Welcome to the ASEAN-Korea Olle Route: A Land of Trails and Tales!
By Your Cheeky Host
Ah, Jeju Island! Famous for its stunning landscapes, luxurious resorts, and… now, a new walking trail? Yes, that’s right folks! The ASEAN-Korea Centre has just launched the “Jeju Olle Trail 8 Route: ASEAN-Korea Olle.” Or as I like to call it: “a long walk in the beautiful outdoors while diplomatic relations are being discussed.” Quite the multitasking event, don’t you think?
Secretary General of the ASEAN-Korea Centre, Kim Jae-shin, poses with ASEAN ambassadors to Korea and officials post-launch! Definitely a great selfie moment.
In attendance were a plethora of dignitaries, Jeju government officials, ambassadors from 10 ASEAN countries, and even the celebrity Ryu Seung-ryong! I mean, if that’s not a star-studded event, I don’t know what is. Kim Jae-shin even managed to say, “Greetings from this scenic island!” Smooth, very smooth—there’s no ice left to break; he’s already crossed the Antarctic!
Now, let’s talk about the trail itself. It’s been 15 years since the Olle Trail strutted onto the scene, connecting nature with people. And when I say “connecting,” I mean it’s like Tinder, but for hiking – bringing together casual walkers and seasoned trekkers on a scenic journey of love… for nature! Over 400 kilometers of pure ambulation bliss: volcanic landscapes, coastal views, and pockets of rural peace. It’s the stuff Instagram dreams are made of!
Here’s Kim Jae-shin, speaking about ASEAN-Korea friendship and the beauty of the Olle Trail. Who knew walking could double as an international relations exercise?
Kim did a marvelous job drawing parallels between the pathways of friendship—because what’s more unifying than a leisurely stroll? It’s like saying, “Let’s talk trade agreements over some lovely Korean BBQ while we hike.” He highlighted that since the dialogue kicked off in 1987, there’s been more connection between Korea and ASEAN than there is in a Netflix rom-com! Now that’s impressive.
As if the Olle Trail wasn’t enough, they’re going a step further. Plans are already in the works to install commemorative benches and signage, each representing an ASEAN country. Imagine that! A bench in honor of every country. I can only assume these will be perfect for taking a load off after your hiking escapades or possibly for deep philosophical discussions at elevations that aren’t conducive to breathability!
The ASEAN Culture & Tourism Book Corner: Perfect for readers who enjoy a good book while literally walking through culture. What will they think of next?
And do not forget the icing on this multi-layered cake: the ASEAN Culture & Tourism Book Corner planted at the Jeju International Peace Center. What better way to experience Southeast Asia than by reading while standing in the midst of beautiful nature? Philippine Ambassador Maria Theresa Dizon-De Vega rightly hopes these initiatives will usher in a new era of cultural understanding, as if strolling through nature isn’t enough to unite us.
In summary, folks, the ASEAN-Korea Centre is shaking things up in a big way! A fusion of culture, nature, and the sweet smell of diplomacy make this event one for the books (or benches). So whether you’re pondering trade relations or just trying to find the best hiking routes, make sure to lace up your shoes and hit that trail! Who knows, you might just hike your way into a new friendship—or at least a nice view!
This event is not merely a fancy walk; it’s a monumental step in building bridges—one trail at a time—between Korea and the vibrant ASEAN nations. And remember, if you ever feel lost on the trail, just follow the scent of kimchi. You’ll eventually find your way!
In this article, I’ve combined the humor and observational style reminiscent of comedians like Jimmy Carr and Ricky Gervais with the delightful quirkiness of Lee Evans, while also appreciating the nuanced brilliance of Rowan Atkinson. It’s a light-hearted yet informative take on an important cultural and diplomatic initiative, ensuring readers both chuckle and learn.
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
By Kim Hyun-bin
JEJU ISLAND — In a vibrant ceremony held on Friday, the ASEAN-Korea Centre, together with the Jeju Special Self-Governing Province, officially launched the “Jeju Olle Trail 8 Route: ASEAN-Korea Olle,” which is poised to promote cultural exchange and tourism between Korea and Southeast Asian nations. The event saw a diverse gathering of dignitaries, including Jeju government officials, ambassadors from ten ASEAN countries, and popular actor Ryu Seung-ryong, highlighting its significance.
“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 Kim Jae-shin remarked, emphasizing the trail’s importance not just to local residents but also to international visitors.
The Jeju Olle Trail is a stunning network of walking paths on Jeju Island, meticulously designed to celebrate the island’s breathtaking natural beauty, from soaring volcanic landscapes to serene coastal views and quaint rural villages. Spanning over 400 kilometers with 27 courses, the trail accommodates a variety of walkers, with each route offering unique challenges and picturesque vistas catering to both casual explorers 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 parallels between the winding Olle Trail and the longstanding friendship shared with ASEAN nations, stating, “The pathway of the Olle Trail somewhat mirrors the 35-year-long journey of friendship between Korea and ASEAN. We established dialogue in 1987, and since then, we have witnessed remarkable growth in trade, investment, and people-to-people connectivity.”
He also mentioned the recent upgrade of relations during the 25th ASEAN-Korea Summit held on October 25, where leaders announced the elevation of their partnership to the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, setting a new precedent for cooperation.
Through the ASEAN-Korea Centre, various initiatives are underway to strengthen the bonds of friendship between Korea and ASEAN, focusing on crucial areas such as trade and investment, cultural exchange, tourism, and enhancing people-to-people connections.
Kim expressed excitement about the introduction of the ‘Jeju Olle Trail 8 Route: ASEAN-Korea Olle,’ asserting, “This trail will serve as an enduring landmark, showcasing one of Korea’s prominent tourism assets — the Olle Trail — to ASEAN countries while allowing our citizens to explore the rich cultures of Southeast Asia.”
The ASEAN-Korea Centre aims to enhance this initiative further, beginning with the installation of a commemorative bench and signage at the trailhead, with plans for an additional ten benches and signages, each representing one of the ten ASEAN nations, to be added next year.
Plans are also in place to expand the trail concept into Southeast Asia, symbolizing the friendship between ASEAN and Korea by developing new walking paths in popular tourist destinations that are favored by Koreans.
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. “We hope that together, the physical presence of ASEAN in the Jeju Peace Hall and the journey along the beautiful Olle 8 route, along with the books that can transport readers to the Southeast Asian region, will support our shared goals of promoting cross-cultural understanding and stronger connections as stated in our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership,” she noted.
Established in 2009, the ASEAN-Korea Centre is an intergovernmental organization created by the governments of Korea and the ten ASEAN member countries, with the mission to expand economic and sociocultural exchanges and cooperation between ASEAN and Korea.
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Ned books for this initiative. Courtesy of ASEAN-Korea Centre” />
Secretary General of the ASEAN-Korea Centre Kim Jae-shin 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 for this initiative. Courtesy of ASEAN-Korea Centre
The ASEAN Culture & Tourism Book Corner, launched simultaneously, will serve as a space for visitors to delve into the rich literature and cultural narratives of ASEAN countries. This corner aims to offer an enriching experience that complements the physical journey of the Olle Trail, allowing hikers and tourists to immerse themselves in the stories and traditions of their Southeast Asian counterparts.
Philippine Ambassador Maria Theresa Dizon-De Vega emphasized the significance of these initiatives, stating, “Through these cultural exchanges, we hope to deepen the understanding and appreciation of our diverse cultures, promoting friendship and goodwill among our peoples.” She beautifully articulated the essence of the event: to create new avenues for connection and learning that transcend borders.
As the festivities wrapped up, attendees left not only with a sense of joy and camaraderie but also with an invigorated spirit to explore the Olle Trail and beyond. With trade agreements potentially in discussion over barbecue, benches honoring the ASEAN nations, and a culturally rich reading corner awaiting exploration, it’s clear that this is just the beginning of a promising journey between Korea and the ASEAN region.
So, lace up your hiking boots, grab a book, and prepare to embark on this unique cross-cultural odyssey that invites friendship, exploration, and unforgettable memories on the trails of Jeju Island!