Day 12: Losing Patience

Chagwido Port to Geumnung

Distance: 33km

A glorious sunrise over Hallasan to the east, a great view out over the water to the west. A fantastic start into my day as I follow the coast for a bit. What a great start.

Sooner than later, I turn inland. It's where things get annoying. The trail goes all over the place, turns to the left, to the right and I hardly make any progress. It's mostly road walk through farmland. The views very monotonous. My patience is getting challenged today. Despite not having any expectations on this trip whatsoever. At one point I am tempted to just cut across and head back to the coast. But no, I came so far, I complete this thing. So I carry on. At the most inland point, in I climb a mountain, which is nice, have lunch shortly after, which is nice as well before doing the same sh** again on the way back to the coast.

Once there, I feel depleted. Yet, I have to continue. I walk through a cactus park (after having walked through a chair park earlier today), follow the coast along an attractive stretch of the trail. However, I can't really enjoy. All I want to do is reach the campground. Which I eventually do. It's open, some tents but not too crowded. With the last motivation I can find, I pitch my tent, get some food before I sit down and read my book.

Today was the first day I didn't really enjoy. While I appreciate the work the locals put into Jeju Olle Trail, it wasn't an attractive stretch at all. Too much inland without too much to see. Additionally, it was yet another long day, which probably didn't help.

Therefore, I will take it slowly the next couple of days, trying to find my motivation again.