The country’s southern resort island of Jeju has long been a popular vacation spot for Koreans. In the past, the island used to be the most common honeymoon destination for newly-weds here before they started going abroad.
Jeju Island, with its subtropical climate and warm seawater, along with its flora, marine fauna and living culture, makes itself an exotic holiday spot for mainlanders. Many of the island’s natural assets have also been designated as a World Natural Heritage site over the past few years, helping to draw many Chinese and other foreign tourists.
Besides its pristine nature, unique cuisine based on a variety of sea foods and exotic culture, now there is one more reason for both Koreans and non-Koreans to visit Jeju Island, that is, to walk on the ``Olle’’ trails built along its coasts.
Under the theme of ``Discover Love on the Trail,’’ the island will hold the 2011 Jeju Olle Walking Festival on trail route No. 6 to 9 from Nov. 9 to 12.
Olle trails first opened in September 2007 and there are now a total of 23 trekking courses spanning 376 kilometers. Olle comes from the old Jeju dialect, which implies a narrow alley or path from a main street to a gate of a house.
This year’s festival will cover four trail routes built along the island’ southern coast. While walking on the trails extending 50 kilometers for four days, festival participants can view more than 40 musical and other cultural performances. A range of programs organized by villages will take place along the trails.
``The festival has and will be organized for people from across the globe who would like to walk on the most beautiful and peaceful hiking trails in the world. Since our first route opened in 2007, nearly 1 million Korean and foreign tourists have taken advantage of this unique and healthy way of leisure,’’ said Suh Myung-sook, CEO of the Jeju Olle Foundation.
Suh expects more foreign travelers will take part in this year’s event, stressing olle trails will become Jeju’s main tourist attraction for non-Koreans.
``During the four-day festivity, various events will be staged at different sites along the trails. From simple events prepared by the village residents along the trekking courses to the delicious local dishes and performances of participating artists will all promote an enjoyable mood,’’ the CEO said.
Participants are required to bring their own utensils and cups to buy food and beverages on the trails as part of organizers’ efforts to help protect the environment. Otherwise, they will have to spend extra money for disposal utensils. Olle trekkers will also have to take shuttle buses to the trails from the major hotels and other main destinations throughout the island.
By Lee Hyo-sik
Source: Korea Times - 3rd November 2011
Official Website: http://www.ollewalking.co.kr/english/
See More: http://walkingfestivals.blogspot.com/2011/01/jeju-olle-walking-festival.html
See More: http://walkingfestivals.blogspot.com/2011/01/jeju-olle-walking-festival.html
All 24 Jeju Olle walking trails have been rated:
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