details |
Location | Gapari, Daejeong-eup, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do |
How to Get There | Take a passenger ferry from Unjin Port |
Ferry Travel Time | Approx. 10-15 minutes (one-way) |
Island Stay Time | Approx. 2 hours (based on round-trip ticket) |
Recommended For | Day trip to a Jeju island, Jeju Olle Trail, National Heritage Stamp Tour |
Not Recommended For | Those who prefer a leisurely trip focused on dining and cafes |
To get to Gapado, you travel by regular passenger ferry
from Unjin Port Passenger Terminal,
located near Moseulpo in Seogwipo-si, Jeju.
While the ferry ride itself is short, about 10-15 minutes,
if you book a round-trip ticket,
your return ferry time is set at the same time,
meaning the actual time you can spend on the island is approximately 2 hours.
During summer vacation and on weekends,
ferry tickets often sell out quickly,
so it's a good idea to check operating hours and seat availability in advance before your visit.
Based on my personal experience,
the most efficient route was
a figure-eight course, shaped like an infinity symbol ∽!
Gapado Terminal
Jungang-gil (Central Road)
Gapado Police Station
Somang Observatory
Gapado Altar
(Jeju Olle Trail Course 10-1)
Gapado Terminal
Aside from Jungang-gil,
most of the route overlaps with Jeju Olle Trail Course 10-1,
making it easy to navigate,
and I was able to explore all the major attractions without missing a thing.
Here are some places I particularly recommend:
Somang Observatory
Standing at 20.5 meters above sea level, this is the highest point on Gapado.
From here, you can take in panoramic views of Jeju Island's main body, Hallasan Mountain, and even Marado.
And the Dolhareubang (stone statues) near the observatory are perfect for photos.
Gapado Altar
This is a place where rituals are performed to pray for the peace and well-being of Gapado village,
and it's also a filming location for the drama 'Our Blues'.
Beyond these, there are also places like Sangdong Umul (well), Donmulkkak, Eomeong-abang-dol (stone guardians), and more.
There are many places on Gapado imbued with history and legends,
so you can experience more than just a simple walk.
I visited late last August.
While the green barley had already vanished,
I found it wasn't as disappointing as I'd imagined.
Instead, the endless blue sea,
stone-walled paths, vast grasslands,
and yellow cosmos blooming everywhere created
a summer landscape quite different from spring.
What struck me most was
the breathtaking view overlooking Jeju Island's main landmass.
As I walked along the coastal path,
the magnificent ridge of Hallasan stretched out before me
and thanks to the refreshing breeze blowing in from the sea,
I could momentarily forget the sweltering heat.
However, the sun was far more intense than I'd anticipated.
Since the island offers very little shade,
there weren't many spots to take a break.
If you're visiting in summer, I highly recommend bringing a hat, a parasol, and plenty of water.
During this Gapado trip,
I opted not to visit any restaurants or cafes,
and instead focused solely on walking.
Indeed, walking the entire figure-eight course from the starting point all the way to Hadong Port
took approximately two hours, and I was able to comfortably board the ferry within the allotted time.
Important Considerations for Summer Visits
☀️ The island is mostly flat, offering very little shade.
☀️ It's wise to bring a hat, a parasol, and plenty of water.
☀️ Midday UV rays are intense, so don't forget your sunscreen.
If you're planning to visit cafes or restaurants,
it can be challenging to explore the entire island and also enjoy a meal or coffee within a typical 2-hour stay.
If you desire a more leisurely experience,
I recommend focusing primarily on the central path and coastal walks
to shorten your route, which will likely lead to greater satisfaction.
Recommended for:
✔️ Those planning a day trip to one of Jeju's smaller islands.
✔️ Travelers eager to combine Jeju Olle Course 10-1 with the National Heritage Stamp Tour.
✔️ Anyone who appreciates serene ocean views and easy, flat walking paths.
✔️ Those seeking an authentic Jeju landscape experience within a shorter timeframe.
Not Recommended for:
✔️ Those sensitive to intense heat or who prefer not to embark on long outdoor walks.
✔️ Travelers whose main focus is visiting cafes and renowned eateries.
📍 Gapado
Gapari, Daejeong-eup, Seogwipo-si, Jeju Special Self-Governing Province
Many people believe that once the green barley season ends,
Gapado loses some of its charm. However, having visited myself, I can tell you that's not entirely true!
If spring sees green barley as the star,
then summer showcases wide-open sea views, the majestic Hallasan panorama,
and the tranquil island village scenery,
all contributing to Gapado's unique appeal.
Especially if you don't plan on visiting restaurants or cafes,
you can easily explore the main attractions
within your two-hour stay, making it a perfectly satisfying day trip to an island from Jeju.
Even outside the green barley season,
if you're looking to discover a tranquil side of Jeju,
I highly recommend adding Gapado to your itinerary for this Jeju trip.
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Yes, during a visit in late August last year, while there was no green barley, the expansive ocean views, the sight of Hallasan Mountain, and the tranquil island village scenery truly showcased Gapado's unique charm. The endless blue sea, stone walls, wide open fields, and yellow cosmos created a beautiful landscape, making it thoroughly enjoyable even in summer.
The article recommends an infinity symbol (∽) shaped figure-eight course. This course starts from Gapado Terminal, passes through Somang Observatory, Gapado Je-dan, and returns to the terminal. Walking this entire course without stopping at restaurants or cafes took about 1 hour and 50 minutes, allowing it to be completed comfortably within the 2-hour ferry schedule.
Gapado is entirely flat with very little shade, so the sun is extremely strong. When visiting in summer, it's essential to bring a hat, a parasol, and plenty of water. Sunscreen is also a must-have.
With a 2-hour stay, it's challenging to explore the entire island and leisurely enjoy meals or cafes. If you plan to use cafes or restaurants, it's better to shorten your route, focusing on the central path and coastal walks rather than the full island trail, to increase satisfaction.
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