The naming and unveiling ceremony of the “Jeju Olle Trail 8 Route: ASEAN-Korea Olle” was held in Seogwipo, Jeju Island, on Nov. 8, marking the 35th anniversary of ASEAN-Korea dialogue relations and the recent elevation of their partnership to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
The ASEAN-Korea Olle trail, officially renamed from the Jeju Olle Trail 8 Route, symbolizes the deepening friendship and cooperation between the two regions. ASEAN, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, established in 1967, is a regional organization of 10 Southeast Asian nations.
Organized by the ASEAN-Korea Centre (AKC) in collaboration with Jeju Province and the Jeju Olle Foundation, the event was attended by AKC Secretary-General Kim Jae-shin, Jeju Governor Oh Young-hun, Seogwipo Mayor Oh Soon-moon, Jeju Olle Foundation Chairperson Suh Myung-sook, and actor Ryu Seung-ryong. Also present were ambassadors from all 10 ASEAN countries—Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam—along with Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Chung Byung-won, underscoring the strengthening ties between ASEAN and South Korea.
Secretary-General Kim emphasized the significance of the Jeju Olle Trail 8 Route: ASEAN-Korea Olle as a symbol of the enduring friendship between Korea and ASEAN. “The pathway of the Olle Trail somewhat mirrors the 35-year-long journey of our friendship between Korea and ASEAN,” he said. “Since we established dialogue in 1987, these two regions have witnessed remarkable growth in trade, investment, and people-to-people connectivity.” He highlighted the recent upgrade of their partnership to a “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership” during the 25th ASEAN-Korea Summit.
Kim also acknowledged the trail’s growth over the years, noting, “In 2007, President Suh Myung-sook of the Olle Foundation 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, connecting countless individuals while enhancing their health and well-being.” He expressed that the trail had become a major global attraction, showcasing the natural beauty of Jeju while inviting people from around the world to explore it.
Kim further explained the broader vision behind the ASEAN-Korea collaboration, saying, “It is especially meaningful that we are introducing the Jeju Olle Trail to ASEAN countries while also allowing our citizens to explore the rich cultures of Southeast Asia.” He also announced plans to install 10 benches and signages representing each of the 10 ASEAN countries next year, with future plans to develop new paths in popular Southeast Asian tourist destinations favored by many Koreans.
Maria Theresa B. Dizon-De Vega, the Philippines Ambassador to Korea, expressed her enthusiasm for the new developments, saying, “Now ASEAN is even more firmly anchored in this special place with the inauguration today of the ASEAN-Korea Olle Route and the ASEAN Culture and Tourism Book Corner.” She added, “It is our hope that the physical presence of ASEAN in the Jeju Peace Hall, along with the Olle route, will serve to support our shared goals of promoting cross-cultural understanding and fostering stronger connections across current and future generations as outlined in our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.”
Following the speeches, a commemorative bench and signage were unveiled near the Daepo Jusangjeolli cliffs, symbolizing the unity between the 10 ASEAN countries and South Korea. With the scenic cliffs as a backdrop, a photo session was held, attended by actor Ryu Seung-ryong.
After the ceremony and photo session, participants walked a section of the Olle Trail for about 20 minutes, heading toward the Jeju International Peace Centre. The event continued with the opening of the ASEAN Culture & Tourism Book Corner, which features books on Southeast Asian culture and tourism, donated by the ASEAN-Korea Centre and the 10 ASEAN embassies.
In his opening remarks at the book corner unveiling, Kim highlighted the significance of the ASEAN Culture and Tourism Book Corner. “The ASEAN Culture and Tourism Book Corner, launched in partnership with the Jeju International Peace Centre, is designed to introduce ASEAN’s diverse culture and tourism to Jeju’s residents and visitors,” Kim said. “What makes this book corner truly special is the collection of books donated by the ASEAN-Korea Centre and the ASEAN embassies,” he added. He further emphasized, “We are committed to helping Koreans deepen their interest in ASEAN culture and encouraging engagement with our close neighbors. In line with this initiative, we will continue to update the books in the ASEAN Culture and Tourism Book Corner.”
Ko Kyung-min, Director of the Jeju International Peace Centre, also remarked, “The ASEAN Book Corner, which opens today, will be a small but meaningful effort to deepen cultural exchange between Korea and ASEAN beyond Jeju.”
Following the book corner opening, the ASEAN ambassadors signed their personally recommended books for visitors. Looking ahead, the ASEAN-Korea Centre plans to expand the “ASEAN-Korea Friendship Trail” to other ASEAN member states, further promoting mutual cultural exchange and tourism cooperation.
