Secretary General of the ASEAN-Korea Centre Kim Jae-shin, ninth from left, poses with ASEAN ambassadors to Korea and other officials after Friday's launching event of the ASEAN-Korea Olle Route on Jeju Island. Courtesy of ASEAN-Korea Centre
JEJU ISLAND — The ASEAN-Korea Centre and the Jeju Special Self-Governing Province designated the new "Jeju Olle Trail 8 Route: ASEAN-Korea Olle" at a launching ceremony on Friday. The event was attended by dozens of dignitaries, including Jeju government officials, ambassadors from 10 ASEAN countries and actor Ryu Seung-ryong. ASEAN stands for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
"It is a great pleasure to gather here on this beautiful Jeju Island. It is particularly meaningful that I can greet you at this Olle Trail, one of Jeju's most iconic attractions," Secretary General of the ASEAN-Korea Centre Kim Jae-shin said.
"In 2007, President Seo Myung-sook of the Olle Foundation, who is with us today, took her first steps toward creating a pathway that connects nature with people. Over the past 15 years, the trail has expanded into 27 courses spanning 437 kilometers (km), connecting countless individuals while enhancing their health and well-being."
The Jeju Olle Trail is a network of walking paths on Jeju Island, designed to highlight the island's natural beauty, including coastal views, volcanic landscapes, forests and rural villages. Inspired by the Pilgrim's Trail in Spain, the Jeju Olle Trail spans over 400 km with 26 main routes and several subroutes. Each route offers varying lengths, difficulty levels and scenic vistas, catering to both casual walkers and seasoned hikers.
Secretary General of the ASEAN-Korea Centre Kim Jae-shin speaks during the launching event of Jeju Olle Trail 8 Route: ASEAN-Korea Olle on Jeju Island, Friday. Courtesy of ASEAN-Korea Centre
Kim highlighted the similarities in the Olle Trail and relations with ASEAN nations.
"The pathway of the Olle Trail somewhat mirrors the 35-yearslong journey of friendship between Korea and ASEAN. Since we established dialogue in 1987, these two regions have witnessed remarkable growth in trade, investment and people-to-people connectivity," he said.
"As a testament to this progress, during the 25th ASEAN-Korea Summit held on Oct. 25, we announced the upgrade of our relationship to the highest level of partnership — the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership."
Kim emphasized that the ASEAN-Korea Centre is engaged in various initiatives to build bridges along the path of friendship between Korea and ASEAN, focusing on trade and investment, culture and tourism, public relations and people-to-people exchanges.
"It is especially meaningful that we are introducing the 'Jeju Olle Trail 8 Route: ASEAN-Korea Olle' today. This trail will serve as an enduring landmark, showcasing one of Korea's key tourism assets — the Olle Trail, to ASEAN countries while also allowing our citizens to explore the rich cultures of Southeast Asian countries," he said.
"The ASEAN-Korea Centre is committed to enhancing this initiative. Starting with the unveiling of the commemorative bench and signage today, the center plans to install an additional 10 benches and signages representing each of the 10 ASEAN countries next year."
He also mentioned plans to expand the trail into Southeast Asia, aiming to develop new paths in popular Southeast Asian tourist destinations favored by many Koreans, symbolizing ASEAN-Korea friendship.
Secretary General of the ASEAN-Korea Centre Kim Jae-shin, seventh from right, poses with ASEAN ambassadors to Korea and other government officials after the launching event of the ASEAN Culture & Tourism Book Corner established at the Jeju International Peace Center on Jeju Island, Friday. The 10 ASEAN ambassadors to Korea donated their favorite hand-signed books related to ASEAN, which are now displayed on the bookshelf. Courtesy of ASEAN-Korea Centre
Philippine Ambassador Maria Theresa Dizon-De Vega, chair of the ASEAN Committee in Seoul, expressed hope that these initiatives would foster cross-cultural understanding and stronger connections across generations.
"It is our hope that together, the physical presence of ASEAN in the Jeju Peace Hall, and as you stroll along the beautiful Olle 8 route, as well as the books that can transport readers to the Southeast Asian region, will (all) serve to support our shared goals of promoting cross-cultural understanding and stronger connections across current and future generations as stated in our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership," she said.
The ASEAN-Korea Centre is an intergovernmental organization established in 2009 by the governments of Korea and 10 ASEAN member countries mandated to expand economic and sociocultural exchanges and cooperation between ASEAN and Korea.