97 out of 100 People Completing Jeju Olle Trail Say "Health Improved"
Improvements in Lung Capacity, Sleep Disorders, and Other Physical Conditions
A survey found that 97 out of 100 people who completed the Jeju Olle Trail perceived improvements in their mental, physical, and social health.
On the 14th, the Jeju Olle Foundation, in collaboration with the Korea Health Association and the Korea Environment Institute, conducted a survey from January 25 to 31 targeting 2,000 individuals who completed the Olle Trail. Based on 572 valid responses, they released the "Health Effects of Completing the Jeju Olle Trail Report." The most significant finding was that 97.2% of respondents reported improved mental health after completing the Olle Trail.
Among the valid respondents, 71.7% felt their overall health had improved compared to before completing the trail. In particular, many reported enhanced physical strength (endurance and muscle strength), and 44.7% said they had lost weight. Additionally, the majority noted improvements in physical discomforts experienced in daily life, such as increased lung capacity, better sleep disorders, reduced back and joint pain, decreased constipation, and improved gut health.
By age group, those in their 70s were more than twice as likely as other groups to say they had gained motivation for life. Three out of four total finishers perceived walking the Jeju Olle Trail as having greater health benefits than regular walking. Respondents aged 30 and under reported relatively higher rates of reduced depression and stress compared to other age groups.
Ahn Eun-joo, CEO of Jeju Olle, stated, "The survey reaffirmed the power of walking," adding, "We will plan various Jeju Olle programs to ensure that the positive mental, physical, and social changes experienced by finishers continue in their daily lives, making the Jeju Olle Trail more accessible to citizens."
Meanwhile, the Jeju Olle Trail consists of 23 courses within Jeju Island, and including the Udo, Gapado, and Chujado courses, there are a total of 27 courses. Completing all 27 courses earns a finisher medal and certificate. Since tracking finishers began in November 2012, as of the 4th of this month, a total of 22,737 people have completed the entire 437 km of the 27 Jeju Olle courses, with 400 to 500 finishers emerging each month.
■ Easy and Healthy Walking Exercise in Winter!
- It is especially used as a rehabilitation exercise program for overweight individuals, the elderly, and heart disease patients.
- For modern people who spend much time sitting, walking is effective in preventing and treating cardiopulmonary function decline and obesity.
- Before walking, simple warm-up exercises such as calisthenics should be done to appropriately raise body temperature, prevent injuries, and prepare psychologically.
- A warm-up time of about 5 to 10 minutes is appropriate. Static stretching while stationary, holding each movement for about 15 to 30 seconds in the order of neck, shoulders, arms, hands, waist, knees, legs, and ankles, yields excellent effects.
- Dynamic stretching using body momentum is not recommended.
- When walking, keep the back straight and maintain proper posture.
- Arms should move naturally without excessive force.
- The foot placement technique involves landing on the heel first, then shifting the weight to the front of the foot.
- Initially, walk for about 30 to 50 minutes, covering 2 to 3 km, 3 to 5 times a week.
- As proficiency improves, vary the walking speed to walk faster gradually, and then increase the frequency of sessions per week to boost exercise volume.
- Choosing the right shoes is important to enhance proper walking and exercise effects. Shoes should be light and cushioned, with soft soles, good waterproofing, and good sweat absorption.
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