Jeju Island’s Route 8 of the Olle Trail has been renamed the Asean-Korea Olle Trail, a cultural initiative that links southern Jeju’s coastline with the shared heritage of Asean countries and South Korea. The 19.6km route forms part of the wider Jeju Olle network of 27 coastal and inland paths covering 437km, and aims to boost people-to-people ties through accessible outdoor tourism and cultural displays.
Explore the Asean-Korea Olle Trail
Led by the Asean-Korea Centre, the trail marks 35 years of dialogue relations between Asean and South Korea. Along Route 8, commemorative benches representing the 10 Asean member states are placed at culturally or historically significant viewpoints. A bench for Timor-Leste is expected once the country completes accession to the Asean-Korea Centre.
Malaysia’s bench, set against the sweeping panorama of Jungmun Saekdal Beach, offers one of the route’s most striking viewpoints. Other installations link national stories to local sites, such as the Myanmar bench placed beside the ancient Hwanhae Jangseong coastal fortress wall where Jeju’s volcanic stones once guarded against seaborne threats.
The benches are arranged alphabetically and built from super concrete to withstand Jeju’s coastal conditions. Each stop is accompanied by a Ganse, the Olle Trail’s slow-walking mascot, which provides visitors with information on the corresponding Asean country. QR codes at each feature link to further details, while a stamp-collecting activity at the beginning, middle and end of the route encourages engagement. The stamps depict recognisable landmarks, from Malaysia’s Petronas Twin Towers to Singapore’s Merlion, creating tangible cultural touchpoints for walkers.
Near the trail, the Jeju Asean Hall extends the visitor experience. The hall’s Asean Culture and Book Corner houses contributions from member countries, including books and display items donated by Malaysia. Exhibitions rotate to show handicrafts and traditional clothing from participating nations, offering a deeper context to the outdoor displays along the Olle Trail.
Malaysian ambassador to South Korea Zamruni Khalid said the Olle Trail reflects the deepening partnership between Asean and South Korea and invited travellers to explore Southeast Asia’s rich cultures through the route. The project is intended to attract tourists and local residents alike, supporting sustainable cultural tourism and reinforcing soft-power ties through everyday interactions.
Practical features aim to make the route accessible and informative. Signage and Ganse figures guide walkers, while QR-linked content and the stamp activity provide layered learning opportunities. The initiative also underlines cooperation between public and cultural institutions, with the Asean-Korea Centre co-ordinating installations and partner contributions.
By integrating outdoor recreation with curated cultural elements, the Asean-Korea Olle Trail offers visitors on Jeju Island a way to experience both the island’s natural beauty and the growing web of Asean–South Korea cultural relations. The project demonstrates how modest infrastructure and interpretive features can foster stronger regional connections through tourism and shared heritage.
Key Takeaways:
- The Asean-Korea Olle Trail on Jeju links culture and coastlines, with a 19.6km Route 8 showcasing 10 Asean member benches.
- Malaysia’s bench overlooks Jungmun Saekdal Beach and signals deeper Asean–South Korea cultural cooperation.
- Trail features include Ganse markers, QR codes, stamp-collecting and the nearby Jeju Asean Hall.
- Initiative by the Asean-Korea Centre promotes tourism and people-to-people exchange along the Asean-Korea Olle Trail.
