Jeju Olle Trail

The term "Olle" comes from an old Jeju Island dialect that implies a narrow alley or path from the gate of a house. The word later came to mean a series of coastal walking paths in Jeju called Jeju Olle Trail. Inspired by the famous Pilgrim’s Trail of Spain, Jeju Olle Trail is made from the hidden and forgotten routes of the island, which cars cannot access. Offering a 25-route trail, each Jeju Olle Trail takes people to forests, mountains and beaches and offers unparalleled views of Jeju’s unique, dramatic landscape. Olle also holds another deeper meaning. As it sounds similar to "Would you come?" in the Korean language, Jeju Olle also signifies "Would you come to Jeju?" Attracting more than a million people a year, the Jeju Olle Trail gives peace, happiness and healing to those walking on the trail.

Jeju Olle Trail has aided the recent walking boom in Korea, resulting in the creation of Dulle Trail on Mount Jiri, Dulle Trail in Ganghwa Island, Seonggwak Trail in Seoul, Eoul Trail in Ulsan, and Yet Trail on Mount Mudeung. Certain people are against these walkways, citing environmental damage brought on by manmade paths from hidden and forgotten routes. Books hailing the virtue of walking are pouring out. Type the word "walking" in an online bookstore and 131 books appear. Among them, 100 were published after September 2007, when the first Olle Trail route opened. Leisure and sports gear makers are rushing to sell clothes and shoes suitable for walking and trekking instead of heavy hiking clothes.

Renowned French writer and environmentalist Yves Paccalet said intellectualism has its birth in walking. Jesus Christ and the Buddha found enlighten by walking. The Greek philosopher Aristotle taught philosophy while walking, which led to the rise of Peripatetism. Before making important decisions, Apple founder Steve Jobs regrouped his forces by walking. David Le Breton who wrote "In Praise of Walking," said walking is the distinguishing gait of the times.

A woman walking along Olle Trail was recently murdered, and the site was temporarily closed. The number of travelers to the trail has plunged. In response, Jeju Olle Corp. presented several safety guidelines. A solo traveler must join others and start at 9 a.m. After 6 p.m. in summer and 5 p.m. in winter, people are urged not to walk on the trail. When walking alone, travelers should constantly inform of their situation to family or friends. There is a saying that goes, "Where three travel together, one will be my teacher." Walking along with many people will offer the wisdom of life thanks to beautiful scenery.

Editorial Writer Lee Hyeong-sam (hans@donga.com)