JEJU — On November 11, 2025, Jeju Island unveiled ten new benches along Route 8 of its famed Olle Trail, each dedicated to one ASEAN nation, transforming the trail into the ASEAN–Korea Olle, a living symbol of cross-cultural friendship. The inauguration at Parnas Hotel Jeju in Seogwipo brought together ASEAN ambassadors, provincial leaders, the Jeju Olle Foundation, and journalists from across Southeast Asia, including Khaosod English.
The word “Olle” in Jeju dialect carries special meaning. Traditionally, it refers to the narrow path leading from a family’s home to the main street a small, intimate passageway connecting private life to the wider world. By naming the trail “Olle,” Jeju embraced this metaphor, and the ASEAN–Korea Olle extends it across borders, linking communities, cultures, and nations.
Led by the ASEAN–Korea Centre (AKC) in partnership with Jeju authorities, the project goes beyond simple trail furniture. Each bench is paired with a ganse, Jeju’s iconic horse-shaped marker, offering cultural information, QR codes, and a gentle reminder to slow down and enjoy the journey. The ten benches, positioned at scenic viewpoints along the trail, allow visitors to relax while learning about each ASEAN member state.
The opening ceremony also featured a special performance by the Jerajin Boys and Girls Choir, singing in the Jeju dialect with AKC Secretary-General Kim Jae-shin highlighted the symbolic resonance
“Just as an olle connects home to street, this trail connects Korea to ASEAN. It is a pathway that brings peoples together, turning distant neighbours into close friends.”
Route 8: Where Geology Meets Diplomacy
This year, Route 8 stretches 19.6 km through some of Jeju’s most striking landscapes from the hexagonal basalt pillars of Jusangjeolli Cliff to the tropical sands of Jungmun Saekdal Beach and the serene courtyards of Yakcheon-sa Temple. The Malaysian bench, as a Asean Leader this year overlooking Jungmun’s multicolored shoreline, instantly became one of the route’s most photogenic stops.
Inspired by the concept, Kim Jae-shin, who had previously created a “Korea Plaza” in Dresden, worked with local stakeholders to bring it to life.
Originally, organizers considered larger pavilions or bus-stop-style structures, but Jeju’s harsh coastal climate made them impractical.
“Such structures wouldn’t withstand the wind and salty air here,” Kim explained.
The design evolved into durable benches made of high-strength “super concrete” with smooth, organic shapes simple, resilient, and visually harmonious with the landscape. “It is serendipitous to witness the completion of these commemorative benches,” said Singaporean Ambassador Wong Kai Jiun, current chair of the ASEAN Committee in Seoul. Ambassadors hope the trail will inspire both Korean and international visitors to discover and learn about each ASEAN nation while exploring Jeju.
For Thailand bench is located at Haye‑dong, a tranquil fishing village along Jeju’s southern coastline in Seogwipo. This small yet historically rich area lies along Olle Route 8, and is part of the scenic Yeolli Coastal Road a roughly 4‑kilometre walking path from Nonjitmul to Daepyeong-ri.
Haye‑dong is more than just a stop on a trail. It’s a place where Jeju’s traditional haenyeo (Seawomen divers) have long lived and worked, lending the village a deeply rooted maritime character.
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The Haye Port, tucked into its rocky shoreline, offers sweeping views over the sea, with a charming white lighthouse known as the Jinhwang Lighthouse that overlooks volcanic rock formations beloved by local anglers.
Jeju’s Natural Tourism Boom
The Jeju Olle Trail also be one of the significant economic weight. A study by the Jeju Research Institute estimates its economic value at 317.5 billion KRW, driven not only by visitors but also by residents’ willingness to conserve natural landscapes. More broadly, nature tourism contributes around 20% of Jeju’s economy, With visitor arrivals in mid 2025 have already surpassed 7 million by midsummer, signaling that Jeju’s outdoor attractions—including the Olle Trail network are once again at the heart of its economic engine.
Rising visitor numbers, however, have led Jeju to consider eco-taxes and sustainability measures part of the island’s emerging “Jeju Promise” commitment to more responsible tourism.
In an era of geopolitical complexity, the ASEAN–Korea Olle demonstrates that diplomacy can unfold quietly, step by step, along coastal paths lined with wildflowers and lava rock. For travelers from Bangkok, Manila, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, and beyond, Route 8 now offers more than a scenic hike it provides a place of recognition, learning, and cross-cultural connection.
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