[Harumanbo Harucheonja] Not Only the Body but Also the Mind Became Clear... The Effect of Walking 437km

Among those who completed the 'Jeju Olle Trail,' which stretches a total length of 437 km, 97% perceived an improvement in their mental health. This demonstrates the benefits of walking in strengthening both the body and mind.

The Jeju Olle Foundation, which operates the Jeju Olle Trail?a walking travel route on Jeju Island?recently announced these results based on a survey conducted among those who completed the trail. The survey was conducted by the Jeju Olle Foundation, the Korea Health Association, and the Korea Environmental Health Institute through Open Survey, targeting 572 trail finishers.

According to the report titled 'Health Effects Report on Completing the Jeju Olle Trail,' most finishers responded that their mental, social, and physical health improved. An overwhelming 97.2% of finishers answered that their mental health had improved, indicating that nearly all participants experienced mental health benefits. Notably, respondents aged 30 and under reported greater reductions in feelings of depression and stress compared to other age groups. Regarding 'social health,' which refers to performing well in one’s role and maintaining good interpersonal relationships, 88.1% of respondents said it had improved.

Physical health also showed significant improvement. Among respondents, 71.7% felt their health condition improved after completing the trail and experienced enhancements in endurance and muscle strength. Additionally, 44.7% reported weight loss effects. Some respondents also noted improvements in physical discomforts such as increased lung capacity, better sleep disorders, reduced back and joint pain, and relief from constipation.

Ahn Eun-joo, CEO of Jeju Olle, said, "We have 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 and closer to everyone."

Composed of 27 courses, the Jeju Olle Trail is a walking route totaling 437 km in length. Every month, 400 to 500 people complete the courses. As of the 4th of this month, a cumulative total of 22,737 people have completed the trail.