VISIT JEJU

The Gapado Green Barley Festival

Jeju’s spring festival held in green fields of barley (From the end of March to mid-May every year)

Gapado is an island that is about a 20-minute ferry trip from Seogwipo. It is an island in an island, located in the southernmost part of Korea. There are many stories behind the island’s name. In one story, Gapado got its name because its shape resembles a stingray (Gaori in Korean). Most of the islanders in Gapado work in the fishing industry, but some of the others cultivate crops for a living.    

In April, the entire island is filled with green waves of barley. The barley fields take up about 600,000㎡ of the island. Most of the green barley grown in Gapado Island are native species of Jeju called “hyangmaek.” They are taller than regular barley, which is why the green waves in the barley fields of Gapado Island move more dynamically with the wind.

Losing track of time in an island on a relaxed spring day 

Gapado is the Korean island with the most flatlands with the highest elevation at 20.5m above sea level. In Gapado Island, you can reach anywhere you want by foot within two hours. It is good to take a stroll through the Jeju Olle 10-1 Course (5km), or just enjoy the luxury of walking around aimlessly. It is easy to forget all out about time when you watch the green barley dance to the rhythm of the wind. The land is nearly flat, and it is easy to move around on a wheelchair or with a stroller. Renting out a bicycle is also a good idea. The road is not completely free of cars, but all of the scenery is quite different from what you can see in a busy city. You can take as much time as you want since no one is honking at you to step aside. 

The green barley fields that spread out endlessly are obviously beautiful while the scenery that overlooks Hallasan Mountain, Sanbangsan Mountain and Songaksan Mountain is another beautiful sight that one should never miss. During the month of the festival, the barley fields slowly change color from green to gold. Since the festival lasts for a month, it is good to visit the island more than once. Ferries to and from Gapado Island are scheduled more frequently during the festival.  

Once you’ve taken in the scenery, it’s time to look around the shops for food. Seafood fresh from the nearby ocean in Gapado is the best, even by the locals' standard. Dishes made of conch and abalone come highly recommended. A cup of "gaeyeok," a drink made from mixed grain powder including the barley grown in Gapado, is also a good option to consider. 

As Gapado has become known for its green barley, the islanders are concerned about one thing. Although it is great that so many people love to visit Gapado, there are many people who step on the barley fields to take pictures. This is something visitors must consider because?for the islanders?the barley fields are a means for living and not just something pretty to look at. The islanders' community is planning to build photo zones for the visitors and also introduce more entertainment for the festival. Until then, it would be better to appreciate the barley fields firsthand without using your phone or camera.

[Main Events] 

Walking on the Barley Field, Make a Wish and Build a Stone Tower, Octopus Catching 

Other events including Farmer’s Market

The events may be subject to change. 

[Information]

Hours: Visitors can stay as long as they like while the festival lasts

Age restriction: none 

Free admission 

Ferry Schedule during the Festival 

The schedule is subject to change depending on the weather conditions. It is recommended to call first. 

Areumdaun Seomnara Co., Ltd./ Samyeong Marine Transport  Gapari Office 064)794-5490~3